Some advice for n00bs from a n00b - Samsung Mesmerize

Ok, so I have been using the EA11 leak for roughly one week, but have been reading for two. I wanted to write something for other new peeps to read as a "guide" if you will, to point them in the right direction and maybe answer some of those first questions. Let me make this clear right away, I AM A N00B, period. I am absolutely sure that there will be parts of this that will need corrected so please read everything. That's actually a great place to start. READ EVERYTHING.
1. Read Everything.
When I say two weeks, I mean that from the time I started reading. And reading, and reading, and...well you get it. Take every opportunity to research what it is your going to do. I read every single article I could on the Mesmerize. When a term came up I didn't recognize I went to google search. Once I learned the term I went back and READ IT ALL AGAIN. Familiarizing yourself with these forums is an invaluable tool. I also recommend downloading the XDA app, its a must have.
2. I have all these files now what?
I tried my best to get organized and put all my files in one location only to find out that my MacBook is worthless on the rooting process. I am no programmer and using Terminal scares the hell out of me. So once I got organized on a windows PC I started by reading very carefully and following the directions. I can honestly say they are concise and to the point. I must have read them 3 dozen times before starting up Odin and holding my breath.
3. I have a couple of dumb questions.
NO YOU DON'T. For the most part people around here are polite, helpful, and willing to answer most any questions. This is the process I personally go through. I first read every page of the thread that pertains to what I'm doing. Most of the time your answer is there. If no answer can be found/understood, I go to the web chat room link usually located under a senior poster. I believe it is #samsung-mesmerize. There are usually people there that can answer your questions right away. The next place to go is a PM. But please remember these people have lives and are doing all of this in their free time. FREE time. So be polite, and be patient. If all else fails then I would post a thread in the General Forum for the Mesmerize, although I have never had to do this. The odds are you won't either.
4. I have some complicated questions.
Read the above paragraph
5. I did it! Now what?
Go to the development forum, find who is responsible for your success and buy them a beer! No this is not required nor a command. I just feel personally, that these guys work pretty tirelessly and deserve it. But, I can promise that a simple thank you will go a long way.
I am running EA11, red cwm, voodoo lagfix, SGS tools new TW launcher. My battery life is better than before on stock and since using SGS tools its much faster as well. I apologize if for any reason this post seems un-necessary or if I ranted. Feel free to ask any questions or leave comments. Remember...be nice, these guys work hard.
Now running as of Sun Feb 27, 2011
Froyo EB-16 with Pick n Pack
Red CWM Recovery
Voodoo Lagfix - quadrant was 1565 Today
Splash of Color Rom (EB-16)
SGS Tools Upgraded TWlauncher
and I'm sure more to come...

Related

**public service announcement inside**

Now that a bajillion people have rooted rc30 all of a sudden, how about we all take a moment to hit the search button and read all the posts before you start asking old old old ass questions??
'Tis a good day for non-rooted people but c'mon. For weeks there were just a handful of new posts in a few threads on a daily basis, now i come back from the new year and see every single thread with a "PLEASE HELP ME IM ASKING QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ASKED AND ANSWERED A MILLION TIMES ALREADY WHAT DO I DO???".
To most of you new rooted g1 users.. every problem/question you may have has probably already been asked/discussed already. Dont post stupid questions in old ass posts please.
kthxbye
p.s. flame away.. boss is gone and im bored.
d0nkey said:
Now that a bajillion people have rooted rc30 all of a sudden, how about we all take a moment to hit the search button and read all the posts before you start asking old old old ass questions??
'Tis a good day for non-rooted people but c'mon. For weeks there were just a handful of new posts in a few threads on a daily basis, now i come back from the new year and see every single thread with a "PLEASE HELP ME IM ASKING QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ASKED AND ANSWERED A MILLION TIMES ALREADY WHAT DO I DO???".
To most of you new rooted g1 users.. every problem/question you may have has probably already been asked/discussed already. Dont post stupid questions in old ass posts please.
kthxbye
p.s. flame away.. boss is gone and im bored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HEAR HEAR!!!!
I had to do a lot of reading to get my RC30 back to RC29, then reflash the recovery image, then reflash w/ the patched RC30. One topic had the recovery.img install and a whole other post had the patched RC30 install. There was no link to the USB driver for the G1 needed for ADB to communicate, I had to go find that on my own (not hard).
One problem I had was I couldn't execute the SU command in the ADB shell. It said that the command wasn't found - which is because I was still trying to put the recovery image on with RC30. I had to ADB put the file and then use the terminal on the phone to execute the shell commands needed to flash it. I don't know if that was a typo or if the directions were from RC19 where it might have had the SU command included but I couldn't do it from RC29.
Perhaps if someone were to put all the steps in the right order with links to the proper files all in one page - it would be simpler for people trying to do this. Of course there are two sides to this - too easy access to steps that can brick the phone can result in a huge increase of dead phones being sent in for warranty, too difficult a procedure can also result in the same thing with half finished installs.
All of the information is out there but there isn't a very clear path towards it. I don't know if making it easy for any idiot to do is a good thing at this point or not. The people who can't figure it out on their own probably shouldn't be doing it in the first place since there really isn't anything that "Joe I-Just-Upgraded-From-A-Sidekick" should be doing w/ root access at the moment.
I think this is the most well laid out version of the walk through we have. Unforutunately, no one has stickied it, and it falls like a brick. It should also be updated with the new instructions. If anyone has the time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=443797&highlight=step
The very same problem with multiple posts is also screwing us Android Newbies. We dont know where to start. Searching is great, I am a big fan. But unfortunately we dont know WHAT to search FOR. This is a new process to us, and there isnt a Android for Dummies book yet. Once a GOOD turorial is made (I think this wiki covers it now)(edit, plus the link above looks great too!), this will die down. Until then, a lot of us have NO idea what order to do these steps in, and apparently we are asses for asking. Sorry we aint all smart n stuff, but we has to lern somehow
I will be following the Wiki that I posted above when I have some down time, until then I will crawl back in my WM equipped corner and STFU so as not to create unwanted posts.
d0nkey said:
Now that a bajillion people have rooted rc30 all of a sudden, how about we all take a moment to hit the search button and read all the posts before you start asking old old old ass questions??
To most of you new rooted g1 users.. every problem/question you may have has probably already been asked/discussed already. Dont post stupid questions in old ass posts please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and to the bajillion differing instructions on how to root/devboot/jf 1.3
u got everyone telling you different things to do... my guess is when you had root there was one topic to do root. one option at a time. now the people who just got root obviously know to use the happynew.zip or the other 2 listed but after u got the ability to root i read about 4 other stickies on what to do next. blindly since people dont clarify i took the risk and did it how i wanted and got stuck in a boot loop. thank god common sense tells me that i should pull the battery and then put back in and vola booted up. then i loaded it into bootloader and then vola saw skate boards.
instead of insults you can take the time and spend it helping other people with your superior expertise hell i wasnt even half way through finishing my phone and took time to help out....
happy holidays.. to you as well
I have to agree that figuring out how to get root and the updated stuff is a little confusing. When modified RC 30 first came out, there was just 2 posts you could refer to and after reading it was fairly straight forward. Now those posts seem to have disapeared/modified.
I had to read 3 different topics and 3 different wikis before i kinda new what to do. the instructions being not very clear on where things should be done, terminal in linux or on the phone.
