I don't want to run custom ROMs, I like the Gingerbread from Google and want to easily continue to receive updates.
That being said, I want to be able to run DroidWall and AdFree, and have to have root to do so.
Is there a way to get root, without installing a custom recovery or Clockwork or anything? And still easily receive updates to Gingerbread?
IDtheTarget said:
I don't want to run custom ROMs, I like the Gingerbread from Google and want to easily continue to receive updates.
That being said, I want to be able to run DroidWall and AdFree, and have to have root to do so.
Is there a way to get root, without installing a custom recovery or Clockwork or anything? And still easily receive updates to Gingerbread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you can apply the su zip file from the stock recovery, but you can try. If it were that easy, there'd be news of it all over the net!
I think you're going to have to unlock the bootloader and then do the fastboot install of CWM.
I'm on stock Gingerbread, but rooted. I prefer CWM to stock recovery...more options, and especially nandroid backup. I got my 2.3.2 update faster than most, because I was still able to push it manually rather than wait for OTA to someday show up, so no issue there, you just have to wait for someone to post its url.
The 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 updates have a script that rewrites stock recovery on top of CWM if you're on either of those, so you get back to stock with each reboot.
If you're running Android 2.3.1 then use http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=882333 to root.
Android 2.3.0 will be GRH55. Paul hasn't updated SuperBoot for Android 2.3.2.
This method definitely works. I performed it while I was testing the device for any hardware defects. I was able to be rooted without changing the recovery. Make sure you have ADB drivers and 2.3 SDK for the Nexus S installed.
IDtheTarget said:
I don't want to run custom ROMs, I like the Gingerbread from Google and want to easily continue to receive updates.
That being said, I want to be able to run DroidWall and AdFree, and have to have root to do so.
Is there a way to get root, without installing a custom recovery or Clockwork or anything? And still easily receive updates to Gingerbread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First and foremost, you should understand that installing a custom recovery will do nothing to block your ability to receive updates from Google nor will it affect your system in anyway. However, if you follow one of the root methods like this one you will install the custom recovery needed to fix permissions to gain root access but if you ignore the step that has you change the name of a file through root explorer, the next time you reboot your custom recovery will be overwritten by the stock one and you will retain root.
Again, its important to know that having a custom recovery allows you to do a lot more than just flash roms. You can do back ups of your NAND memory that allow you to save all of your data, files, settings, et cetera in the case of catastrophic failures or the need to get a replacement handset. If you do a backup maybe once a month and keep them on your computer, you will always be able to restore your phone exactly back to how it was before issues arose.
There is really no downside to having a custom recovery like Clockwork Recovery Mod, but if you are really against it for moral reasons (that is literally the only reason you would not want to install it) then use the method I described and you will be rooted without CWM.
Agreed with what Kenvan said, the Nexus S is a 'unlocked' bootloader phone and considered a "developer phone." The phone is meant to be altered with a bunch of modifications and hacks.
Not sure why you want to cripple your phone by not flashing custom ROMs. They're created to fascinate the Android experience with improvements made to it. But everybody has their reasons, and are entitled to them right?
Just pointing out my 2 cents. Especially when you're on a forum where a large % of the community are here to modify their phones to the highest extent.
zephiK said:
Not sure why you want to cripple your phone by not flashing custom ROMs. They're created to fascinate the Android experience with improvements made to it. But everybody has their reasons, and are entitled to them right?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Not flashing custom ROMs is hardly "crippling your phone".
That's like saying not installing a turbo-charger is crippling your porsche...
But I agree, once the custom stuff out there is into actual full public-release, I'll be testing it, but meanwhile a Nexus S on Gingerbread stock is a fine experience...BEST experience on any Android I've had, even supercharged Nexus One and Galaxy S i9000 ROMs.
distortedloop said:
LOL. Not flashing custom ROMs is hardly "crippling your phone".
That's like saying not installing a turbo-charger is crippling your porsche...
But I agree, once the custom stuff out there is into actual full public-release, I'll be testing it, but meanwhile a Nexus S on Gingerbread stock is a fine experience...BEST experience on any Android I've had, even supercharged Nexus One and Galaxy S i9000 ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you both make good points. My point was that there its no reason not install a custom recovery, even if one is staying stock
Sent from my Nexus S
I agree. No reason to not use CWM recovery. Google should buy rights to it from him.
IDtheTarget said:
I don't want to run custom ROMs, I like the Gingerbread from Google and want to easily continue to receive updates.
