Related
I have read for hours on this site trying to find out how to root my phone. So, I come across the JH2 ROM, the Unleash the Beast v.02 root, the
ODIN3 One-Click (still not sure what that does), And then I start reading about Titanium Backup, ADB (or P, whatever), no idea what that does either, although I believe you have to have a rooted phone to use it) and then I see that you need some things for root, (make sure you have the correct drivers), etc., etc., etc. How about something that explains what some of the major things do and the sequence in which they should be applied, and how to apply them?
- Busybox
- Clockworkmod recovery
- ADB
- Nandroid backup
- Titanium Backup
- Unleash the Beast v.02
- JH2/JH3 ROM flash
What do the above have to do with the phone and with each other?
Don't forget, all of you were new at one point in time and didn't know how to do this stuff either, so a little patience on your part would be welcome.
I think that some of you are so familiar with this stuff that it doesn't even occur to you that there may be people that don't know how to do what you've been doing consistently for months.
My biggest question is this: What do I use to back up my (currently unrooted) phone, so if I need to restore it to factory, I can do that?
follow the steps here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=735482
and when it comes to rooting it, dont.
just go flash the unleash the beast rom and it also tells you how to enable sideloading which will let you download applications from outside the market
Jim_C said:
I have read for hours on this site trying to find out how to root my phone. So, I come across the JH2 ROM, the Unleash the Beast v.02 root, the
ODIN3 One-Click (still not sure what that does), And then I start reading about Titanium Backup, ADB (or P, whatever), no idea what that does either, although I believe you have to have a rooted phone to use it) and then I see that you need some things for root, (make sure you have the correct drivers), etc., etc., etc. How about something that explains what some of the major things do and the sequence in which they should be applied, and how to apply them?
- Busybox
- Clockworkmod recovery
- ADB
- Nandroid backup
- Titanium Backup
- Unleash the Beast v.02
- JH2/JH3 ROM flash
What do the above have to do with the phone and with each other?
Don't forget, all of you were new at one point in time and didn't know how to do this stuff either, so a little patience on your part would be welcome.
I think that some of you are so familiar with this stuff that it doesn't even occur to you that there may be people that don't know how to do what you've been doing consistently for months.
My biggest question is this: What do I use to back up my (currently unrooted) phone, so if I need to restore it to factory, I can do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go here and read up on this...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=751934
Okay, one of the first instructions on the above thread says, 'Do a Nandroid Backup first. So, I looked up a Nandroid Backup, and the first thing it says is, 'Nandroid is a set of tools that will enable anyone who has root on their Android device to make FULL system backups, in case something goes wrong or you want to try out that new experimental ROM/theme.' So, I already have to be rooted to make a back-up? What if I want to restore my original ROM? Not saying I will, but what if
I need to, for whatever reason? This is the kind of thing that I find confusing. I have to be rooted BEFORE I can backup my phone? That makes absolutely no sense to me.
Jim_C said:
Okay, one of the first instructions on the above thread says, 'Do a Nandroid Backup first. So, I looked up a Nandroid Backup, and the first thing it says is, 'Nandroid is a set of tools that will enable anyone who has root on their Android device to make FULL system backups, in case something goes wrong or you want to try out that new experimental ROM/theme.' So, I already have to be rooted to make a back-up? What if I want to restore my original ROM? Not saying I will, but what if
I need to, for whatever reason? This is the kind of thing that I find confusing. I have to be rooted BEFORE I can backup my phone? That makes absolutely no sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first link that was provided will get you started and answer all your questions. The jist of it is that you need to root first if you want to perform backups to restore the phone to any given point. You can do a nandroid backup from within rom manager, which was the first app I installed after rooting. It may be a bit overwhelming at first but once you get going, you realize how easy it is with the tools provided in this forum.
