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I successfully flashed a custom Froyo ROM on my MyTouch 3g and was quite happy. I did it by following step by step instructions, and while it worked, I didn't understand what I was doing. Now I have a Galaxy S 4g and plan on flashing Gingerbread, but before I do, I would like to understand the process.
I don't want anything specific like instructions on a particular device and ROM, just a general idea of the process, like "Flashing ROMs for Dummies". Then I can come back and re-read some of the threads and know what the posters are talking about.
Question: Where can I find a general tutorial on the process of flashing ROMs to Android devices? I'm an IT consultant so I have a fairly high tolerance for tech-speak. Thanks.
I'll be waiting for the answer to this one too.
It usually works like this:
We root our device to have full access with all priviledges and be allowed to i.e. exchange the kernel.
Now we exchange the kernel against one with an advanced recovery mode (i.e. clockwork mod recovery from cyanogenmod), it allows you to flash unsigned (not official signature) ROM files.
From the new recovery we install a ROM of our choice which can also replace the kernel again.
The recovery mode basicly executes a small script, contained in the ROM file, that copies all the files to the correct location, sets up the partitions and wipes previous data on occasion.
The other possibility would be to use a flash program like odin/heimdall and have your computer setup and write a new firmware onto the device unlike the first method where the device does the setup work.
This is a very broad explanation, i have only flashed an sgs2 and sgs1 so far, so there might be small or huge differences between devices.
Maybe you could ask a more specific question about a particular step if things are not clear.
I'm not 100% sure, if i missunderstood something myself, someone please correct me .
Thanks, Dark3n. That was a very good explanation, in layman's terms, of the process. What I am looking for is one place to learn about what is happening technically; not a developers guide but something sufficient for me to understand.
For example, I've seen threads where someone had a problem with a ROM because they didn't have the right bootloader. What is the significance of bootloaders in changing ROMs? How does the backup/recovery process work? What is the Dalvik cache and why clear it? What is Dalvik?
I found the answer to these questions by Googling them one at a time. I was just wondering if there was one place to go that covers the entire process.
I know that most of the members here are very well informed and get tired of the same questions over and over. If this is the wrong place to ask, let me know and maybe point me in the right direction. Thanks.
lewis750 said:
Thanks, Dark3n. That was a very good explanation, in layman's terms, of the process. What I am looking for is one place to learn about what is happening technically; not a developers guide but something sufficient for me to understand.
For example, I've seen threads where someone had a problem with a ROM because they didn't have the right bootloader. What is the significance of bootloaders in changing ROMs? How does the backup/recovery process work? What is the Dalvik cache and why clear it? What is Dalvik?
I found the answer to these questions by Googling them one at a time. I was just wondering if there was one place to go that covers the entire process.
I know that most of the members here are very well informed and get tired of the same questions over and over. If this is the wrong place to ask, let me know and maybe point me in the right direction. Thanks.
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I don't think there is such a place. But you could help out others and create a wiki page on the topic.
We have a slightly underused xda wiki
I wanted to write it down many times, but I don't have right time to do this.
The reason why I want to write it down, because I'm a newbie, and I know what a newbie would feel when he/she wants help but no one will help or they can't help.
Because of the stunning performance from few videoes of 4.0, I wanted to flash a 4.0 rom always, but I'm afraid to briket it, and finally I started to log in forums and check someone else how to do it.
I added many people, and only one answered me, and patiently helped me to do this, do that, but failed, though, I still thank him a lot.
My steps are simple, I won't define words, explain them, and I won't write down the exact process, because there are so many posters about it.
1. HTCdev, very important, everything is invisible without this step.
2. after this, you can use ADB to flash superuser and RE, or use a tool called pioneer, which is in Chinese, just need you to press anykey of your keyboard after you unzip it, and click (执行(means execut))boot.bat, and it's done
3. Flash recovery, I flash 4ext touch version, and it's quite good.
download PG881IMG.ZIP, and babababa....
