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[Q] Can I root without losing PRL? Other basic questions...

Alright, so ultra-n00b here, just starting to learn about rooting/custom ROMs/kernels themes and all that for my USC samsung mesmerize. Got 2.2 stock froyo right now, and the thing I notice I need most is some kind of firewall to block ads and tracking and the like. From the (basic) research I've done, I need root access to do anything like that. But I am always roaming, about an hour away from "home service area" and I am afraid of (trying) to root my phone, somehow losing everything, having to go back to stock and not having 3g service until I can get back to my home area to do a PRL update (which is pretty far away and I'm low on funds and fuel). So I guess my questions are:
1. is there a non-destructive way to root my USC (west coast) mesmerize?
2. what is the best way to do a back-up image of my phone so I can try to root/ new ROM/kernel/theme without fear of losing my PRL/data?
3. the only feature that I've seen that I would like on my phone is kind of a superuser dropdown menu from the top on my friend's rooted iphone, which had 3g enable, airplane mode enable, wifi, silent, data, power options, and I haven't really found anything on the themes i've browsed on here. Is there anything like that?
I know these are pretty basic questions, but I did surf around the forum a fair amount before I decided to post because I didn't want to be shredded for being totally clueless. The glossary is awesome, I learned a lot so thanks for that! Is there a really basic mez root guide that I've missed? I'm totally willing to learn and read a bunch so I can make informed decisions about this stuff.
edit: I would like to avoid this gentleman's unfortunate situation:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1031991&highlight=root
for just rooting my stock froyo this is all i could find:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1033265&highlight=root
are these steps legit? or is there an automated way?
Thanks in advance!
Tristan S.

1. SuperOneClick: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682 or
z4root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
I used SuperOneClick before I had any idea what I was doing and it worked fine. Rooting shouldn't touch your PRL or data. Even though a couple of the things I tried failed, I never had anything mess up.
2. Clockworkmod Recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=942021
I would do some research before doing this. From what I understand, it won't stick unless you flash a custom kernel. That has potential to screw stuff up if you do something wrong. This post has a list of kernels compatible with the Mes, but definitely make sure you know what you're doing beforehand.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12488596&postcount=2
3. I'm pretty sure that should already be there. Touch the top of your screen and pull down.
Hope this helps.

3. If I'm understanding correctly what you're looking for, there are widgets in the Market that will do this. I use one (Dazzle) that lets me choose what I want to control (like the ringer volume, mobile data (3g), WIFI, BT, GPS, tethering, brightness, etc). Root isn't required.

[Q] Just rooted G2X, looking for extra tips for improvements

Never rooted a phone before. First smartphone was the Mytouch 3G and never did anything with it, but I decided to try with this one. I primarily rooted it so I could uninstall alot of the preloaded junk, but I'm also starting this thread for any other advice I should follow.
Primarily, I use my phone for browsing at work and texting, in general. Though now, I grabbed a bunch of games and I'm running some emulators. I also listen to music on it. So I'm not sure how much more I can get out of my phone with what I use it for. I would like more battery life. Maybe it's just the browsing that does it, but the battery doesn't last long while I'm surfing at work. It's usually at around half, more or less around noon, I start using it at 9 or so. I recently got Ninja Fruit and have been playing that alot, quick battery drain too. If this is all normal, then disregard. If there are any other things I can do to keep the battery from draining so fast, I'd like to hear it. I saw a few things in a thread around here, installed Watchdog and Elixer, changed a few settings. WiFi is always off, I don't use Facebook or Twitter, so the phone's not searching for updates. Only thing always running is Weatherbug, email and 4G. I usually turn the phone off when I'm not using it to save battery.
As for uninstalling apps, I read around and it seems most, if not all of these are good to go.
AppPack
EA Games
Highlight
NFS Shift
Nova
T-Mobile Mall
T-Mobile TV
TegraZone Games
TeleNav GPS Navigator
Video Chat
Wi-Fi Calling
Zinio Reader
Considering getting rid of Car Home, though it might be useful one day. Not sure what Talk does really and I don't think I'll be using SmartShare either, are those good to get rid of too?

I suggest you read the thread on how to save battery... the apps suggested for installment have been very useful with saving battery with everyday tasks... I would start there
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

I'll assume it's the Steps to 24 Hour Battery Life thread. Working on some of those now, going to do the battery calibration tonight. The only one I'm not clear on is this one:
Third -(Root Needed) Set CPU. Have had this on my G1 and N1 and it does nothing but save battery. I currently have it set on 216 - 1000 for when the screen is on and the only profile i have is for when the screen is off and it is at 216-216.
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Click to collapse
I have no idea how to set CPU or where to set it as. I couldn't find anything specifically pertaining to the G2X, so I'd rather get some direct advice here from someone that knows than to try to fiddle with something I have no understanding for.
Also, found the Battery Drain Fix thread, did that last week as well.