That being said, I want to be able to run DroidWall and AdFree, and have to have root to do so.
Is there a way to get root, without installing a custom recovery or Clockwork or anything? And still easily receive updates to Gingerbread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering the same thing myself.
I just found out that it's possible to boot into the Clockwork recovery without flashing it first. I managed to do this by booting into fastboot mode (power + volume up) and then do
Code:
fastboot boot recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img
This was on a stock but rooted 2.3.2, and the bootloader was locked. I didn't try to apply any update.zip, but nandroid backup seemed to work perfectly.
If you don't remove/delete the "/etc/install-recovery.sh" file once you've flashed a new recovery then you *should* find that the default/stock bootloader is re-applied on the first reboot.
As others have mentioned though, there are plenty of benefits to applying a custom recovery although I do understand the reasons you may not want to.
Thanks, all! Okay, maybe I *will* do the Clockwork Recovery then.
The reason I don't want custom ROMs: I had a Vibrant, and was using Team Whiskey's ROMs, and got "Compulsive ROM disorder". Every TW ROM was better than the last, and I found myself flashing every time they came out with a new one.
I'm going to Afghanistan in a couple of months (leaving for some training on Tuesday), and if I can get Internet at all, I won't have the bandwidth to be constantly downloading the newest, coolest ROM. The stock Gingerbread is good enough for me, and I want to keep it. Plus, that way if my wife has problems with her Nexus S while I'm gone, I have another just like it with me to figure out what's wrong with hers.
I just need root to run DroidWall and AdFree so that if I *do* manage to get a data plan out there, I won't run up huge fees because somebody wants me to buy Viagra or something.
Thanks again!
shrivelfig said:
This was on a stock but rooted 2.3.2, and the bootloader was locked. I didn't try to apply any update.zip, but nandroid backup seemed to work perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, that's a great find.
IDtheTarget said:
Thanks, all! Okay, maybe I *will* do the Clockwork Recovery then.
The reason I don't want custom ROMs: I had a Vibrant, and was using Team Whiskey's ROMs, and got "Compulsive ROM disorder".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fully understand that about the Compulsive ROM flashing disorder. I developed a bit of a case of it with the DocRambone ROMs on my Galaxy S i9000. It became a full time job just keeping up with the forum posts in the thread there. Hundreds of posts per day...ugh! But a sweet ROM.
As I'm sure you've ascertained by our other replies to you, having custom recovery is a benefit whether you flash roms constantly or not.
The ability to do a Nandroid and have a nice working backup of your entire system to fall back on is a major plus, as is the ability to wipe dalvik-cache if you're having issues.
Good luck in Afghanistan!
Thanks!
Yes, I've decided to do the recovery for the Titanium backup as well.
Now if I can only get it to work!
I manually updated to 2.3.2 yesterday, then just now started to try rooting using the directions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545
But I keep getting a signature error on the SuperUser flash. I'm guessing it has something to do with the new update.
IDtheTarget said:
Thanks!
Yes, I've decided to do the recovery for the Titanium backup as well.
Now if I can only get it to work!
I manually updated to 2.3.2 yesterday, then just now started to try rooting using the directions here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895545
But I keep getting a signature error on the SuperUser flash. I'm guessing it has something to do with the new update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the su file should flash just fine, many of us no problems with it rooting on 2.3.2.
Which version of clockwork recovery did you flash? That post was linking to 3.0.0.0, but that one is buggy, and you want to get 3.0.0.5.
Try this one: http://koush.tandtgaming.com/recoveries/recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img
Push via fastboot.
distortedloop said:
No, the su file should flash just fine, many of us no problems with it rooting on 2.3.2.
Which version of clockwork recovery did you flash? That post was linking to 3.0.0.0, but that one is buggy, and you want to get 3.0.0.5.
Try this one: http://koush.tandtgaming.com/recoveries/recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img
Push via fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the problem was that I'm an idiot who hasn't had enough sleep.
I'd flashed that image but wasn't getting into Clockwork recovery. I downloaded ROM Manager and flashed that recovery and was able to update Super User.
Now my problems are (1) I can't rename /etc/install-recovery.sh because it's a read-only file system, and (2) I can't re-install my Astro Pro file manager until Google fixes the market to recognize the new update...
Thanks for the help!
IDtheTarget said:
No, the problem was that I'm an idiot who hasn't had enough sleep.
I'd flashed that image but wasn't getting into Clockwork recovery. I downloaded ROM Manager and flashed that recovery and was able to update Super User.