My situation was like that: do not connect computer during flash 4ext, or it won't react.
4. flash rom, and after flash rom, return to bootloader, to flash boot.img(still many poster say this), and connect to computer, flash boot.img
And after that, everything's done.
May it help.
Welcome
Nandylee said:
I wanted to write it down many times, but I don't have right time to do this.
The reason why I want to write it down, because I'm a newbie, and I know what a newbie would feel when he/she wants help but no one will help or they can't help.
Because of the stunning performance from few videoes of 4.0, I wanted to flash a 4.0 rom always, but I'm afraid to briket it, and finally I started to log in forums and check someone else how to do it.
I added many people, and only one answered me, and patiently helped me to do this, do that, but failed, though, I still thank him a lot.
My steps are simple, I won't define words, explain them, and I won't write down the exact process, because there are so many posters about it.
1. HTCdev, very important, everything is invisible without this step.
2. after this, you can use ADB to flash superuser and RE, or use a tool called pioneer, which is in Chinese, just need you to press anykey of your keyboard after you unzip it, and click (执行(means execut))boot.bat, and it's done
3. Flash recovery, I flash 4ext touch version, and it's quite good.
download PG881IMG.ZIP, and babababa....
My situation was like that: do not connect computer during flash 4ext, or it won't react.
4. flash rom, and after flash rom, return to bootloader, to flash boot.img(still many poster say this), and connect to computer, flash boot.img
And after that, everything's done.
May it help.
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Hello, please don't take this personally...(you're input is appreciated)
If by adding people you mean, adding users as friends and then private messaging them, then I don't find it surprising that you didn't get many answers.
This is an open forum and it's power is that all users are able to put input into finding solutions and assisting each other as a group not as individuals.
Even though PM's have a use in efficient communication within the forum, they are not recommended for new starters with problems, that's what the Q/A section is for.
If you have an issue or a question simply post a new thread describing it, although hopefully use the search function first to see if it has been asked before, as 90% of questions have been!
Although a little reading of the available guides and Google'ing goes a long way!
adding issue
ben_pyett said:
Hello, please don't take this personally...(you're input is appreciated)
If by adding people you mean, adding users as friends and then private messaging them, then I don't find it surprising that you didn't get many answers.
This is an open forum and it's power is that all users are able to put input into finding solutions and assisting each other as a group not as individuals.
Even though PM's have a use in efficient communication within the forum, they are not recommended for new starters with problems, that's what the Q/A section is for.
If you have an issue or a question simply post a new thread describing it, although hopefully use the search function first to see if it has been asked before, as 90% of questions have been!
Although a little reading of the available guides and Google'ing goes a long way!
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hey, dude,. what I mean adding people, is to use QQ, do you know this app?
@Nandylee
You were lost when you started and after a while it made sense to you, your guide will still just confuse people cause they won't understand it. To someone who understands they can see where its going but its flawed, to a noob its no help. Sorry.
Nandylee said:
hey, dude,. what I mean adding people, is to use QQ, do you know this app?
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Click to collapse
I didn't know that app, but I do now, although I still stand by what I said regarding one to one communication, it's always better to ask everyone through the forum, that's what gives it its power and then the answers are made available for others to read.
foX2delta said:
@Nandylee
You were lost when you started and after a while it made sense to you, your guide will still just confuse people cause they won't understand it. To someone who understands they can see where its going but its flawed, to a noob its no help. Sorry.
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+1 Totally agree, the beginners need to be spoon feed with idiot proof guides, which is in no way meant as a knock, we were all there once, fortunately we're in one of the nicer forums....
Idiotproof guide in 1 2 3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525100
Its 2 threads above yours, and very well written. But, i would still recommend to S-off your phone, because of warranty and easy flashing (rom manager)
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA
First off love the N00b video at sign up that was hysterical, nice work to whoever made it.
Ok on to what I need to know:
I understand HOW TO root/flash a rom, my issue is kind of different than most peoples. I have scoured the web and this site for the files I need to accomplish this with my GT-P3113 build ending in LG5 however I am confused to hell.