Im not here that often, but IMO the search is awefull, not returning search results for posts i know exist or bringing up tons of unrelevent information. and im not a newb to searching, im an active member over at a mycolgy forum and the search there is awesome and that site is based on the same type of forum as this.
that aside, this is an amazing forum. You all put in a **** load of effort to make things better for all of us. Im well impressed that its only taken 4 months.
LOL
no, there were still tons of threads on how to do it.. in fact, it was probably WORSE when i was rooting my device.. since there was no structure to the postings at all.
I just took my time and read all the information available to me.. and it was very simple.
and for the record, im not even talking about the posts in the 'hax my phone' threads... im talking about the tons of old threads that all the new rooters are reading now that they have root and asking ridiculous questions that have been answered months ago.
and..
"All of the information is out there but there isn't a very clear path towards it. I don't know if making it easy for any idiot to do is a good thing at this point or not."
There is a good reason that the information is scattered all over the place. RETARDS CANT HIT THE SEARCH BUTTON! If they did a search for it, and read for a little bit before posting questions at random, the information wouldnt be scattered about.
If people dont have time to search and read about something that they are interested in doing, then they should just leave it alone.
let me also add, that it isn't always about the search button. It just about reading the threads all the way through, then asking questions. Because 99% of the time people's questions have already been asked.
So, if you are new to all this, just read all the posts and you shouldn't have to make a post yourself. ever.
"Bush and Cheney are hanging out in the oval office one day, and Mr. Bush picks up a paper and reads teh headline: 7 Brazillian men killed in latest attacks.
Bush cant believe what he is reading, he says "7 brazilian men killed [email protected]! We gotta get these sons of b!tch3s"
Then he turns to Cheney and says " How many is a brazilian? "
triple post ftw
d0nkey said:
Now that a bajillion people have rooted rc30 all of a sudden, how about we all take a moment to hit the search button and read all the posts before you start asking old old old ass questions??
'Tis a good day for non-rooted people but c'mon. For weeks there were just a handful of new posts in a few threads on a daily basis, now i come back from the new year and see every single thread with a "PLEASE HELP ME IM ASKING QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ASKED AND ANSWERED A MILLION TIMES ALREADY WHAT DO I DO???".
To most of you new rooted g1 users.. every problem/question you may have has probably already been asked/discussed already. Dont post stupid questions in old ass posts please.
kthxbye
p.s. flame away.. boss is gone and im bored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah lets not post on a forum... I hear ya about searching but alot of info on here is from one end to the other.. And isnt this a FORUM???? Who would want to post a question on a forum? Thats just CRAZY!!!
Yeah im bored. Just sick of all the dont post n00b questions....this isnt a forum post LOL
d0nkey said:
It just about reading the threads all the way through, then asking questions
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Click to collapse
If that is the case, then maybe the posters need to be more responsible with their posts. For example, instead of a new post Koush changed the topic to "How to get Root on ALL G1s - RC30 and RC8+ INCLUDED!! (Updated 1/1/2009)" which is great for the first post. Then, as you read the second you quickly figure out that this stuff is a month old and only the first post and the last page pertain. All it is doing is making things more confusing. A NEW post with the same heading, and a timelined group of questions that are RELEVANT to the topic would have made things MUCH less confusing. And these are the experts, so they can follow it and figure it out.
If someone had a map of the steps required to downgrade, as well as the steps to achieve a modded RC30 and it were made a sticky, that would likely end many of the questions. I cant speak for everyone, but I dont mind learning- but there is no structure to the method of "learning" you expect of us. Until there is, you will continue to see the questions.
I can't disagree with that. Now that we have a way to downgrade, there should be a main sticky post that has instructions on how to do it all and some of the other posts should be removed / merged into the new one.
But, im not a mod, nor did i make any of the walkthroughs.. nor did i make any of these hacks.
But my complaint is not that there are questions being asked, thats a given. I just dont want the same questions asked in every single post related to this. Especially the old posts that dont need to be brought up anymore.
A moderator should make a 'general root Q&A' thread, and a thread on 'how to root your device'. Then kill the rest of them.
but, what do i care. im just bored at work and i want to stir the pot
d0nkey said:
I can't disagree with that. Now that we have a way to downgrade, there should be a main sticky post that has instructions on how to do it all and some of the other posts should be removed / merged into the new one.
But, im not a mod, nor did i make any of the walkthroughs.. nor did i make any of these hacks.
But my complaint is not that there are questions being asked, thats a given. I just dont want the same questions asked in every single post related to this. Especially the old posts that dont need to be brought up anymore.
A moderator should make a 'general root Q&A' thread, and a thread on 'how to root your device'. Then kill the rest of them.
but, what do i care. im just bored at work and i want to stir the pot
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Click to collapse
I agree with ya too BUT this is a VERY busy site. There is info on here for every phone out there. Soooo there is going to be alot of traffic and alot of people in a hurry to get a answer to there problem and nooo they arent going to use the search button. Its just something that has to be gotten used to. Going to be like this until this site closes.
gospeed.racer said:
If that is the case, then maybe the posters need to be more responsible with their posts. For example, instead of a new post Koush changed the topic to "How to get Root on ALL G1s - RC30 and RC8+ INCLUDED!! (Updated 1/1/2009)" which is great for the first post. Then, as you read the second you quickly figure out that this stuff is a month old and only the first post and the last page pertain. All it is doing is making things more confusing. A NEW post with the same heading, and a timelined group of questions that are RELEVANT to the topic would have made things MUCH less confusing. And these are the experts, so they can follow it and figure it out.
If someone had a map of the steps required to downgrade, as well as the steps to achieve a modded RC30 and it were made a sticky, that would likely end many of the questions. I cant speak for everyone, but I dont mind learning- but there is no structure to the method of "learning" you expect of us. Until there is, you will continue to see the questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly that u got 2 months or more on a topic that doesnt even apply and this carries over to the wing thread AND everyone else.... you see that little number next to each post here watch this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3113025&postcount=144 takes me to the exact thread and POST if i am referencing ANYTHING but no one seems to use it. so we sift through 300 posts to find outdated info then wonder why people get mad.... and both the searches on this post are not the best. i typed in adb in the build in search because i can exact it to the dream thread " SORRY No matches found" honestly now. we are smart but dont inidate us with a topic hashed to death with things 3 months old and expect everyone to not ask questions...
d0nkey said:
I can't disagree with that. Now that we have a way to downgrade, there should be a main sticky post that has instructions on how to do it all and some of the other posts should be removed / merged into the new one.
But, im not a mod, nor did i make any of the walkthroughs.. nor did i make any of these hacks.
But my complaint is not that there are questions being asked, thats a given. I just dont want the same questions asked in every single post related to this. Especially the old posts that dont need to be brought up anymore.
A moderator should make a 'general root Q&A' thread, and a thread on 'how to root your device'. Then kill the rest of them.
but, what do i care. im just bored at work and i want to stir the pot
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Click to collapse
well stir the pot or not hopefully this calls attention to how PEOPLE in general post there things. it is not just the dream forums it was a habbit of the rom cooks in the wing as well as im sure many other posts.... like i said before if those editing or modifying threads to include new updates it would be helpful to say forinstance for those downgrading skip these steps and follow from post #87 or copy that little number 87# of that threat into it as a link. we do appricate everyones hard work but making it not so clear causes confusion. if you were unsure that you would brick your 400$ phone modifying it with out dated material would you?