Now my problems are (1) I can't rename /etc/install-recovery.sh because it's a read-only file system, and (2) I can't re-install my Astro Pro file manager until Google fixes the market to recognize the new update...
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try root explorer.
You don't have Titanium Backup to restore Astro...? Every root user should grab that.
You could rename it via adb shell.
Hook up to adb, connect.
run su
remount /system as writable.
use linux mv command to rename it.
I believe you can connect as su to the phone with adb while booted into CWM recovery. Then use CWM menu to mount /system, then do the commands from your computer's terminal or dos shell. Only advantage to this way is you don't have to figure out the proper syntax for remount of /system.
distortedloop said:
You don't have Titanium Backup to restore Astro...? Every root user should grab that.
You could rename it via adb shell.
Hook up to adb, connect.
run su
remount /system as writable.
use linux mv command to rename it.
I believe you can connect as su to the phone with adb while booted into CWM recovery. Then use CWM menu to mount /system, then do the commands from your computer's terminal or dos shell. Only advantage to this way is you don't have to figure out the proper syntax for remount of /system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't use Titanium backup until I rooted...
Thanks! I used the following command to change permissions:
mount -o remount,rw /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system
Then I:
cd \etc
mv install-recovery.sh install-recovery.sh.000
Looks like I'm set! Although there are still those few apps that aren't showing up yet after the update. Updating the market should be part of Google's checklist when pushing updates...
I've used the SuperBoot method twice and it's exactly what you're looking for. Stock ROM, Stock Recovery, and a rooted device with superuser permission.
Related
This assumes you:
- Have the latest FROYO OTA installed 3.70.651.1
- Have some experience working with flashing things in recovery
- Have NOT deleted/uninstalled ANYTHING in /system
- Have defrosted any bloat you froze with Bloat Freezer or Ti Backup Pro
- Have S-OFF (Used Unrevoked Forever or a version of Unrevoked3 that includes Forever)
OK now let us get to it.
1. Go ahead and download the OTA like normal on your phone, but DO NOT install it.
2. Using a file manager copy the OTA zip file from /cache to /sdcard
3. Using Rom Manager, flash Amon RA Recovery 2.3 (Down at the bottom)
4. In Rom Manager, click the Reboot into Recovery button.
5. Select apply zip from SD Card and flash the OTA zip file that you put in /sdcard
--10 Minutes later.....you now have the UNROOTED OTA installed just as if you installed it normally--
6. Download the 2.6.0.1 ClockWorkMod Recovery zip from here and place it in the root of your SD card
7. Under settings > applications > disable FastBoot (re-enable this when you are done with the whole process)
8. Power off and reboot holding Volume down. The bootloader will scan and then will and ask you to press Volume up to install. Reboot.
9. Delete the PC36IMG.zip file from your SD card and place the attachment below in the root of the SD card.
10. Power off and reboot holding Volume down and then select recovery to start CWM recovery.
11. Choose apply zip from sd card. Choose select zip on sd card. You will see the SU file on the list, flash it to root your phone. Reboot.
You should now be rooted and can upgrade the recovery now to whatever style and version you want!
Enjoy! Please click the THANKS button if it worked for you!
----------------------------------------
Developer of Bloat Freezer - Freeze Your Pre Installed System Apps in One Click
Bloat Freezer - Android Market Link
Very cool!!
Great info ..hey if I follow these steps and skip the last part will my phone be stock / uprooted and good to go.for a trade in or repair? I've been trying to figure out the best way to unrest when.e3d comes out
I never updated to 3.70. I'm assuming I can do that the same way, root again, download the gingerbread, and root again?
I'm thinking it might just be easier to flash the rooted ROM and radios, but I'm not sure what's best.
if you have amon ra recovery (and a stock rom), you can simply download and click install.
I clicked install, amonra booted up, detected and ran update, click reboot, then the stock recovery will be active and updates the radios, once back in to sense, you can reinstall amonra or clockwork, then SU
worked for me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1109230
im curious why the title says "WITHOUT flashing a new ROM" yet you are clearly flashing the rom in amon ra. sorry just got to nit pick
what happens if you have deleted some system apps. Such as nova and blockbuster. I saved the APKS on the SD card however but I did delete them?