1 place will say that CWM 6.0.1 is not usable on my device, another will say that it works fine and another will say to use TWRP (which might I add looks cool to use). Some will say that I need the expresso_wifi file to root my device, others will say use update.zip, and others will say a totally different file all together.
I know what ROM to get, I understand the steps:
Download drivers
Boot to download
use odin to install CWM
back up everything with CWM (which goes to the MicroSD I am guessing? since I wipe the device in a later step)
wipe the device
wipe the cache
wipe the Dalvik cache
flash the rom
flash the root
is all that correct? (just to make sure I got it right) so my biggest question is, which files do I really use? There is a thread from back in June before the 4.0.4 update OTA came through) saying to use instead of that if you have LG3 or etc.
Help would be greatly appreciated, I am a smart guy, just want to have my facts straight before I make this happen.
PS sorry if this is in the wrong place, figured this was the best place for it.
Please be sure and thank the person who decides to do your homework for you.
:laugh:
FlynnErik said:
First off love the N00b video at sign up that was hysterical, nice work to whoever made it.
Ok on to what I need to know:
I understand HOW TO root/flash a rom, my issue is kind of different than most peoples. I have scoured the web and this site for the files I need to accomplish this with my GT-P3113 build ending in LG5 however I am confused to hell.
1 place will say that CWM 6.0.1 is not usable on my device, another will say that it works fine and another will say to use TWRP (which might I add looks cool to use). Some will say that I need the expresso_wifi file to root my device, others will say use update.zip, and others will say a totally different file all together.
I know what ROM to get, I understand the steps:
Download drivers
Boot to download
use odin to install CWM
back up everything with CWM (which goes to the MicroSD I am guessing? since I wipe the device in a later step)
wipe the device
wipe the cache
wipe the Dalvik cache
flash the rom
flash the root
is all that correct? (just to make sure I got it right) so my biggest question is, which files do I really use? There is a thread from back in June before the 4.0.4 update OTA came through) saying to use instead of that if you have LG3 or etc.
Help would be greatly appreciated, I am a smart guy, just want to have my facts straight before I make this happen.
PS sorry if this is in the wrong place, figured this was the best place for it.
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Click to collapse
From someone relatively new to this as well, this is basically correct. Here are some tips from someone who has recently done it.
Make a backup.
Research the files you intend to flash, make sure they are right for your device
Verify the guide you are using has been tested and known to work.
This may seem elementary, but I didn't follow #3 and it cost me a lot of headache un-bricking my SGT 2.
ryphil said:
From someone relatively new to this as well, this is basically correct. Here are some tips from someone who has recently done it.
Make a backup.
Research the files you intend to flash, make sure they are right for your device
Verify the guide you are using has been tested and known to work.
This may seem elementary, but I didn't follow #3 and it cost me a lot of headache un-bricking my SGT 2.
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Click to collapse
Fully agreed! That's why I came to the experts. I have done my homework but the thing is my homework leads me to several different files from before the ICS update. There has only been 1 thread on 1 forum that has been post ICS update, and no real feedback on it. I think I even found one that uses ADB (I understand that concept, but would prefer not to use it since I don't know Linux well enough).
I would love to know what files to use, which ones to stay away from. As I said I have the concepts, I have the understanding, its the actual files that I want to verify, I can rattle off tons of files from tons of sites, but they may or may not be correct (and may have the same name as a correct one but still be incorrect, ie "update.zip" appears a few times on different threads from different time frames).
There is only post in the teamhacksung CM10 wiki that was last edited 8/12/2012, but that could have been anything that was updated, not the files/links to be used.
So I thank you in advance for your help, and you will certainly get a thank you in the forum for help you are providing, I always give credit where credit is due.
Well here goes nothing, going to reboot (to ensure the Kies drivers are installed and loaded into the system 100%), and try the instructions from this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1788625
It seems to work for most, the only concern I have is that I have a different end to the build than most others do (and I am not sure why?)