First time poster.
Got to say, I've found it /really/ easy to get the answers to any problems I've stumbled into, the sticky posts are great, and any bodges have been my mistake not following the posts.
VERY impressive community.
i think you guys are right im one of the guys that just got root last night and i think people should search the forums and google b4 the start looking for easy way out

In need of help installing JustHome rom for Herald...from the begging!

I downloaded the .7z file for JustHome rom for Herald thanks to IVAN!. My IPL is 4.10.0002 and SPL 4.10.0000, I have a microSD ship and ready for action. I just need the walkthrough for installing ROMs from scratch. How do I do the hardspl....I need complete guidance!
You need to search better.
there is a "giude to flashing" in one of these theads that is specific to the htc herald which is the name for you "wing" i thing you might find it under "wiki htc herald " you can probably google it. it is a step by step guide. hope that helps.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=358225 and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=358615 goodluck
I apologize now for the lack of clear answers, and I understand your frustration, even if you did search and read those pages. Sometimes for newbs they can be a bit difficult to understand, and they were for me too, so I'll tell you how in newb language and provide the tools necessary.
First things first, you need to download the folder im going to provide you. Save the zip to your desktop and extract it. Now the fun begins.
1. Drag and extract the .nbh file you downloaded from JustHome and place it inside the RUU folder located inside of the MyFirstRom folder.
2. Turn your phone to flight mode. You can do this in the Comm Manager found in your Connection Settings.
3. Next make sure your phone is connected to your computer and you have Activesync (Win XP) or Mobile Device Center (Vista or Windows 7) connected with a green light.
4. Execute the application Herald-USPL (located in the MyFirstRom folder).
5. Wait for it to verify, press Enter. Wait for it to load SPL, PDA screen will go white at about 70 percent. If it doesn't and it hangs on a tux logo with a little command prompt (on the phone, sometimes this happens.) don't worry and just reset and try again.
6.If everything is successful and the PDA screen is white, press Enter and it'll launch the RUU installer application on your computer.
7. Follow the instructions, Press the Update button when it asks you what ROM you are installing. It should show some version number. Press Next, and it'll start flashing. It will say it will take 10 minutes, it'll go faster than that. After it's finished, the PDA will automatically reset to the new RUU.
If you experience any problems, don't panic, Soft Reset your device by pushing the stylus into the small whole next to the volume slider. If the phone goes into an endless reset, don't panic... Hard reset your phone by pressing holding the two soft-keys (keys with lines located above the Windows key and Ok key) while pressing the sylus into the reset hole. Release the soft keys while still holding reset and then release the reset. It will come up with a screen telling you you are being set to factory settings, press the Send key. (Green phone key)
I know you asked about HardSPL, but for the purpose of this ROM and some others, you won't need it. I prefer USPL because there's not a very easy way to brick your phone. If something goes terribly wrong, generally you can just Hard Reset and its all better.
Good luck, and I'm not liable for any damage to your phones OS or hardware, blah...
that was cool of you to take the time and post all that.wish i had that all explained to me when i started messin around.
bishoprnpb said:
that was cool of you to take the time and post all that.wish i had that all explained to me when i started messin around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I just recently got started after buying a Wing a few weeks ago on E-Bay. I understand the frustration, and frankly I feel bad for new people... A lot of these threads are so out-dated now, and no one seems to want to help new people any more, with the exception of maybe Ivan who is working on a whole cooking guide. And the past instructions can get a little fuzzy. Even on the second post of Ivan's instructions it says to ask questions if you don't understand, but it seems like questions are just getting answered with more and more links to sites like Google.
Thank for step by step
Now I flash my dopodC800 to ITsPapablack but every time I reset, it's not show SPL
today I will flash again to "gulllums Touchflo2D II"
can I use same step?
What's the fastest way to get specific help at User forums?
apreichner said:
so I'll tell you how in newb language and provide the tools necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right that many MANY threads are now obsolete, or have conflicting language & directions. Can I suggest that you edit your post to give it an explanatory title, so that it can be indexed by the search engine of this site, as well as by google? That way others may find your very post, which helps them bridge the gaps.
COMMENTARY:
That was good of you to take the time to help. In truth though, many many people help similarly. One of the problems is that the site serves so many different model phones, and so many ROM variations, that the site Admins really try (emphasis on TRY !) to segregate the "I need help with xxxxxx, please help!" threads to their new "Questions and Answers" forum, and keep each phone's ROM threads free of any threads that are not USER CONTRIBUTIONS to "hacking & development".
The problem is circular, though. I'm an information designer so I am often amazed that sometimes site "veterans" forget very easily the idea that for a new user "you don't know what you don't know until you get your toes wet"... then you get slapped around for not following the rules. But at same time, many many new users will pay no attention at all to a very long established culture that is evident in almost every User-to-User forums and bulletin boards on the web/internet... which is:
Please Mr. or Ms. New User, would you start here by simply first reading our Table of Contents -- or list of Forums -- before you begin to post? Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, as I say, a very circular problem, because all across the web most Forum category listings on Forum sites are very badly information-designed... generally too cumbersome to read first before a User feels overwhelm, which then flips the User's mental switch from "keep scanning down this really long list" to "Jesus, I'll spend more time here just figuring out WHERE to post than it takes to get a simple answer to a simple question."
It's more than a 2-way street with User and Community. It's more like a traffic jam at rush hour on a complex freeway interchange. Moral of the story is, it's impossible to know "intent" of a poster who answers a request for help with "use search" or just posts a link or two. Sometimes they really truly are giving someone the fastest exit ramp to their desired destination. It just takes too long to qualify such statements.
And yes, at same time there are examples every day of very inconsiderate people bashing newbies in unnecessarily cold ways.
And look how long this "meta" comment is -- which tries to bring a fuller perspective to the problem! Sometimes it's a wonder at all that so many people with so many phones are, every day, able to get so much help customizing their phones down to very specific solutions -- and all for free. Seen it that light, it's a miracle of cooperation!
pungcheer said:
Thank for step by step
Now I flash my dopodC800 to ITsPapablack but every time I reset, it's not show SPL
today I will flash again to "gulllums Touchflo2D II"
can I use same step?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
quicksite said:
COMMENTARY:
That was good of you to take the time to help. In truth though, many many people help similarly. One of the problems is that the site serves so many different model phones, and so many ROM variations, that the site Admins really try (emphasis on TRY !) to segregate the "I need help with xxxxxx, please help!" threads to their new "Questions and Answers" forum, and keep each phone's ROM threads free of any threads that are not USER CONTRIBUTIONS to "hacking & development".
The problem is circular, though. I'm an information designer so I am often amazed that sometimes site "veterans" forget very easily the idea that for a new user "you don't know what you don't know until you get your toes wet"... then you get slapped around for not following the rules. But at same time, many many new users will pay no attention at all to a very long established culture that is evident in almost every User-to-User forums and bulletin boards on the web/internet... which is:
Quote:
Please Mr. or Ms. New User, would you start here by simply first reading our Table of Contents -- or list of Forums -- before you begin to post? Thank you.
But, as I say, a very circular problem, because all across the web most Forum category listings on Forum sites are very badly information-designed... generally too cumbersome to read first before a User feels overwhelm, which then flips the User's mental switch from "keep scanning down this really long list" to "Jesus, I'll spend more time here just figuring out WHERE to post than it takes to get a simple answer to a simple question."