So I rooted my droid 2 using the guide on this website. I then (Being an idiot) didnt read to not uninstall the Backup Assistant and did infact uninstall it. Then my phone started overheating, I panicked, threw it back to factory settings and kinda bricked it. Called verizon and got a replacement but would like to get it back to basics before sending it back. I read some of the tutorials to getting it back to stock but couldnt really get any to work. When doing the bootloader, sbf method, my computer doesnt detect the phone in bootloader mode. I am going to send the phone in either way (If they charge me it was my own fault nothing I can do about that) but would rather not pay.
So 1. Is there any stock 2.2 Droid 2 sbf available
2. Anyway I can get my phone connected, what am I missing, is it possible to connect to pc with Droid 2 in bootloader.
3. Can I just use the 2.0.1.sbf and then update to 2.2?
I am sure I have more questions but I will let you guys answer these first.
Also, is there anyway I can get BackupAssistant back in my system folder so that I can do a factory restore without bricking it?
Thanks in advance guys!
Also is there anywhere on the web that I can download the Backup Assistant to reinstall it on my phone?
Ask your question here
Hi guys,
I've been playing around with my Nexus S for about 3 weeks and I've decided to root it, but I have some question, I've been searching the answers in older posts but it's not quite clear yet, hope you can help me.
When I unlocked the bootloader, what kind of data will be wiped? It's just the SD card or also all the apps I've already downloaded? what about SMS, pictures and videos?
Is there anyway I can backup that data considering I haven't root it yet???
Thanks in advance.
dont do it man. i just got my phone yesterday at 1 pm and its now 12am and its bricked by lack of support from the cummunity. i studyied and studied 4 around 10 hours. then bricked my device. and i have a good idea i wont be getting a replacement this time
LINKSLOVESANDROID said:
dont do it man. i just got my phone yesterday at 1 pm and its now 12am and its bricked by lack of support from the cummunity. i studyied and studied 4 around 10 hours. then bricked my device. and i have a good idea i wont be getting a replacement this time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol what? its nobodys fault but your own. all the resources are available, just because somebody isnt responding to your threads and holding your hand to restore a nandriod backup doesnt make it a "lack of a community".. and your phone isn't bricked, it can be recovered but you are too close-minded and cant install Clockwork Recovery / get drivers working
The data that will be wiped are most likely your SMS/settings/etc. This is standard procedure. And its something you'll go through a lot when you are using custom ROMs.
There are complete instructions for rooting, unrooting and unbricking your phone. It's all here in the forums, and many other places, you just have to look and learn. I read for two weeks before I unlocked and loaded a ROM into my NS.
If you don't have a need to root your phone I wouldn't do it just because you can. I wanted to run the Voodoo app so I had to root and load a ROM. It took a little while but it was painless and I liked learning about the Android system.
You do have to backup your app and your SD, but that was the easy part.
It's close to impossible to brick a nexus device. They purposely come with totally open boot loaders specifically for that purpose!
RogerPodacter said:
It's close to impossible to brick a nexus device. They purposely come with totally open boot loaders specifically for that purpose!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not only Nexus devices but like I said people are using the term brick wrong. with these new phones coming out, a lot of them are hard to brick.
if you're phone is able to get into recovery/start/download mode (odin not popular but still an option)/bootloader then its not bricked.
if its unable to start in any form or way.. its considered a brick. please stop using the term in its wrong definition.
"brick" describes a device that cannot function in any capacity (such as a device with damaged firmware)
In the strictest sense of the term, bricking must imply that software error has rendered the device completely unrecoverable without some hardware replacement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brick_(electronics)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think guys you have lost focus about my question, it's not about how to root (there is a lot of info about), it's about what kind of data will be wiped and how to back it up
Netconn said:
You do have to backup your app and your SD, but that was the easy part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the best way to do it? It's there an app or I have to day it by myself?