Did I screw myself?
I rooted, and have CWM installed.
Is it to late to create a ROM backup of my device for when i go to install CM10 (I need a drink for now, so I might install it tomorrow night lol).
That link I posted in the last post is good to go if anyone else needs a safe bet set of directions.
Seriously though, I didn't do a backup, am I screwed now?
EDIT: I just did a back up and it said no sdcard/.android secure found, skipping of backup of apps
and
no sd-ext found skipping backup of that.
is that normal? Did it backup to my microSD?
Still hope I didn't screw myself by backing it up after rooting.
Okay,
I'm hoping that I'm posting this in the right place, since I'm new here, but here it goes.
I was wondering how to tell if I am able to use a rom. I know the obvious that it has to be for my phone, but what other important things (such as firmware) should I look at to make sure a rom is right for my phone. If there's a thread on this already, or if this is the wrong section please just point me in the right direction.
If the ROM is made for your phone, then it will work completely. If it was made for a phone in the same family of devices as yours, it may work fully or partially. For example, I have the LG P505. I can use any ROM made for the P505. I can use any ROM made for the P500 (which opens the doors to dozens of choices, from only a handful), but the screen driver is wrong, so the colors are messed up, and once the screen goes black, it doesn't come back (lol). To solve it, I have to flash a kernel made specifically for my phone (P505) after flashing the ROM.
If you have a flashable kernel .zip for your phone, you can use any ROM made for the whole family of devices of which your phone is a part.
Vinny Bacon said:
Okay,
I'm hoping that I'm posting this in the right place, since I'm new here, but here it goes.
I was wondering how to tell if I am able to use a rom. I know the obvious that it has to be for my phone, but what other important things (such as firmware) should I look at to make sure a rom is right for my phone. If there's a thread on this already, or if this is the wrong section please just point me in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just read the OP of the ROM thread (all of it; more than once). That's where you should find information on compatibility. If its in your device's section, its quite likely it will be compatible. But, you still need to read in case it requires a specific recovery, etc. to be flashed and work correctly.
Thanks for the replies! I've been having problems with boot loops and I was wondering if it was a compatibility issue. where would I get my hands on my phones kernel? I have an HTC sensation currently running sence-o-manic btw
Theonew said:
Just read the OP of the ROM thread (all of it; more than once). That's where you should find information on compatibility. If its in your device's section, its quite likely it will be compatible. But, you still need to read in case it requires a specific recovery, etc. to be flashed and work correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having trouble flashing ViperS. the op doesn't specify any procedures, but I get caught in a boot loop after going through the setup. not sure if I'm missing something or if i may have neglected to run a process that the op is assuming Ive completed. Needless to say, I'm completely lost lol.
Vinny Bacon said:
Thanks for the replies! I've been having problems with boot loops and I was wondering if it was a compatibility issue. where would I get my hands on my phones kernel? I have an HTC sensation currently running sence-o-manic btw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vinny Bacon said:
I'm having trouble flashing ViperS. the op doesn't specify any procedures, but I get caught in a boot loop after going through the setup. not sure if I'm missing something or if i may have neglected to run a process that the op is assuming Ive completed. Needless to say, I'm completely lost lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies! I've been having problems with boot loops and I was wondering if it was a compatibility issue. where would I get my hands on my phones kernel? I have an HTC sensation currently running sence-o-manic btw. I'm having trouble flashing ViperS. the op doesn't specify any procedures, but I get caught in a boot loop after going through the setup. not sure if I'm missing something or if i may have neglected to run a process that the op is assuming Ive completed. Needless to say, I'm completely lost lol.
Vinny Bacon said:
Thanks for the replies! I've been having problems with boot loops and I was wondering if it was a compatibility issue. where would I get my hands on my phones kernel? I have an HTC sensation currently running sence-o-manic btw. I'm having trouble flashing ViperS. the op doesn't specify any procedures, but I get caught in a boot loop after going through the setup. not sure if I'm missing something or if i may have neglected to run a process that the op is assuming Ive completed. Needless to say, I'm completely lost lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go to sensation forum instead of posting in general there will be A LOT more people there to help you.