JMQUINT00 said:
what happens if you have deleted some system apps. Such as nova and blockbuster. I saved the APKS on the SD card however but I did delete them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I wouldn't want to try it unless your prepared to do a full ruu reset if it fails.
the OTA is like a patcher, it deletes unneeded files, adds new files, and updates existing files... if its not completely stock it may (or may not) cause an error which the updater can't handle, and then you may be left with a half upgraded system.
if you nandroid *before* downloading the ota, you should always be able to go back, assuming you have perm soff from unrevoked forever.
it should run whether you have removed files or not. if it tries to delete a file that does not exist the script will just skip it. op i think you have bit of confusion going on though. you were only able to reattain root because you are s-off from unrevoked forever. if you are not s-off and do your method, which is no different then just excepting the ota and letting it do its thing btw, you will loose root until this new ota is cracked. just fwi, there was no "magic" from you flashing manually, the same script is ran and the same files are moved and patches are made regardless.
cant I reinstall the apps and put the apks in their original system folder?
DomSim said:
it should run whether you have removed files or not. if it tries to delete a file that does not exist the script will just skip it. op i think you have bit of confusion going on though. you were only able to reattain root because you are s-off from unrevoked forever. if you are not s-off and do your method, which is no different then just excepting the ota and letting it do its thing btw, you will loose root until this new ota is cracked. just fwi, there was no "magic" from you flashing manually, the same script is ran and the same files are moved and patches are made regardless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol OK so which one is it? Can n just accept the ota and run? I'm rooted on stock rom, but I deleted nova and blockbuster from the system? I know I will loose root which I got by using unrevoked 3, but I just want to know if I can do it without bricking the phone. Ty
JMQUINT00 said:
Lol OK so which one is it? Can n just accept the ota and run? I'm rooted on stock rom, but I deleted nova and blockbuster from the system? I know I will loose root which I got by using unrevoked 3, but I just want to know if I can do it without bricking the phone. Ty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shouldn't be any worry about bricking but make 100% sure you are s-off from unrevoked forever and you should be able to re-root pretty much how the op outlined.
im currently running cm7. if i go back to a rooted stock froyo rom, will this work???
confused. I just don't understand why you wouldn't download the rooted version of the ROM from here on XDA and just flash it like a normal rom. Maybe I'm overtired and missing the point.
To me, its like this. If you're rooted, and want an OTA update, just wait for the devs at XDA to go through it and root it, and make it available for download. Then just download it and flash it. You get the same exact update that way, as if you took the OTA from sprint. Except this way you don't risk losing root, and your good to go.
If you're not rooted and your phone is stock, accept OTA like normal.
I don't understand why all this extra stuff needs to be done, and add more to the confusion. If your rooted, updating to the latest is simple. Download it and flash it in recovery.
DaEXfactoR said:
im currently running cm7. if i go back to a rooted stock froyo rom, will this work???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just download the update from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1038701
Do a full wipe and flash like any other rom you've ever flashed before. You'll then be on the latest and greatest . (you'll probably be going right back to CM)
EDIT: and to the OP, sorry that I don't agree with you. I just find it more confusing that way, and I guess that whatever the point of doing it that way is, is sailing miles above my head.
k2buckley said:
confused. I just don't understand why you wouldn't download the rooted version of the ROM from here on XDA and just flash it like a normal rom. Maybe I'm overtired and missing the point.
To me, its like this. If you're rooted, and want an OTA update, just wait for the devs at XDA to go through it and root it, and make it available for download. Then just download it and flash it. You get the same exact update that way, as if you took the OTA from sprint. Except this way you don't risk losing root, and your good to go.
If you're not rooted and your phone is stock, accept OTA like normal.
I don't understand why all this extra stuff needs to be done, and add more to the confusion. If your rooted, updating to the latest is simple. Download it and flash it in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your point. I guess I am anxious. So there will be a stock ROM that is rooted, thats what I was wondering. I wasnt sure if every ROM would be customized somewhat...Thanks
DaEXfactoR said:
I see your point. I guess I am anxious. So there will be a stock ROM that is rooted, thats what I was wondering. I wasnt sure if every ROM would be customized somewhat...Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link I supplied a couple posts up is a completely 100% stock and rooted version of the OTA update.
This is from the first paragraph of the first post of that thread.
"Stock 4.22.651.2 ROM, rooted and ready for your flashing pleasures. This is a completely stock ROM that has had nothing done to it outside of rooting & deodexing, it's not even zip aligned yet (sorry DrMacinyasha)
As always make sure your wipe your dalvik and create a nandroid before flashing."
k2buckley said:
That link I supplied a couple posts up is a completely 100% stock and rooted version of the OTA update.
This is from the first paragraph of the first post of that thread.