Make a nandroid backup first and foremost! Use Titanium Backup to make a backup of all your apps. If you want a backup of your sms, go sms pro really does a great job of that. Dont forget your contacts as well! Then copy your sd card and place it on the hard drive of your computer. When you unlock the bootloader, it does wipe your sd card. Once your unlocked and rooted, you should be able to restore everything once you replace the copy of your sd card back on the phone. Coming over from a Vibrant, I was nervous about rooting the phone but its an easy process. Just take your time and do lots of reading! Hope this helps!
Thenx, but I still have one doubt, if I haven't root my phone yet, will nandroid or titanium work?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Woops..yeah, your right there. Too quick to reply. I followed this method here..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545
and had no problems. Once you get unlocked/rooted and clockwork recovery, then you can make the fore mentioned backups. Export your contacts to the sd card then copy the sd card to the hard drive of your computer before unlocking the boot loader. I do not think apps get affected during the sd wipe unless you have them stored there.
zephiK said:
its not only Nexus devices but like I said people are using the term brick wrong. with these new phones coming out, a lot of them are hard to brick.
if you're phone is able to get into recovery/start/download mode (odin not popular but still an option)/bootloader then its not bricked.
if its unable to start in any form or way.. its considered a brick. please stop using the term in its wrong definition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i followed the instructions to flash gri74 back to stock and my phone wont turn on, wont goto any mode, wont read that its hookedup to my pc
isnt that what we call a brick? ive had issues on a galaxy s with this game issue. htc devices i can fly through the root procedure but i got this 1 rooted, tried reflashing to stock and the phone wont turn on at all.
may i suggest a noob proof guide|? i postted 1 in the htc desire forum and people love it. yesterday i returned a moto xoom because ti was overheating , got a nexus s and 2day il b returning that because it wont turn on. can any1 help me think of a good idea i can tell the future shop return people?
kmhil said:
I think guys you have lost focus about my question, it's not about how to root (there is a lot of info about), it's about what kind of data will be wiped and how to back it up
What's the best way to do it? It's there an app or I have to day it by myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are forced to lose your data to initially root your device. then after that point, you can always create backups and never lose data again while you switch between ROMs and flashing etc. but i think to initially root, you have to lose everything. not the sd card though.
LINKSLOVESANDROID said:
i followed the instructions to flash gri74 back to stock and my phone wont turn on, wont goto any mode, wont read that its hookedup to my pc
isnt that what we call a brick? ive had issues on a galaxy s with this game issue. htc devices i can fly through the root procedure but i got this 1 rooted, tried reflashing to stock and the phone wont turn on at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do keep in mind, we don't have an i9020 or an i9023, we have an i9020A So the instruction out there all need to take that into considerations. I rooted mine fine with no "Bricking" I had to follow the instruction for the i9023, but it worked. I figure it took me all of 1 minute to root my phone. Admitedly, the "One click root" for the Galaxy series was easier.
I try to make it a point to never be the "First" person to do something on their phone. Much safer that way.
I also find it very unusual that you've managed to brick two phones, I've also had the pleasure of owning the telus fascinate, and not once did i get it bricked, I tried Bionics, CM7, Darky's and a bunch of other ones. Just never mess with the boot loader. When you went back to stock, did you make sure it was a stock ROM for the I9020A?
Have you tried connecting the USB to a computer, holding the volume up (or in the case of the galaxy, both up and down) While powering on the device? I've had to use that a few times to recover my galaxy (Thank you odin!!).
Now in regards to the OP, I would recommend using a program like Ti to back everything up, unlock the bootloader then restore from Ti, it's a little more hassel, but you can pretty much keep your settings and data. Personally, i rooted my phone before configuring a single thing on it.
kmhil said:
Thenx, but I still have one doubt, if I haven't root my phone yet, will nandroid or titanium work?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is no way to make a good backup without rooting.
basically yes, you will lose all your settings
there are a few apps you can use to backup your apk before unlocing/rooting the phone.
look for App admin on market https://market.android.com/details?id=az.mecid.appadmin&feature=search_result
the stuff backed to SD does not get wiped
only the internal storage stuff
LINKSLOVESANDROID said:
dont do it man. i just got my phone yesterday at 1 pm and its now 12am and its bricked by lack of support from the cummunity. i studyied and studied 4 around 10 hours. then bricked my device. and i have a good idea i wont be getting a replacement this time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i took about 12 minutes total to unlock my bootloader, flash clockwork, and flash a custom rom. its not difficult if you pay attention to what you read. youre phone is not bricked. btw, i read your threads. if you werent so demanding, i would have helped. use the pdanet website the next time you need to install the proper driver, and follow the directions that they give you.