It's more than a 2-way street with User and Community. It's more like a traffic jam at rush hour on a complex freeway interchange. Moral of the story is, it's impossible to know "intent" of a poster who answers a request for help with "use search" or just posts a link or two. Sometimes they really truly are giving someone the fastest exit ramp to their desired destination. It just takes too long to qualify such statements.
And yes, at same time there are examples every day of very inconsiderate people bashing newbies in unnecessarily cold ways.
And look how long this "meta" comment is -- which tries to bring a fuller perspective to the problem! Sometimes it's a wonder at all that so many people with so many phones are, every day, able to get so much help customizing their phones down to very specific solutions -- and all for free. Seen it that light, it's a miracle of cooperation!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... I'll explain my point of view in the other forum, seeing as how this is the ROM development forum, and post a link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3836096#post3836096
I was able to figure it out on my own with no posts, just searching. I've never had a problem.
quicksite said:
You are right that many MANY threads are now obsolete, or have conflicting language & directions. Can I suggest that you edit your post to give it an explanatory title, so that it can be indexed by the search engine of this site, as well as by google? That way others may find your very post, which helps them bridge the gaps.
COMMENTARY:
That was good of you to take the time to help. In truth though, many many people help similarly. One of the problems is that the site serves so many different model phones, and so many ROM variations, that the site Admins really try (emphasis on TRY !) to segregate the "I need help with xxxxxx, please help!" threads to their new "Questions and Answers" forum, and keep each phone's ROM threads free of any threads that are not USER CONTRIBUTIONS to "hacking & development".
The problem is circular, though. I'm an information designer so I am often amazed that sometimes site "veterans" forget very easily the idea that for a new user "you don't know what you don't know until you get your toes wet"... then you get slapped around for not following the rules. But at same time, many many new users will pay no attention at all to a very long established culture that is evident in almost every User-to-User forums and bulletin boards on the web/internet... which is:
But, as I say, a very circular problem, because all across the web most Forum category listings on Forum sites are very badly information-designed... generally too cumbersome to read first before a User feels overwhelm, which then flips the User's mental switch from "keep scanning down this really long list" to "Jesus, I'll spend more time here just figuring out WHERE to post than it takes to get a simple answer to a simple question."
It's more than a 2-way street with User and Community. It's more like a traffic jam at rush hour on a complex freeway interchange. Moral of the story is, it's impossible to know "intent" of a poster who answers a request for help with "use search" or just posts a link or two. Sometimes they really truly are giving someone the fastest exit ramp to their desired destination. It just takes too long to qualify such statements.
And yes, at same time there are examples every day of very inconsiderate people bashing newbies in unnecessarily cold ways.
And look how long this "meta" comment is -- which tries to bring a fuller perspective to the problem! Sometimes it's a wonder at all that so many people with so many phones are, every day, able to get so much help customizing their phones down to very specific solutions -- and all for free. Seen it that light, it's a miracle of cooperation!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.Yes.Yes. Every noob situation is different as many already have the concept of a "list" and its purpose. The problem I see everyday is that new people never read the rules. I know I didnt, but I already understood why there iwas even a list. Its too be read and understood that noob questions do not go where it says "This forum is only meant fro ROM issues and ROM development." Its why the admins get fed up. Its really the responsibility of the poster to be informed about where to post on a forum. Even is there is 3 million forums (yes i know its overwhelming at first) there is only 4 subcategories. Read the rules. If you get lost and dont know what to do. Read the rules. Even if you dont get your answer, at least you'll learn to appreciate when someone posts in the correct place. Now im getting worked up on this. To conclude. The poster was very lucky to receive such nice answers to his question.
raptoro07 said:
I was able to figure it out on my own with no posts, just searching. I've never had a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only more people had that quality in them the world would be a better place.
My point is not to say the information isn't here already, my point is to say the information isn't as clear, as updated, and easily accessible as it could be. If I had my way, you would have a forum specially devoted to Tutorials. And on that tutorial forum you would have a giant sticky that says, "The Complete Idiots Guide on Flashing" (emphasis on complete). It wouldn't give you links to like 20 different libraries of dictionary definitions, wikis, and other guides. It would be like a picture book with easily seen pictures of each step. Who knows we could make it rhyme and it would be like Dr.Seus for nerds. I think after my Complete Cab Collection is finished, I'll work on such a page.
The point is: Herald and Herald Mobile 6 are a little redundant. Why do we need both? What is the point? I read the rules and the forum FAQ and all of that, and I'm not finding an answer to the usefulness of having both. And unfortunately, where are the mods during all of this? From what Ivan says, they aren't taking applications for Mods, but they probably should be. Just look at how long this post is able to get in this thread and you'll see my point.
True eventually you find an answer after reading through 8-10 posts, 2-4 wikis, 3-6 google searches, and 8-10 panic attacks after doing a bad rom attempt. Does it really have to be this way?
apreichner said:
My point is not to say the information isn't here already, my point is to say the information isn't as clear, as updated, and easily accessible as it could be. If I had my way, you would have a forum specially devoted to Tutorials. And on that tutorial forum you would have a giant sticky that says, "The Complete Idiots Guide on Flashing" (emphasis on complete). It wouldn't give you links to like 20 different libraries of dictionary definitions, wikis, and other guides. It would be like a picture book with easily seen pictures of each step. Who knows we could make it rhyme and it would be like Dr.Seus for nerds. I think after my Complete Cab Collection is finished, I'll work on such a page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been trying to get stuff like this set up. I'm trying to become a mod for partially this reason.
I HAVE posted a complete guide on flashing, but it needs a little updating. The thing about all this is that it's not a business. A bunch of people (like me) read and read and read and gather data from one place and another and put it together to make something useful for our phones. The problem is, being that it's a forum, no one really wants to have to sit there and dedicate hour after hour to just writing out tutorials, when people like me, the ones who have that knowledge already, spend hours and hours and hours making ROMs for everybody else.
rstweb said:
The point is: Herald and Herald Mobile 6 are a little redundant. Why do we need both? What is the point? I read the rules and the forum FAQ and all of that, and I'm not finding an answer to the usefulness of having both. And unfortunately, where are the mods during all of this? From what Ivan says, they aren't taking applications for Mods, but they probably should be. Just look at how long this post is able to get in this thread and you'll see my point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, I've been pushing the whole redundancy issue for a while already. They do have a lot of mods, but none of them really work the Herald forum due to the fact that it's an old device with little to no traffic as compared to the other phone forums.
rstweb said:
True eventually you find an answer after reading through 8-10 posts, 2-4 wikis, 3-6 google searches, and 8-10 panic attacks after doing a bad rom attempt. Does it really have to be this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There IS one great positive aspect to doing it this way. On the way to learn what you THINK you need to learn, you end up learning what you TRULY need to learn accidently. We live in a society where everyone wants the answers right away and to not understand the context. Sometimes, the context is more important than the answers. Searching in this manner forces the context on you before you reach an answer.
ivanmmj said:
I've been trying to get stuff like this set up. I'm trying to become a mod for partially this reason.