"Stock 4.22.651.2 ROM, rooted and ready for your flashing pleasures. This is a completely stock ROM that has had nothing done to it outside of rooting & deodexing, it's not even zip aligned yet (sorry DrMacinyasha)
As always make sure your wipe your dalvik and create a nandroid before flashing."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for your insight. only thing I am confused on at this point is why there are kernels listed to flash from May just below it? wouldnt the htc stock kernel from the ota be in this rom already? seems like alot of folks are looking for newer kernels to flash after flashing xhaus rom. Any insight would be great. thanks again!
rileyd5 said:
thanks for your insight. only thing I am confused on at this point is why there are kernels listed to flash from May just below it? wouldnt the htc stock kernel from the ota be in this rom already? seems like alot of folks are looking for newer kernels to flash after flashing xhaus rom. Any insight would be great. thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a little curious about why those kernels were linked there too. I honestly haven't really kept up with thread, because I don't have an interest in flashing the update to begin with. I noticed those kernels are from May 4th, so it doesn't seem like they'd be the most current one. Without reading that thread, I first would've presumed that the kernel that comes with the rom would be the one to use. So, you've read through the thread and you're seeing that people are having trouble with the kernel that the rom comes with?? I'll take a gander over in the thread in a few minutes and see what I make out of it.
Well I f'd up and installed the latest update straight from sprint, instead of waiting for the rooted version to come out. I guess I thought I would find something exciting, but now I would realize it was kind of worthless and want to go back to a different rom like miui or vaelpak. I am s-off with unrevoked. Is there some combination of the steps listed I can use to back out of this?
Let me take a guess...did this update my radios and hboot to a version that would be incompatible with these roms?
So I have a I-9020A with at&t. I have rooted followed by flashing -su and roms instructions using instructions on the net. But after following that process and then going backwards (flashing stock w/ no root locking bootloader) I have realized after that I have more questions.
So first: Unlocking the Bootloader erases the phone. Unlocking the bootloader is needed to flash CWM and SU. I have read many many things about NANDROID, how is NANDROID different from CWM?
So I guess my next question is: How does one remove SU? In the process of rooting and flashing CWM and ROMs I make a backup prior to going to deep... that Backup will have SU, I have unrooted, but SU is still on the phone and I cannot seem to remove it.
Another question is: where are the data files on the phone for apps like Plants vs Zombies? I would like to move them off my phone prior to root, though I'm not sure if that is possible (is it?).
The last question is: If I wanted to muck around with ICS and the source code, is it as simple as flashing the source as explained on the google site? because they make it sound rather easy.
Thanks for any and all help,
toonhead
toonhead85 said:
So I have a I-9020A with at&t. I have rooted followed by flashing -su and roms instructions using instructions on the net. But after following that process and then going backwards (flashing stock w/ no root locking bootloader) I have realized after that I have more questions.
So first: Unlocking the Bootloader erases the phone. This process is needed to flash CWM (but not -su?). I have read many many things about NANDROID, but I have no idea what that is except a backup of a stock rom. When I power my phone off and press Vol up and power on then go to recovery I get an Android w/ a triangle with an exclamation and cant do anything at that point.
So I guess my next question is: How does one backup a stock rom (like you would using CMW) without rooting? or is there not a way and I should just except that when I root for the first time I should expect to loose everything and take off things like pics ect before hand.
The last question is: If I wanted to muck around with ICS and the source code, is it as simple as flashing the source as explained on the google site? because they make it sound rather easy.
Thanks for any and all help,
toonhead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you should have read more.
When you open the bootloader (the lock) it will wipe your personal data off the phone (not SD storage). This just means you get it as if you just bought it from the store. There is no way around it but happens only once and you'll never have to do it again. Unless you lock it back
Once the bootloader is unlocked you can now flash a custom recovery such as CWM which will let you manage and back up your phone with whatever ROM you want/have.
Once recovery is on your device you also have to root the phone. For this you'll need a zip flashable file with the superuser apk and SU binary files. Flash it in recovery and you should be good to go.
The last step is to install a ROM of your choice. You can just run what the phone has and it will work fine and even take updates without a problem. However, every time you want to flash something you'll need to flash CWM again because the stock image flashes the default recovery on reboot. There is a file you can delete to prevent this from happening. I forgot the path so look around. However, I would recommend you flash a stock ROM which already comes loaded with good stuff and all other things are done for you Just stop by the development section and pick a ROM you like.
Naroid is just a backup.