When I unlocked I used Astro to back up my apps, I turned on the Google data sync to back up my contacts and I did a back up of my SD on my computer.
When the unlock and recovery was done NS asked for my Google account then it restored all my contacts, Astro restored all my apps and I restored my files from my computer. A few steps but not difficult at all.
You will have to redo your accounts and data, and maybe an app or two won't load but the market will show them installed, just reinstall any that didn't.
Make sure you follow the directions properly in the forum. I had to use two computers to get it to work, but it did work and nothing was damaged.
With all that said.... This was the first time I have ever owned or altered an Android phone. Sure I was nervous... Now I'm hooked.. haha
I wound up using NSCollab .17 so far so good..
First thing I did when I got my phone was fastboot oem unlock.
Even if you don't want to root, use another ROM. Fastboot unlock it so your data doesn't get wiped.
If your hardware and everything seems okay, then flash Clockwork Recovery and do a nandroid backup so you can restore to pre-flashing point if you need it for OEM purposes.
Afterwards, go crazy and flash like theres no tomorrow and find something that you'll like.
And agreed with simms. You've made so made so many threads about this. I would help you step by step but I've been busy so I can't do that anymore. But if you search, you'll find about two or three threads where I did help somebody get their phone to a working state.
The basic idea is... if your phone doesn't boot but you can get to recovery.
- Download a ROM or Nandroid backup
- Install USB drivers
- Fastboot oem unlock (if you haven't)
- fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (or whatever the recovery.img is named) should be in /sdk/tools
- reboot into recovery (adb reboot recovery)
- mount and storage: mount USB, put the nandroid backup or ROM onto phone
- nandroid restore or flash a ROM (wipe factory,dalvik,cache --> flash ROM (if its CM7.. flash gapps afterwards)
- reboot
your phone boots. alternatively, you can use Odin but thats not a popular method but the choice is available if you wish to go towards that approach
in the worse worse possible case scenario there is always ODIN to the rescue
Why did you guys wait at all?
Once i got the phone i immediately plugged it into my computer and rooted it.
My T-Mobile phone is this one:
model number: SGH-T959V
firmware: 2.2.1
kernel version 2.6.32.9
build number: FROYO.VUVKD1
My T959V is already unlocked but not rooted. Can I use superoneclick to root it? Everything I have read on this forum refers to FROYO.UVKJ6 - not my version. I want to start slowly with modding, and learn to walk before I run. Assumptions can prove dangerous when modding these Androids. Thanks in advance!
sveris
Yes, you can root with super one click.
Or, you could flash a new kernel that would root for you & give you cwm.
Don't use rom manager on this model.
There was a kernel named bali that gave you overclocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1080871
champ1919 said:
Yes, you can root with super one click.
Or, you could flash a new kernel that would root for you & give you cwm.
Don't use rom manager on this model.
There was a kernel named bali that gave you overclocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1080871
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for the prompt reply, and the suggestion, too. I'm surprised at how fast someone answered my question, considering the T959V is an older phone. I think I will hold off on the custom kernel with overclocking for right now.
My plan was to first root the phone, get rid of some of the applications that I never use, and proceed from there. I do want to retain a few applications which came with the phone, e.g., basic ones like the browser, news & weather, maps, voice dialer, etc. - just because I am familiar with them. I know I can always replace these with others from the Android Market, but don't want to cripple myself too much immediately.