Once you get there, read stickied thread by malybru called something like "great starting point for new sensation users" in Sensation general, and if you still have questions after that, go to Sensation Q&A , find another stickied thread called "Help Thread" and ask there.
I bootloader on my moto g XT1031 BOOST MOBILE
i accidently deleted something wrong obviously when trying to delete bloatware
i have been trying to access a link for the STOCK settings... Unfortunately my backups were erased/never saved/non existent.
I am completely frustrated and would really appreciate someones help.
I am currently able to use the mobile device but with no wifi, no data connection, no apps on the phone. I am unable to do anything data/wireless on my handset.
Here is My situation as is....
I have windows computer, i have power cord for phone ( USB?) i can not access the ever popular link that says is currently unavailable, and thats it. PLEASE take me through every step assuming that i know absolutely nothing because i DO NOT. I cant afford a new phone. I need all WORKING links and to be taken through every single little step. I am on day two of trying to do this myself and have given up. Please help me before i lose my mind.
p.s I do have internet acces via my Windows computer.
Assuming you have a custom recovery already installed, simply download a custom ROM via PC, drag and drop it on to the SDcard of your phone where you can easily find it via recovery.. Boot to custom recovery, do a wipe and flash the ROM./Gapps. There are several basically stock ROMs with slight tweaks in the Dev section. There also may be stock flashables. This will at least get your phone back operational until you can do the research in to recovering stock firmware.
There are many helpful people here, but for the most part you are encouraged to do your research and know how to recover from situations such as this without asking questions. All the info can be found on these forums with a few mins of research. I don't mean to come off as rude... But if you're dabbling into the world of BL unlock, rooting,flashing, modding, things happen and you will need to know your way around your device.
mbj731 said:
Assuming you have a custom recovery already installed, simply download a custom ROM via PC, drag and drop it on to the SDcard of your phone where you can easily find it via recovery.. Boot to custom recovery, do a wipe and flash the ROM./Gapps. There are several basically stock ROMs with slight tweaks in the Dev section. There also may be stock flashables. This will at least get your phone back operational until you can do the research in to recovering stock firmware.
There are many helpful people here, but for the most part you are encouraged to do your research and know how to recover from situations such as this without asking questions. All the info can be found on these forums with a few mins of research. I don't mean to come off as rude... But if you're dabbling into the world of BL unlock, rooting,flashing, modding, things happen and you will need to know your way around your device.
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Click to collapse
Like i said i have been trying to accomplish this for two days now. I really feel like there is nothing i can do. I just simply dont understand what im doing given my current level of knowledge pertaining to the aforementioned query. I do not think you are coming off as rude and i appreciate you taking the time to share you imput with me. Its just that when you say "flashables" and "Boot to custom recovery" i become confused as to what that means. sigh
as i have previously mention my level of patience has grown thin which in turn has raised my level of frustration. If you wouldnt mind taking the time to point me in the right direction it would very much be appreciated.
thank you very much
-DR
1.) Follow this guide to unlock bootloader/flash a custom recovery via PC: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2684234
2.) Here is a link to obtain a STOCK flashable zip for the Boost Mobile XT1031, along with a "optimized" version which has already been debloated. Whichever you choose. Download the ROM and move it to your phones SD. Boot into the custom recovery (above guide tells how). Once in recovery, do a wipe or factory reset. Install/flash the .zip you put on your SD:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/development/rom-stock-motorola-rom-collection-t2854688
Hopefully this helps and you can also learn along the way. All of the information you need is on this forum. It can all be confusing and frustrating at first, but once you get the hang of it there's really not much to it.
There may be a better way of going about this, but these steps will get you back to stock in the easiest way I can think of with little to no knowledge of customizations. Once you get more familiar with everything and do your research on whatever result you're trying to obtain, it will get easier and easier to understand and do.