I HAVE posted a complete guide on flashing, but it needs a little updating. The thing about all this is that it's not a business. A bunch of people (like me) read and read and read and gather data from one place and another and put it together to make something useful for our phones. The problem is, being that it's a forum, no one really wants to have to sit there and dedicate hour after hour to just writing out tutorials, when people like me, the ones who have that knowledge already, spend hours and hours and hours making ROMs for everybody else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, not everyone can do everything at once. You have done a pretty good job, but you have a life, and a wife, so you can't keep up all of that plus doing your ROMs, plus writing out Tutorial after Tutorial. Maybe that's why you have unmarried people like me here who can complain and write up cab collections at the same time . If only we had a female moderator, this forum would be spotless, and she could yell at dumb people at the same time.
ivanmmj said:
Trust me, I've been pushing the whole redundancy issue for a while already. They do have a lot of mods, but none of them really work the Herald forum due to the fact that it's an old device with little to no traffic as compared to the other phone forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's true, maybe it kind of disappoints me seeing as how I didn't get the Wing too long ago. And what does it hurt adding someone as a Mod... It's not like they are paying you.
ivanmmj said:
There IS one great positive aspect to doing it this way. On the way to learn what you THINK you need to learn, you end up learning what you TRULY need to learn accidently. We live in a society where everyone wants the answers right away and to not understand the context. Sometimes, the context is more important than the answers. Searching in this manner forces the context on you before you reach an answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that searching forces the context. However, I also think it's possible to put the context together for people. You're right, society is content on finding what we want right away. However, what about the ordinary people who don't really want to dive so in depth into a pool of XDA Development. Should they not be given the right to flash a ROM to a phone, seeing as how it's pretty simple to do now. For people like me... Computer Science Majors... I love learning this context and don't mind the research, but not everyone is exactly like me or you.
apreichner said:
However, what about the ordinary people who don't really want to dive so in depth into a pool of XDA Development. Should they not be given the right to flash a ROM to a phone, seeing as how it's pretty simple to do now. For people like me... Computer Science Majors... I love learning this context and don't mind the research, but not everyone is exactly like me or you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think everybody should know what he is doing before he´s trying to do it.
They have to know at least about the things that can happen.
In the last weaks dozens of users had bricked their phone´s by not reading, if there wasn´t the goldcard.
I don´t like the idea of people that come to this Forum, get everything served on silver plates and leave again without giving something back to the community.
I developed nothing by myself but at least i read the threads, try to help others when i can with answers or testing their work and give feedback.
There are countless threads and user´s that proof my point.
Zaknafein21 said:
I think everybody should know what he is doing before he´s trying to do it.
They have to know at least about the things that can happen.
In the last weaks dozens of users had bricked their phone´s by not reading, if there wasn´t the goldcard.
I don´t like the idea of people that come to this Forum, get everything served on silver plates and leave again without giving something back to the community.
I developed nothing by myself but at least i read the threads, try to help others when i can with answers or testing their work and give feedback.
There are countless threads and user´s that proof my point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course they should know what could happen. But it doesn't take a whole lot of threads to tell you the risks, it takes a paragraph, maybe two at most. Just read the back of a bottle of sleeping pills. There are more risks to taking those and yet they fit them in the space the size of an inch, maybe an inch and a half. And if things were organized, it would be like, "If these happen, see this thread." and there's a thread full of problems and solutions. And at the bottom, "If you cannot find your problem, try Searching. Recommend using Google XDA search, because normal XDA search sucks balls."
I have seen the posts of people who have bricked their phone. Although, in my opinion, this can be as much to blame as them not reading, as the material is not easily presented. It also doesn't help that organization has ceased to exist...
My idea was not to hand everything on a silver platter, either way, you have to read something or else you'll screw up... My idea is to take the information already available, revise it, update it, and make it easily available. Rather than hidden on page 2, 3, 4, 5. I'm thinking since there are no mods available to come Sticky some of these really important things on pages 2, 3, 4, and 5... I might just bump them all.
To me, all of this is far from being handed on a silver platter... But perhaps if you are unhappy with gratuity, just don't do anything at all here, instead of expecting more... Leave it to the people who are happy with and feel good about receiving thanks. It reminds me of some guy calling to get support and all he is is directed to an automated service, sometimes you just WANT to hear a human voice for once in your miserable support seeking life...
apreichner said:
Of course they should know what could happen. But it doesn't take a whole lot of threads to tell you the risks, it takes a paragraph, maybe two at most. Just read the back of a bottle of sleeping pills. There are more risks to taking those and yet they fit them in the space the size of an inch, maybe an inch and a half. And if things were organized, it would be like, "If these happen, see this thread." and there's a thread full of problems and solutions. And at the bottom, "If you cannot find your problem, try Searching. Recommend using Google XDA search, because normal XDA search sucks balls."
I have seen the posts of people who have bricked their phone. Although, in my opinion, this can be as much to blame as them not reading, as the material is not easily presented. It also doesn't help that organization has ceased to exist...
My idea was not to hand everything on a silver platter, either way, you have to read something or else you'll screw up... My idea is to take the information already available, revise it, update it, and make it easily available. Rather than hidden on page 2, 3, 4, 5. I'm thinking since there are no mods available to come Sticky some of these really important things on pages 2, 3, 4, and 5... I might just bump them all.
To me, all of this is far from being handed on a silver platter... But perhaps if you are unhappy with gratuity, just don't do anything at all here, instead of expecting more... Leave it to the people who are happy with and feel good about receiving thanks. It reminds me of some guy calling to get support and all he is is directed to an automated service, sometimes you just WANT to hear a human voice for once in your miserable support seeking life...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that most new users expect the busy people who already create everything to put together something that would take hundred of man hours for them. Someone has to do it, but unfortunately, I'm too busy to do it. Someone has to step up to the plate of becoming the researcher and write up some nice walkthroughs, properly formatted. I tried doing that for a while, but people ignored those posts and still spammed the forums with the same questions over and over. If we can get some good walkthroughs and a general (here's the links for everything), I'm sure we can get it stickied... but again, it's the responsibility of the new person to read the sticky. Although a lot of new people won't read them, at the very least, it will help those who WANT to try to search. ^_^
ivanmmj said:
The problem is that most new users expect the busy people who already create everything to put together something that would take hundred of man hours for them. Someone has to do it, but unfortunately, I'm too busy to do it. Someone has to step up to the plate of becoming the researcher and write up some nice walkthroughs, properly formatted. I tried doing that for a while, but people ignored those posts and still spammed the forums with the same questions over and over. If we can get some good walkthroughs and a general (here's the links for everything), I'm sure we can get it stickied... but again, it's the responsibility of the new person to read the sticky. Although a lot of new people won't read them, at the very least, it will help those who WANT to try to search. ^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point exactly. Thank you Ivan.
apreichner said:
To me, all of this is far from being handed on a silver platter... But perhaps if you are unhappy with gratuity, just don't do anything at all here, instead of expecting more... Leave it to the people who are happy with and feel good about receiving thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That´s not what i was trying to say!
I try to help and would help to start the walkthrough threads but i don´t think this would help. The Stickys allready there aren´t bad especially this sticky
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=369397
I am not frustrated about the done work, i am frustrated about lazy users.