Can you also recommend a bloatware removal tool that allows me to remove apps one at a time?
Now that I think about it a bit more, will I lose these apps anyway when upgrading to a newer/higher OS? Is there any advantage to trying an older/lower one like Gingerbread first before going to ICS, or should I simply jump over the middle ones and go right to KitKat?
I will search the forum for a thread or guide which compares the features of each OS.
I use titanium backup. The free version would work (pro version is worth it).
Here's an old thread about safe to remove.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044011
Have fun with trying all the different roms.
Definitely have fun with things. It's a great like phone and nearly impossible to brick permanently. The various "reviews" will always be in reference to what else was out there at the time. Titanium Backup and keeping backups current is a great idea as you get different ROMs.
A lot of the older ROMs were hosted on servers now shut down, but if there is something you're looking for, ask, as someone may have a backup floating around.
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
jeffsf said:
Definitely have fun with things. It's a great like phone and nearly impossible to brick permanently. The various "reviews" will always be in reference to what else was out there at the time. Titanium Backup and keeping backups current is a great idea as you get different ROMs.
A lot of the older ROMs were hosted on servers now shut down, but if there is something you're looking for, ask, as someone may have a backup floating around.
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input, Jeff. I did some limited modding with a Motorola phone years ago, but this stuff seems a bit more complex and perhaps more unforgiving re: mistakes.
I definitely see the wisdom to backing up one's phone before beginning, but that alone seems like a daunting task. At least as outlined in some of the guides on this forum. The other thing I've noticed is that while the instructions can be step-by-step and quite complete, the first few steps can create problems.
For example, having the correct Samsung USB drivers installed is emphasized. But, even though I've searched and searched the forums for instructions on how to verify that I have the correct drivers installed, I can't find a thing. My T959V has always worked flawlessly re: its USB connection to my Dell notebook, but I never gave much thought to whether or not the correct Samsung 32-bit drivers were installed. And, does that mean installed on my phone or my notebook - or both? Perhaps I' getting bogged down with the details, but I don't want to end up with a brick!
I'll keep reading all the great info on the forum pages and proceed from there. From my limited info gathering, it would seem that some of the Vibrant ROMs will also work on the T959V. Is that true? I know the two models are actually a bit different.
Backup, for me, means recovery backups and Titanium Backup backups, both copied to another device (in case I wipe my microSD). Not so bad.
USB drives are a PITA under Windows. There isn't a sure-fire way to get the right one installed for Odin / heimdall, which is different than the one for adb on this build, which is different than the one for that build,... I try them out until I get one that works when I have to, but do everything I can on Linux or Mac.
Vibrant ROMs are basically not compatible with the T959V. The hardware is different enough in key places.
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
champ1919 said:
I use titanium backup. The free version would work (pro version is worth it).
Here's an old thread about safe to remove.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044011
Have fun with trying all the different roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm almost ready to root and upgrade FROYO.VUVKD1 to stock GB 2.3.6, using Superoneclick, but I'm wondering about two things.
One guide method suggests using:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Another method begins by rooting the phone, then upgrading to stock GB 2.3.6 and offers more than one method to do the upgrade.
Seems I recall reading about disadvantages to using the Samsung Kies mini software, but I don't recall the specifics. So, should I avoid using Kies mini and should I upgrade first or root first? Thanks in advance for any input.
jeffsf said:
Backup, for me, means recovery backups and Titanium Backup backups, both copied to another device (in case I wipe my microSD). Not so bad.
USB drives are a PITA under Windows. There isn't a sure-fire way to get the right one installed for Odin / heimdall, which is different than the one for adb on this build, which is different than the one for that build,... I try them out until I get one that works when I have to, but do everything I can on Linux or Mac.
Vibrant ROMs are basically not compatible with the T959V. The hardware is different enough in key places.