Oh, and BTW, mocking around with ICS... I would leave that for later. First get your head around basic flashing/rooting stuff. Changing the source code requires knowledge of code and even phone hardware. I'm guessing it's not for you just yet
obsanity said:
Sounds like you should have read more.
When you open the bootloader (the lock) it will wipe your personal data off the phone (not SD storage). This just means you get it as if you just bought it from the store. There is no way around it but happens only once and you'll never have to do it again. Unless you lock it back
Once the bootloader is unlocked you can now flash a custom recovery such as CWM which will let you manage and back up your phone with whatever ROM you want/have.
Once recovery is on your device you also have to root the phone. For this you'll need a zip flashable file with the superuser apk and SU binary files. Flash it in recovery and you should be good to go.
The last step is to install a ROM of your choice. You can just run what the phone has and it will work fine and even take updates without a problem. However, every time you want to flash something you'll need to flash CWM again because the stock image flashes the default recovery on reboot. There is a file you can delete to prevent this from happening. I forgot the path so look around. However, I would recommend you flash a stock ROM which already comes loaded with good stuff and all other things are done for you Just stop by the development section and pick a ROM you like.
Naroid is just a backup.
Oh, and BTW, mocking around with ICS... I would leave that for later. First get your head around basic flashing/rooting stuff. Changing the source code requires knowledge of code and even phone hardware. I'm guessing it's not for you just yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was going to write something similar. toonhead85 you should do a bit more research and reading before you start hacking on your phone. youve hearts in the right place, but youre not quite ready just yet. at least take small steps at first
A little more clarification or nandroid backups:
Nandroid is a specific type of backup of the phone's system files. I think that includes system rom and radio. I not sure if any data is included in the backup. You should make a nandroid backup of the stock rom bbefore you flash any custom roms. If something goes wrong with a rom flash or if you want to restore to a previous stock or custom rom, you can restore from the backups you have made. You create these nandroid backups by booting into recovery and selecting the backup option (I think maybe named backup and restore). Backups are usually found on your SD card, but you can copy them to your computer to save additional copies.
If you want to also backup apps, get a good backup program from the market. Two that I have used are Titanium Backup for Root and MyBackups for Root. They can backup and restore apps and data as well as system data.
Thanks for all of the amazing replys. I do know that I am not at the point where I wanna muck around in the system to much as this is my one and only phone. But I would like to at some point.
But something I wanna know is this: If in flash CWM, can I use it without root? Say to make a backup of the stock rom before flashing SU? I only ask because I am currently at work and can't test the idea.
Another question is this: I know how to get to the stock recovery, but from what I read you use the VOL UP to get the "Menu". When I push any (hardware) button I get nothing and the image being displayed is an Android with a triangle and there is an exclimation point in it. Any thoughts?
a nandroid saves everything in your phone, just how it is at that moment. and when you restore it, your phone goes back to that very moment you made that nandroid backup. all your data remain. everything. its like you didnt do anything in between backing up and restoring
simms22 said:
a nandroid saves everything in your phone, just how it is at that moment. and when you restore it, your phone goes back to that very moment you made that nandroid backup. all your data remain. everything. its like you didnt do anything in between backing up and restoring
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and you need root to use NANDROID? Or just an unlocked bootloader and to flash it over?
toonhead85 said:
and you need root to use NANDROID? Or just an unlocked bootloader and to flash it over?
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unlocked bootloader
FANTASTIC!!! Thank you all so very much!!
simms22 said:
unlocked bootloader
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And CWM recovery.
You don't need root to backup but remember that when you reboot it will flash back to stock recovery (the triangle). You can simply repeat the adb command to flash CWM again.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G
And CWM recovery.
You don't need root to backup but remember that when you reboot it will flash back to stock recovery (the triangle). You can simply repeat the adb command to flash CWM again.
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So I could flash unlock my bootloader > flash CWM > Make a backup and save it to my computer then when i reboot my phone it would automatically reflash the stock recovery? and if this is correct, then all i would need to do is flash CWM to restore the saved backup?
So here's a question, is it the action of flashing SU that keeps the phone from removing CWM and reinstalling stock recovery?
You must rename the /system/etc/install-recovery.sh file or it will keep replacing the stock recovery. See this post, item 2.
Can someone explain me why rooting a phone is not possible on all kernels? If I understand this correctly, rooting a phone basically means putting "su" program into firmware (and probably put something like SUID bit on it).
I know that on a new phone the original problem is that to install su you need to have write permissions for system partition which in turn requires root. This circle is normally broken by running an exploit or somehow else breaking into the system.