If my point wasn´t clear i think i have to blame my limitited english.
ivanmmj said:
The problem is that most new users expect the busy people who already create everything to put together something that would take hundred of man hours for them. Someone has to do it, but unfortunately, I'm too busy to do it. Someone has to step up to the plate of becoming the researcher and write up some nice walkthroughs, properly formatted. I tried doing that for a while, but people ignored those posts and still spammed the forums with the same questions over and over. If we can get some good walkthroughs and a general (here's the links for everything), I'm sure we can get it stickied... but again, it's the responsibility of the new person to read the sticky. Although a lot of new people won't read them, at the very least, it will help those who WANT to try to search. ^_^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree.

Lurked for a while....ready to jump in..

Hi. New here.
I don't know if it makes any sense but it's kind of intimidating making a first post on this site. Not because of any of the members but because of the knowledge gap between you and me. Usually when I join a forum I know at least something of the topic.
I have had 2 HTC Hero cdma for about 2 months since switching from HTC Pure.
I was comfortable with installing the leaked 2.1 but that is as far as I've had the courage/comfort level to go.
I could use some info. Links would be fine.
I have used the wiki but possibly don't know where to look.
1. Choosing a rom for dummies. Lots of choices. Don't understand the spec sheets posted. Once I'm used to this it will be easy swapping around but whats a good place to start?
2. Nandroid for dummies. The official release thread seems written for slightly more experienced users. Is there a less technical guide?
Anyway, thanks for having me.
Welcome to forums
Have a deep read on your devices section before doing anything!
Read, Search, Respect and Enjoy!
First, let me welcome you to XDA. There are many users below your knowledge level, and many users on your knowledge level, and many users above your knowledge level. You won't have any problems fitting in. To ensure more comfort, take time a read through some users first posts. You'll see many people didn't have a clue what they were talking about when they first started (including me) but quickly learned and grew.
1. Asking for a suggestion of a ROM is like asking for a suggestion of a food. You might ask me my favorite plate and I tell you steak, but what's to say you even like steak? Or you aren't a vegetarian? ROMs boil down to your personal preference. Try some out! Try them all out! You'll soon find a ROM you enjoy and like above all the others. If you like two - there are many tools that allow you to quickly change between two.
2. Nandroid is simple! If Hero works anything like a G1/myTouch, and I'm sure it does, it's a simple once click procedure. You go into your recovery image, click Nandroid backup, and you're done! If you want to restore, you do the same thing except click Nandroid restore! It is point blank that simple. Remember, a nandroid backup saves your phone's entire state as is. Excluding the SPL, RADIO, and recovery image. All your apps, data, text messages, EVERYTHING is saved and able to be restored in a matter of MINUTES!
As the member above me posted, READ! DO NOT SKIP ANY PART OF THE POST! Skipping even a single sentence can be the difference between a working and non-working phone. Read the thread and see how things went for other people. You might see the perfect ROM only to read and find out it doesn't even work. Then you won't have wasted your time flashing to only figure this out for yourself. I understand there are many technical terms, but it's good to go ahead and learn them because chances are you'll see them again and again.
Search for any questions. Some people think that it might actually be quicker to post their question and wait for a reply. Well, as you see, this is a forum! NOT A CHAT ROOM! People aren't going to be looking at your thread the second you post it. People may look, but never reply. Chances are you'll find your answer faster by searching and learn better. Remember, the art behind searching is using the correct wording. I'm sure you can search, though. However, failing to search can constantly result in getting flamed (personally attacked) for being too lazy. Remember, we are a community, not a crowd. We're here to help each other and improve our devices. Without working together, many things you find and enjoy here probably would have never came to be.
And if the rest of the forum is like the G1 thread, get ready for smart-ass plain out rude people. Remember it's the internet, though. Don't let insults get to you.
Again, welcome!
Welcome to XDA. Read, Research, and Happy Flashing

Root, Rom mod, what next?

As a new Android user who is very familiar with the command line and with Linux/Unix environments, I still feel extremely overwhelmed with the amount of 'fixes' and 'root' hacks going around.
I've played with linux for 100's of hours and have broken the install and fixed it...
But this is a phone that bricks, not a computer. I don't like playing "oh I'll just try this and see what happens" with my $400 phone.
Plus I honestly can't determine which one is best for me.
I started this thread so that someone could assist me in creating a guide for what you want to do and what is best to do it.
For example, I want to upgrade to Froyo when it releases.
In the mean time I want to install a lag-fix/ custom rom.
mymansionisabox said:
As a new Android user who is very familiar with the command line and with Linux/Unix environments, I still feel extremely overwhelmed with the amount of 'fixes' and 'root' hacks going around.
I've played with linux for 100's of hours and have broken the install and fixed it...
But this is a phone that bricks, not a computer. I don't like playing "oh I'll just try this and see what happens" with my $400 phone.
Plus I honestly can't determine which one is best for me.
I started this thread so that someone could assist me in creating a guide for what you want to do and what is best to do it.
For example, I want to upgrade to Froyo when it releases.
In the mean time I want to install a lag-fix/ custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do people not know how to read stickies? there are guides and how-to's in this section alone. There are more in the development section. If you don't know how to search a forum, I'm not entirely sure you should be messing with your phone's firmware.
Kaik541 said:
Do people not know how to read stickies? there are guides and how-to's in this section alone. There are more in the development section. If you don't know how to search a forum, I'm not entirely sure you should be messing with your phone's firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually have read all of the stickies.
Im not asking 'how-to' do anything.
What I am saying is that this forum has an absolute overload of 'information' and 'solutions'
There should be a more concise sticky discussing the advantages/disadvantages of each rom/lag fix/flash/recovery/etc. (Or at least about the ones anyone cares about)
If this exists, I sure as hell don't see it.
mymansionisabox said:
I actually have read all of the stickies.
Im not asking 'how-to' do anything.
What I am saying is that this forum has an absolute overload of 'information' and 'solutions'
There should be a more concise sticky discussing the advantages/disadvantages of each rom/lag fix/flash/recovery/etc. (Or at least about the ones anyone cares about)
If this exists, I sure as hell don't see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're in a wrong forum if you want someone to give you any kind of "distilled", spoon-fed info just because you're afraid to mess with your "$400" phone.
Again, to second the other reply, all the info is posted. Just RTFW/S.
mymansionisabox said:
I actually have read all of the stickies.
Im not asking 'how-to' do anything.
What I am saying is that this forum has an absolute overload of 'information' and 'solutions'
There should be a more concise sticky discussing the advantages/disadvantages of each rom/lag fix/flash/recovery/etc. (Or at least about the ones anyone cares about)
If this exists, I sure as hell don't see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are tons of guides and they're all condensed. I have to agree with the other poster, if you aren't going to take the time to read and learn what you're doing, don't do it. each sticky offering to help you through all of these processes are there for a reason.
There's the "Pimp My Captivate" thread which is exactly what you say you want. And there have been comparisons of each lagfix by Zilch25, clockwork recovery by Koush is clearly explained in his thread, each ROM is discussed in their own thread.
Ironically, you're asking for a sticky so as to have less stickies. Finding out which ROM you want to use is up to you and if you're not going to take the time to figure out what each tool offers or what each base ROM means, then maybe flashing your phone is something you should steer clear of for now.
If you're afraid of bricking it, just do a Nandroid backup. If something goes wrong, then you can just flash back and it'll be A-OK. If you seriously brick your phone and it's 100% messed up, it's probably because you tried to mess it up.