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the caution re: using Vibrant ROMs. I was a bit surprised to see posts in the T959V specific forum about it sometimes being okay to use them. I guess it's like Caveat Emptor, eh? Sometimes they work, but not necessarily on every T959V - even when starting from scratch with a stock ROM backup.
sveris said:
I think I'm almost ready to root and upgrade FROYO.VUVKD1 to stock GB 2.3.6, using Superoneclick, but I'm wondering about two things.
One guide method suggests using:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Another method begins by rooting the phone, then upgrading to stock GB 2.3.6 and offers more than one method to do the upgrade.
Seems I recall reading about disadvantages to using the Samsung Kies mini software, but I don't recall the specifics. So, should I avoid using Kies mini and should I upgrade first or root first? Thanks in advance for any input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3.6, you should give lumin's guide a shot since that's the best method to use in case you soft-brick your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1470716
That will get you a completely stock 2.3.6 rom. I don't recall if you can successfully root 2.3.6 with superone click though, but there are a lot more rooted gingerbread kernels out there that will be useful to you.
I recommend the blastoff kernel by @bhundven since he knows his stuff. I'm not biased 'cause we were both in Team Acid
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828171
FBis251 said:
If you're going to upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3.6, you should give lumin's guide a shot since that's the best method to use in case you soft-brick your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1470716
That will get you a completely stock 2.3.6 rom. I don't recall if you can successfully root 2.3.6 with superone click though, but there are a lot more rooted gingerbread kernels out there that will be useful to you.
I recommend the blastoff kernel by @bhundven since he knows his stuff. I'm not biased 'cause we were both in Team Acid
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828171
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, lumin's guide is the one I was referencing when I posted those instructions. But, he didn't mention any issue about using Kies mini or that its use might limit future modding. I guess I'll keep searching the forums for more advice or a definitive answer. And I'll take a look at the description of the blastoff kernel you recommended.
Thanks again for taking the time.
Heimdall (the one clicks) and odin (kies) drivers will clash. You'll need to decide which method you will want to use (or use different usb ports for each method). Being new, I would suggest the one clicks for you.
Unless you wish to have the official, official release, there isn't really a need to go kies route imo. The one clicks are the same.
champ1919 said:
Heimdall (the one clicks) and odin (kies) drivers will clash. You'll need to decide which method you will want to use (or use different usb ports for each method). Being new, I would suggest the one clicks for you.
Unless you wish to have the official, official release, there isn't really a need to go kies route imo. The one clicks are the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reminding me about the clash potential. But now I'm getting confused again. Lumin's guide suggested the following:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Would this be mixing and matching like you said, or am I missing something?
sveris said:
Thanks for reminding me about the clash potential. But now I'm getting confused again. Lumin's guide suggested the following:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Would this be mixing and matching like you said, or am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "problem" is that you want Froyo. You'll be stuck with basically three-year old tools. Froyo was incredibly painful to use, even compared with Gingerbread. There wasn't much of a demand to "go back to Froyo" once the stock Gingerbread upgrades hit people's phones. Edit -- Looks like there is a heimdall one-click for Froyo, thanks to @FBis251 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50931923&postcount=10
In my opinion, just go straight to stock Gingerbread. It shipped that way or OTA upgraded to it for most of the phone's life (until Apple sued Samsung and got it pulled from retail).
This is the thread you should be following for Gingerbread or later: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21953878&postcount=2
jeffsf said:
The "problem" is that you want Froyo. You'll be stuck with basically three-year old tools. Froyo was incredibly painful to use, even compared with Gingerbread. There wasn't much of a demand to "go back to Froyo" once the stock Gingerbread upgrades hit people's phones. Edit -- Looks like there is a heimdall one-click for Froyo, thanks to @FBis251 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50931923&postcount=10
In my opinion, just go straight to stock Gingerbread. It shipped that way or OTA upgraded to it for most of the phone's life (until Apple sued Samsung and got it pulled from retail).