But once we have root on 2.3.4 and install CWM and 2.3.6, why isn't it possible to install "su" program there? What makes me feel completely stupid is the fact that it's possible to have root with custom kernel on the same firmware.
Dude, please update your information. It's possible, and it's getting the most popular method to root since we got CWM. Moreover there are at least 3 threads where it is written. So just go for it!
Ok, looks like my original vision was fully correct. Just got misleaded by some comments in the 2.3.6 thread. It IS really possible to just install superuser without changing the kernel or installing a custom kernel.
Oh yes it is just flash cam via odin, and then flash su via cwm and voila!
m.kochan10 said:
Oh yes it is just flash cam via odin, and then flash su via cwm and voila!
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I wish we knew it is so easy 2 months ago.
Indeed, but as far as I can remember we didn't have cwm then, just some rooted kernels.
This method itself is easy and pretty common among plenty android devices. That's the way I rooted my old htc incredible s (after I unlocked bootloader). But because cwm was sorely lacking it was a "no go".
A while back, I always rooted and unrooted my Nexus S with no problems at all. Now whenever I try to root it, it just goes wrong. I've tried TWRP & CWM, CWM used to always work but now it just messes up. Both TWRP and CWM both give me an error that say Installation Aborted when I try to install a custom rom. I've redownloaded the rom from different browsers and even different PCs but nothing working, still that same error. Does anyone have a guide that is 100% to work without any errors during the process?
What guide are you using?
paul96 said:
What guide are you using?
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I used this one: http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-root/how-to-root-nexus-s-or-nexus-s-4g-on-ics-or-gingerbread/
1. Make sure you're running one the more recent versions of the custom recovery. You probably are but there are issues with older versions so just make sure.
2. Boot into what ever recovery you pick and do a full wipe. That is everything gets wiped but your SD card. Factory reset. Format /system etc.
3. Flash your ROM and gapps if they are seperate.
You should not get any errors. If your recovery is current and your flashing a new rom onto a fully wiped system and you still get a error either you're screwing something up or you may have a hardware problem.
To rule out a hw problem flash the factory images with fastboot. If those flash normally and everything works it is almost certainly user error.
albundy2010 said:
1. Make sure you're running one the more recent versions of the custom recovery. You probably are but there are issues with older versions so just make sure.
2. Boot into what ever recovery you pick and do a full wipe. That is everything gets wiped but your SD card. Factory reset. Format /system etc.
3. Flash your ROM and gapps if they are seperate.
You should not get any errors. If your recovery is current and your flashing a new rom onto a fully wiped system and you still get a error either you're screwing something up or you may have a hardware problem.
To rule out a hw problem flash the factory images with fastboot. If those flash normally and everything works it is almost certainly user error.
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Alright, thanks Do you recommend that I root my Nexus S or should I wait for the Jelly Bean update? I've rooted before and I enjoyed it but now I don't see that many reasons to root, do you have any good reasons?
I have many. My reasons for root don't matter. If you don't have a reason for root then don't root. Its that simple really.
Make sure you're on a stock 4.0.4 rom. When the ota is out install it.
If you want just root on either os at any time just flash su.zip from custom recovery. Its that simple. Having root on a stock rom does not affect the ota process.
albundy2010 said:
I have many. My reasons for root don't matter. If you don't have a reason for root then don't root. Its that simple really.
Make sure you're on a stock 4.0.4 rom. When the ota is out install it.
If you want just root on either os at any time just flash su.zip from custom recovery. Its that simple. Having root on a stock rom does not affect the ota process.
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What are your reasons for root? Please share?
Getting rid of stuff I don't want in a ROM.
Apps that do things that require root.Titanium backup/autoruns adaway ( ad blocker app alone could be its one point) etc
Changing kernel settings. Bid/bin clocks volts etc.
Being able to have a replacement launcher use the ICS style widget drawer.
Lastly , I simply just can't see having a computer that I don't have root/admin rights to. Its my damn device and I do what I want.
albundy2010 said:
Getting rid of stuff I don't want in a ROM.
Apps that do things that require root.Titanium backup/autoruns adaway ( ad blocker app alone could be its one point) etc
Changing kernel settings. Bid/bin clocks volts etc.
Being able to have a replacement launcher use the ICS style widget drawer.
Lastly , I simply just can't see having a computer that I don't have root/admin rights to. Its my damn device and I do what I want.