Hydrocharged said:
If you're afraid of bricking it, just do a Nandroid backup. If something goes wrong, then you can just flash back and it'll be A-OK. If you seriously brick your phone and it's 100% messed up, it's probably because you tried to mess it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even guys that intentionally tried to brick their phone can't do it. I don't have much to say as it already has. Just take the time to read. There is a condensed version of what you can do to your phone, the pimp my captivate. Otherwise there are many different ways of rooting, lax fixes, firmwares to flash etc...so there is not one thing that you can do that will make your decision easier.
flashman2002 said:
Even guys that intentionally tried to brick their phone can't do it. I don't have much to say as it already has. Just take the time to read. There is a condensed version of what you can do to your phone, the pimp my captivate. Otherwise there are many different ways of rooting, lax fixes, firmwares to flash etc...so there is not one thing that you can do that will make your decision easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't say that. there have been several confirmed bricks from i9000's using the i897 one-click downloader. While there is no immediate, known, for-certain brick method for your phones... you never know who or what may be the first... always read as much as you can in the threads before you attempt to do anything
As someone who was new to the Captivate scene, but not XDA, just two weeks ago the best advice I can give you is start with the "Pimp my Captivate" PDF file. Read through that and then move forward to other stuff like flashing new firmware and using odin. Trust me you will catch on. I am no move on to working on friends phones for them without any worry of breaking (bricking) them.
Just read, read, read, and sometime read some more. If you have a question about a certain hack, fix, firmware...ect then just ask that question in that thread. Trust me there will be very useful helpful people to answer your questions.
I did what is probably the easiest method. I used unleash the beast and then one click lag fix. That's it and my phone is amazing now. I plan on sitting tight until froyo comes out and whatever the top rom happens to be.
I do appreciate everyone's answers.
Despite that, I really don't understand this particular forum's aversion of being more organized and concise. (imo)
I don't think any of you who told me to read actually understood my intentions of making this post since,although I didn't state it, I have already flashed mods to my Captivate and I have modded my previous phones.
I'm new to XDA so maybe this site is far more trustworthy than where I've been.
I'll check it out and read at least the last 10 pages of each thing that I install.
Thanks though.
Mod please close this thread.
mymansionisabox said:
I do appreciate everyone's answers.
Despite that, I really don't understand this particular forum's aversion of being more organized and concise. (imo)
I don't think any of you who told me to read actually understood my intentions of making this post since,although I didn't state it, I have already flashed mods to my Captivate and I have modded my previous phones.
I'm new to XDA so maybe this site is far more trustworthy than where I've been.
I'll check it out and read at least the last 10 pages of each thing that I install.
Thanks though.
Mod please close this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we have nothing against being "organized," I just believe your definition of organization is far too complex. You want all the ROMs compared side by side, followed by the tools, and the rooting methods, and the lagfixes and to know which is "best."
Each thing is kept separate from the other because there would be an absolute and definite overload of information in each thread. Look at SRE (a fine example of how to do it properly), he details the result for the end-user and then provides links to where each part of what he did came from. The development section provides a thread on reverting to stock and just that because it should focus on that, rooting can be left for a thread on rooting. SRE shouldn't be tossed into a thread with UTB because they provide different effects.
If you were to compile everything into one big mega-thread, questions would never be answered because there would be far too much crossover. The Pimp My Captivate thread is as good as it gets in that regard, they provide optimizations and suggestions and where to find more information, which is good enough.
I understand.
After this post I am done though, because I'm getting no where with this.
Check out the web page below, this is really what I meant. I can't post links so just close the gap between http:// and ga..
http:// gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/12/17/osx-netbook-compatib.html
I belong to several forums that had been attempting to put mac osx on netbooks and on one of them a chart of compatibility was compiled, which is similar to what I was suggesting we needed.
Ignore the comments below the chart; that would be unnecessary.
All I was proposing to do was have a locked/stickied thread that only a moderator could change up as new changes/improvements occurred.
Each root/lagfix/rom would have a href connected to their actual thread.
So there would be no need to have comments/ questions asked on that particular page. ****.. it could just be a damn wiki page, but I digress..
If no one thinks that would be beneficial to the community, that is fine.
I don't care, I can easily figure it out myself.
Mod, please close thread.

[REF] New to XDA? Questions about flashing ROMs? Please read this before posting!

Lately I have seen so many "what rom is best for my first flash" or "Help me decide what rom is best for me" threads and they are POINTLESS! Granted there are an abundance of new and old custom roms, everyone has different experiences and opinions on what rom is best.
So... NOOBS:
If you want to know what rom is best for YOU do the following:
- Go to the Android Development Section and read through different [ROM] threads to see what features will work best for you. I have also found it useful to read through the last couple of pages to see what other users think about the current version of the rom.
- If you don't know what certain terms in the rom thread mean or affect (ie. kernel, modem, OC/UV, Gps tweaks) locate the search bar in the top right corner of the page or browse through this page
- Once you have decided what rom you want to try out, you need to learn how to flash the rom. Most of the Developers post instructions but they can be confusing to some of the less experienced flashers. nbs11 has posted a thread about how to do this here and Connexion2005 was nice enough to make videos of the general steps: Flashing back to stock using odin3 , 3 Part video series for flashing roms: video 1 , video 2 , video 3
- Now that you know how to choose and flash a rom just try out different roms until you find one that you like and gives you all the features you are looking for.
- If you find the theme of a certain rom ugly or obnoxious, head over to the Captivate themes and apps section and look through different [THEME] threads until you find one that you like. Make sure the theme is compatible with the rom you have just flashed or are planning to flash.
- If you accidentally brick your phone, read How to unbrick the captivate or if that doesn't work, Unbrick the captivate for only $0.99
-Some useful links other members have posted:
One-Click Root - root your captivate in one click!
Build #1010 or above flash back to stock
My hopes of this thread are to save the Captivate general section from becoming a section full of useless threads. So if you are new, please use these steps and do the research to find a Rom that is right for YOU!
Cheers,
Alex
Thanks, + 1 sticky
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
I second that sticky request please. Great piece of work!
Eh....Ii think a lot of us are guilty of expecting too much from "noobs." I remember being new and told to scour hundreds of pages of indecipherable text. Yeah right. I just want to flash my phone! Obviously not everyone does it. I hate to say it, but the forums are not very noob friendly. I recently tried suggesting an idea about organization of themes.....but no one even replied to my idea. Last I checked (correct me if I'm wrong) but the wiki is just a link to the sub forums. Someone tried to organize Rom features....but I don't think it hasn't been updated in a while. But I haven't checked
I would still like to create an easy to browse page full of apk's. Maybe I can find some time and a place to upload.....
Sent from my pocket.
swedishcancerboi said:
Eh....Ii think a lot of us are guilty of expecting too much from "noobs." I remember being new and told to scour hundreds of pages of indecipherable text. Yeah right. I just want to flash my phone! Obviously not everyone does it. I hate to say it, but the forums are not very noob friendly. I recently tried suggesting an idea about organization of themes.....but no one even replied to my idea. Last I checked (correct me if I'm wrong) but the wiki is just a link to the sub forums. Someone tried to organize Rom features....but I don't think it hasn't been updated in a while. But I haven't checked
I would still like to create an easy to browse page full of apk's. Maybe I can find some time and a place to upload.....