This is the thread you should be following for Gingerbread or later: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21953878&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you may have convinced me to upgrade directly to GB 2.6.3. Just a couple more questions and I'll be ready to take the plunge.
Will the upgrade lock my unlocked phone - back to T-Mobile? I'm on another carrier now. Other than that, I think I'm prepared.
I installed Supermanager and made a backup copy of the efs folder on my T959V, then copied it to the SD card and also to my PC. But, just when I decided to upgrade using Kies mini, I believe I found another contradiction.
In lumin’s guide, he says to do the following:
• - Download Kies mini if you do not already have it. When you follow this link you will see two tabs - 'Manuals' and 'Software ' - click [Software] and download.
• - Make sure your phone is charged.
• - Double check that USB Debugging is not enabled. Go to [Settings] > [Applications] > [Development] and UN-Check [USB debugging].
• - Start Kies mini on the computer.
• - Make sure phone is not connected to computer yet.
• - In USB Settings on my phone I select [Kies (Firmware update)] if it is not set to ask every time.
• - Plugged in phone, let device drivers install on computer. You will see a notification on your computer when complete.
• - Then Kies mini will recognize the phone.
• - Hit [upgrade] and wait.
• - Phone will eventually reboot. Check your IMEI.
I interpret that to mean – according to lumin’s guide - that USB debugging should NOT be enabled.
However, from the T-Mobile Support website, this link, http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1810 it says:
Prepare the Samsung Galaxy S 4G
1. From the Android home screen, press the Menu key and tap Settings.
2. Tap Applications.
3. Tap USB settings.
4. Tap Ask on connection.
5. Tap the Escape key once to go back to the Applications menu.
6. Tap Development.
7. Tap USB Debugging.
8. Tap the Home key to exit the settings menu.
9. Insert the USB data cable into the phone and then into an available port on the computer.
10. Select Samsung Kies at the phone prompt. The PC should recognize several devices and begin installation. This is normal and may take a few minutes. Unplug the data cable when completed.
I interpret that to mean – at least according to T-Mobile Support for the T959V - that USB debugging SHOULD be enabled.
So, which is correc: enable or disable USB debugging modet? Do I need a remedial reading course? Or, is lumin saying the same thing as T-Mobile, but in a different order? After reviewing both sets of instructions several times, this is what I think is the situation. Lumin first turns off USB debugging and instead of selecting Ask on connect for basic USB settings, he then selects the Kies firmware update option. However, T-Mobile Support instructs the user to select the Ask on connection option, first, followed by ENABLING the USB debugging function.
Does that mean either method works, just getting from point A to point B by taking different paths?
OK, heimdall will basically reset your phone to stock if you mess up.
Once a phone is carrier unlocked, it is carried unlocked (unless you restore a pre-unlock efs, which isn't something that is likely to happen inadvertently).
That said, you either should try something or decide that you are too risk-adverse for flashing and especially rooting a phone.
Again, heimdall one-click is probably the most robust way to get there
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
Decided to follow the instructions in lumin's guide to do the GB upgrade - rather than the ones from T-Mobile Support. It worked like a charm. All is well for now. Will check everything for a few days before rooting and removing bloatware. Thanks again to all for advice, recommendations, links, and guidance.
Glad you're able to enjoy an upgraded phone!
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
sveris said:
Decided to follow the instructions in lumin's guide to do the GB upgrade - rather than the ones from T-Mobile Support. It worked like a charm. All is well for now. Will check everything for a few days before rooting and removing bloatware. Thanks again to all for advice, recommendations, links, and guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you'd like to debloat your phone, I made a site that lets you download a zip file that will do the debloating for you. All you need to do is pick which apps you'd like removed, then flash the zip.
http://teamacid.sourceforge.net/debloater/
Enjoy!
PS: You'll need a custom kernel and recovery to flash the zip.
I'll keep that in mind. Still want to check out everything for a few days, since I've noticed a few minor differences after the upgrade.