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Oh cool. There is this project that some members from XDA are working on called Sense4All and they are porting Sense to many devices. Im probably going to wait until a fully functionable release is available for the Nexus S. I do like AOKP a lot, so that might be a reason for why I'll root.
You seem to be a little confused with some terms. Root is simply being able to grant superuser permission.
You don't need to root to flash a custom rom on a nexus. Just a unblocked bootloader. You could run aokp or any other rom without root if you wanted to.
albundy2010 said:
You seem to be a little confused with some terms. Root is simply being able to grant superuser permission.
You don't need to root to flash a custom rom on a nexus. Just a unblocked bootloader. You could run aokp or any other rom without root if you wanted to.
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Oh, I never knew that, haha. Is it possible to flash a custom kernel with an unlocked bootloader or does that require root access?
m1l4droid said:
No you just need a custom recovery. But using that kernel's mods, like BLN, OC, UV, touchwake, etc, requires apps that need root, like NSTools, SetCPU, etc.
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Oh alright. Now I really wanna root + install a custom rom. Do any of you have a full 100% fully working guide for rooting Nexus S and which rom should I flash first? I already know what kernel I want.
http://forums.acsyndicate.net/showthread.php?2024-ACS-Nexus-S-One-Click-Root-V4-0
leap_ahead said:
http://forums.acsyndicate.net/showthread.php?2024-ACS-Nexus-S-One-Click-Root-V4-0
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Thank you so much! I rooted my phone with CWM recovery installed and Paranoid Android + gapps installed
I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?
ILowry282 said:
I am new to this. I have a rooted nexus 5. It is stock rooted with TRWP recovery. I don't have a custom ROM. When the newest update is available, am I safe to update?
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Since your post was made today, and the update was released yesterday I'm assuming you are thinking that you will be getting the update over the air? You won't. When you have a custom recovery (TWRP) you won't get OTA's.
But don't be disheartened, not in the LEAST. Unless you've removed or altered the default system apps (you would know if you did) all you have to do is download the update to your phone, boot into TWRP, flash the update, and let the phone reboot.
Due to how the OTA updates are rolled out, even if you had not loaded a custom recovery onto your phone, you might not have had it pushed to you for a couple of weeks.
Read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2523217
From what you have described you are "scenario 2". Proceed directly to step B. Like many people, I was also step B. It is easier than making toast.
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
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1. If you flash a custom ROM via TWRP it is generally recommended you do a clean wipe beforehand (and before doing that, obviously create a backup). There are cases where you can go straight to flashing without wiping, which is called a dirty flash. Although this is used when you're flashing an updated version of the ROM you're currently running. Following instructions under Section B won't cause you to lose data.
2. You won't lose root because ROMs will generally take this into account. However, if you do happen to lose root, just download and flash SuperSU and you're back on track.
3. Just flash the zip file.
ILowry282 said:
So if I update that way will I lose my data and root? Also do I unzip the file or flash the zip file?
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The first part of the reply above is certainly correct, (the rest is also, but I'm just speaking to the first part of it) but I feel it is just going to confuse you.
You did not flash a custom ROM, you flashed a custom RECOVERY. Two different things. When you copy the update onto your phone, in the form that exists in the thread I linked earlier, it is not an entire image. It is an UPDATE to the stock image, which you are already using. As for your concern of losing root, it shouldn't be a concern. As was mentioned in the reply above mentioned, while you are in recovery you can simply just flash SU again.
In fact, I'd be willing to bet the file to flash SU is still on your phone.
As for me personally, I happened to have unlocked the pro version of SU (because why not...it's only $2.50 and I like the app) and just toggled the "survival mode" option. But even if I had not, it would have been a very small thing to loading SU again.
In short, don't worry about losing root. When you first rooted this phone, most of the steps involved were not in rooting the phone, but in unlocking the bootloader. Loading this update has nothing to do with that, so in your case, since you didn't flash a custom ROM (Such as CyanogenMod) and you didn't make any modifications to the system apps...quite literally all you have to do is copy the stuff onto your phone, load into TWRP, fire up the update, and either fire up SU, or have survival mode already enabled, and reboot the phone.
(and no, you don't have to unzip the file pasted in the thread, just copy it directly) The instructions in that thread are really simple, and that's probably giving you a bit of pause, but seriously, it really is that simple in your case, as it was mine.
So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?
ILowry282 said:
So I updated but lost root. How do I flash SU?
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Do you still have custom recovery cwm or twrp? If so download su zip from either of those posts and flash in recovery if not you can flash recovery with adb or flashify and then flash su zip.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Worked perfect. Thanks