Sent from my pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure we might expect too much, but I think we should at least give them some guidance to flashing new roms. Since there is so much information out there it can be quite overwhelming to newcomers, which is why I tried to summarize and compile the best information I know of here.
I think your ideas of compiling themes into a one stop shop would be awesome if you kept it updated. I personally would just start a new thread and divide it into the most popular Roms out at the time, and paste links to whichever ones worked for that rom under the heading.
Gave you a 'thanks' and, AMEN!
Stickied, thanks for your contribution
very good useful information
Would the Cognition instructions work for other roms as well? For example, Phoenix 3.5?
PhnXFire said:
Would the Cognition instructions work for other roms as well? For example, Phoenix 3.5?
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Click to collapse
To be honest, I have never flashed cog so I am not sure. But here is what I ALWAYS do, and everything works out for the different roms i have flashed.
1. Backup Apps and App data with TiBackup (not system data!!!)
2. Put phone in download mode
3. Open odin3 on computer
4. Plug phone in to computer, wait for odin to say "added"
5. Press start and wait to see if a blue line starts to apear on the phone
6. If the blue line appears wait for odin to finish, if it does not unplug the phone and hope it has not bricked. See the bottom of the OP if your phone is bricked.
7. Once rebooted, use one click root to root phone
8. Open droid explorer and move the CWM update.zip (see attachment to this post) to your phone as well as the rom you are flashing
9. Boot into recovery and "reinstall packages" usually twice until you get into CWM recovery
10. navigate to install zip from sd > choose zip from sd > (rom zip) > yes
11. once done click go back > reboot phone
12. If it asks you to convert data and partition click the first choice, something like convert all data and files, wait for it to finish
13. enjoi!
*NOTE* this assumes you have the correct drivers installed on your computer and that you have tested to make sure they work. I am not responsible if you follow these instructions and fubar your phone.
Does this work for Canadian ROGERS devices?
PhnXFire said:
Does this work for Canadian ROGERS devices?
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I am not Canadian and haven't used a Canadian device, so I would not be able to tell you. Sorry.
It is what it is
I'm a bit torn by the thread topic, but I do understand. What lead me to this thread was the realization that I was prohibited from submitting a post on the Android Dev forum. It would have been my first post, as I had been testing and writing down the results of my experiences with flashing ROMs that are currently offered. After doing some reading, I found that a minimum of 9 posts were required before posting priviledges available for the dev forum. A little disappointed, but I could deal with that...until I read the opening of this thread. On one hand, I understand that every post has its place and in order for a forum to run smoothly, respect and etiquette is paramount. However, the tone of the post had a kinda, "don't interfere in grown folk business" feel to it; a noob-tolerance, but "stay in your place-ness" IMHO. We were all noobs at some point. Perhaps it's a little easier for some to remember than others. Like I said, I understand. Both sides (Moderators and noobs) have to put themselves in each others shoes to make it work.
ZioNicR said:
A little disappointed, but I could deal with that...until I read the opening of this thread. On one hand, I understand that every post has its place and in order for a forum to run smoothly, respect and etiquette is paramount. However, the tone of the post had a kinda, "don't interfere in grown folk business" feel to it; a noob-tolerance, but "stay in your place-ness" IMHO. We were all noobs at some point. Perhaps it's a little easier for some to remember than others. Like I said, I understand. Both sides (Moderators and noobs) have to put themselves in each others shoes to make it work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is not discouraging noobs from posting or being a part of the forum, in fact following the guide will do the opposite by getting them involved in rom discussions with other members.
I am encouraging noobs to try things for themselves instead of relying on what other people claim to be the "best rom" for them. This was not meant to be an "elitist thread" simply because I haven't even been here that long, just trying to de-clutter the captivate general forum.
I have to throw a wrench into this system.....sorry....there seems to be a lot of complaints about posts in the wrong area. This happens A LOT. I have to take the"noob" side for a minute. Maybe instead of everyone jumping on new members, we find a better way to organize the information. Searching sucks, admit it. I know what I am looking for so I should be able to drill down through the forums to find it. I tried searching for a specific email.apk and gave up after 10 minutes of flipping through posts. There are all walks of people in the development forums. After all, that is where the good stuff is kept. So of course questions are going to be raised there. You are never going to win the war against new members not knowing the culture of this forum. Instead, let's start getting some ideas together on how we can make it more user friendly for everyone.
Sent from my pocket.
swedishcancerboi said:
I have to throw a wrench into this system.....sorry....there seems to be a lot of complaints about posts in the wrong area. This happens A LOT. I have to take the"noob" side for a minute. Maybe instead of everyone jumping on new members, we find a better way to organize the information. Searching sucks, admit it. I know what I am looking for so I should be able to drill down through the forums to find it. I tried searching for a specific email.apk and gave up after 10 minutes of flipping through posts. There are all walks of people in the development forums. After all, that is where the good stuff is kept. So of course questions are going to be raised there. You are never going to win the war against new members not knowing the culture of this forum. Instead, let's start getting some ideas together on how we can make it more user friendly for everyone.
Sent from my pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I have to ask, did you even read this thread?
The sole purpose of this thread was to guide new users to flashing new roms, that way they would stop making new threads in the captivate general section asking other users which rom is best.
No where did I mention anything about the development section or new members posting in the wrong section.
If you can't find things with search then try altering your search methods, ie change the "sort results by" drop down box to Relevancy. Often times I just do a google search of "xda (whatever i am looking for)" without the quotes and find what I am looking for in a matter of seconds or minutes.
If you feel like the forum is unorganized, do something about it like I did, don't just sit on your ass. Start a thread with all of the relevant .apk's you think need to be compiled while allowing other users to contribute or don't complain.
I did, but it sounds like many threads I've read in the past over and over again. I could have swore I've read this topic several times here, but perhaps I am mistaken. I follow several forums here at XDA and it is extremely possible my frustrations lie from reading this topic in multiple locations, not just within the Captivate section.
After searching around, I realize that there are not as many threads like this within the Captivate section as I had thought. My apologies for coming off wrong; however,
I do feel like some of the repositories here are disorganized, and have even tried mentioning it, but my thread got absolutely NO response, and it was in what I thought would be the correct section (asking about a list of apks in the Themes and Apps Section). Ah, oh well. Guess my fuse has been a little short recently. I wish I had more free time than just the 15 minutes here and there. I REALLY want to work on sorting the WiKi, but I'm married, so I've ALWAYS got other things to do.
Now that I feel I've completely torn the thread off topic, I'm going back to work
ademarne said:
This thread is not discouraging noobs from posting or being a part of the forum, in fact following the guide will do the opposite by getting them involved in rom discussions with other members.
I am encouraging noobs to try things for themselves instead of relying on what other people claim to be the "best rom" for them. This was not meant to be an "elitist thread" simply because I haven't even been here that long, just trying to de-clutter the captivate general forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Didn't mean to be overly critical of the thread. Simply wanted to express how both sides of the argument can be seen as valid and relevant. I've seen harsh criticisms from seasoned contributors as well as inconsiderate inquiries from new posters that indicate no effort to find an answer prior to posting. No offense intented and thanks for your contribution to the community.
Maybe you can change the thread topic to sound a little less hostile towards new members. New xda users read this first or New posters or anything but "n00bs"
upNsmokeAllDay said:
Maybe you can change the thread topic to sound a little less hostile towards new members. New xda users read this first or New posters or anything but "n00bs"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edited title.

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