I just made another backup copy of the efs folder, and noticed something I did not expect. The copy I made when the phone was on Froyo looks empty, while the one for GB 2.6.3 is definitely not empty.
Froyo efs - 0 files - folders
GB 2.6.3 efs - updated file system plus 3 folders - root, .android, and imei
Did I do something wrong the first time I backed up the efs folder while running Froyo? Does it matter, now that the phone is running GB 2.6.3?
I have a Samsung gs3 that bricked on me last week while trying to do some updates. It was rooted and running automated backups twice a week. I've now got a GS5 running 5.0, and I'm leery of rooting just yet. Is there any hope of recovering any portion of my missing app data without rooting?
Thanks!
Rooting on gs5 is safe. I rooted the day after I bought it.
Rooting is the best way to get app data and honestly it's safe.
Just follow instructions on the forum and you should be good to go.
Which procedure did you use? It sounds like there could be issued coming from 5.0, as opposed to starting at 4.4.4 and flashing forward...
gijoecam said:
Which procedure did you use? It sounds like there could be issued coming from 5.0, as opposed to starting at 4.4.4 and flashing forward...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look in the forums. I used CF Auto Root through ODIN.
I started with OA6 (full tar) and did it from there.
OA6 tar.
CF Auto Root
KTOONSEZ TWRP Recovery
and then MOAR 6.1 (with extra stuff)
then KTOONSEZ kernal (some folks stick with stock, FYI)
Ok, I feel like I should understand what you wrote, but I can't quite sort out how to get there... Given how I screwed up last week and bricked my s3, I'm a little gun shy.
I just want to get to rooted stock, but it appears I need to go back to 4.4.x/NE5 to root to start with, right? Then flash a custom recovery, (trip Knox, which is fine).
From there, how do I get back to 5.0/OA6 ?
I know enough to be dangerous (as evidenced by the brick on my desk)...
gijoecam said:
Ok, I feel like I should understand what you wrote, but I can't quite sort out how to get there... Given how I screwed up last week and bricked my s3, I'm a little gun shy.
I just want to get to rooted stock, but it appears I need to go back to 4.4.x/NE5 to root to start with, right? Then flash a custom recovery, (trip Knox, which is fine).
From there, how do I get back to 5.0/OA6 ?
I know enough to be dangerous (as evidenced by the brick on my desk)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me see if I can help
You can root the S5 from Android 5.0 (Lollipop), you don't have to downgrade.
Download this file to your PC: http://download.chainfire.eu/408/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-kltespr-kltespr-smg900p.zip
It's CF-Auto Root for the Sprint S5 on Lollipop. Unzip it on your PC using something like 7-Zip.
After you unzip it, use Odin to root your S5. Put your phone in download mode by shutting it down (pull the battery, don't use any kind of menu to boot into download mode. Put battery back in and go into download mode by holding Volume DOWN, Home button and Power button. You'll see a screen to press Volume UP to continue. Hook up your phone via USB.
Start Odin. You should see a blue COM setting in the upper left side of Odin. If you don't, then you need to install the USB drivers on your PC. (If that's the case, stop there as you'll need to find and install them.
If everything is ok, then click the PDA or AP button (depends on which version of Odin you have) and browse to the file you un-zipped and select the .tar.md5 file and click Start. When it finishes, it will reboot your phone. At this point I don't remember if CF-Autoroot includes SuperSU, but if not, download from the Playstore and you're rooted.
As far as your original issue of wanting to restore app data, it isn't advisable as your wanting to restore from the S3 on Kitkat to the S5 on Lollipop. You're just asking for headaches if you do it. But if you're going to try, install a custom recovery and do a nanoid backup first.
Hope this helps
Thanks for that! That does help.
I almost think I need to just buy a replacement s3, root it, pull all the backup data back down, transfer it to the new phone, then turn back around and sell it...? I thought I had most of the data I needed died on the SD card, but there were apparently a couple apps I never set up properly to do so, and those are the ones I'm trying to get back.