Talk is Google Talk. You can reinstall that from the Market. All the ones you mentioned are good to go except Highlight, not sure what that is.
I kept WiFi Calling and Smartshare. WiFi Calling is actually pretty useful if you ever need it. Perhaps just move the WiFi calling and Smartshare to a backup folder just in case.
Also there is LMI stuff that can go (LogMeIn). Kinda scary that LogMeIn comes standard on our phones without an interface. Are they able to remote into our phones or something? I dunno but delete those too (there are 2).
Make sure you install Clockwork Recovery via the NVFlash method so it is accessible on bootup (PWR + VolDwn)... and make yourself a nice backup before you proceed.
Also, now you are rooted and have Clockwork, you might want to flash Paul's Patch from recovery.

I just froze Talk, SmartShare and WiFi calling, since I'm not worried about space. Highlight was a T-Mobile thing, I'm assuming it was an app for "Highlighting" apps they want you to check out or something.
Don't know what the LogMeIn stuff is, but I'll delete them as you suggested.
What's Clockwork Recovery for? Googling instructions on what do to, but I seem to be stuck after downloading nvflash_gtablet and nvflash_windows, since I don't know what exactly to do with them. Seems a bit daunting. And when you say make a backup, what of?
Also, what's Paul's Patch for as well and how do I go about flashing it from recovery?

New to Android- a few questions (Data Tethering and Battery)

Hi!
So I'm new to Android (not so much XDA...left WM after a few years).
I switched to Verizon from AT&T right before VZ dropped the unlimited data and secured a Droid Charge based off some of the rave reviews from Engadget among others.
I've installed Humble 1.4 and it seems to be working great (Thanks!). I have run into a couple questions that I was hoping to get some conclusive answers to.
With regards to Data Tethering I use tethering about once or twice a month and not for a lot of data so I feel less inclined to pay $30/mos for something I'll hardly use. However, for those occasional occasions I installed android-wifi-tether and it seems to work, but I saw a comment indicating that VZ could track the unauthorized usage through that app- how is that possible? What is the best tethering app I could/should be using? (I'm good with any connection, wifi/bluetooth/usb)
Now for my biggest point of pain- the battery- I've read through the various guides, and tried bump charging (extensively)- tried the simpler methods with wiping stats via CWM etc, and at most I seem to get about 10-12hrs of minimal usage...I haven't been able to tell conclusively are there truly 'defective' batteries, or just miscalibrated ones? I don't want to make a futile attempt at calibrating this if it'll never work right. Since I'm new to Android is there anything I could be missing in general that's being blatantly assumed in all the battery discussion threads? I've tried Juice Defender, but it's been spotty for me with re-enabling mobile data which is frustrating in its own right.
Finally- are there any 'must have' or cool apps out there? What are your favorites? Also- what would you recommend for the following areas: Speech-to-txt for text/e-mail etc; profile automation (e.g. when at gps location 'x' turn off mobile data, turn on wifi etc)
Thanks!

Edvard_Greig said:
With regards to Data Tethering I use tethering about once or twice a month and not for a lot of data so I feel less inclined to pay $30/mos for something I'll hardly use. However, for those occasional occasions I installed android-wifi-tether and it seems to work, but I saw a comment indicating that VZ could track the unauthorized usage through that app- how is that possible? What is the best tethering app I could/should be using? (I'm good with any connection, wifi/bluetooth/usb)
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They can do it by analyzing the traffic going through their network. There are a variety of hints that the traffic is coming from a PC instead of phone, in addition to more obvious things like requests hitting Apple or Microsoft Update (our Android phones won't need to update iTunes or Windows 7 ).
Edvard_Greig said:
Now for my biggest point of pain- the battery- I've read through the various guides, and tried bump charging (extensively)- tried the simpler methods with wiping stats via CWM etc, and at most I seem to get about 10-12hrs of minimal usage...I haven't been able to tell conclusively are there truly 'defective' batteries, or just miscalibrated ones? I don't want to make a futile attempt at calibrating this if it'll never work right. Since I'm new to Android is there anything I could be missing in general that's being blatantly assumed in all the battery discussion threads? I've tried Juice Defender, but it's been spotty for me with re-enabling mobile data which is frustrating in its own right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not totally hopeless, but ultimately if you have LTE on with this first generation of phones the battery life won't be the best. It has a tendency to wander on and off of it in my case (especially 3 bars and lower), there are two radios running drawing power and the re/connection process is the most power-hungry thing they can do. Disabling LTE with one of the apps or digging into wireless settings is the number one way to get more out of the battery.
Edvard_Greig said:
Finally- are there any 'must have' or cool apps out there? What are your favorites? Also- what would you recommend for the following areas: Speech-to-txt for text/e-mail etc; profile automation (e.g. when at gps location 'x' turn off mobile data, turn on wifi etc)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For speech I don't know of anything better than the Google service already there (maybe Vlingo?). I don't know if anything exists for that automation though, it'd be helpful for me too though - got a promotion and my new desk has horrible signal.
If you plan on getting into ROMs you can't go wrong with Titanium Backup, restoring apps quickly with data intact is absolutely wonderful as even if the ROM doesn't require they tend to always run fastest when data is wiped when you install. Alternative SMS apps and Launchers can add a lot to the experience (I like GO SMS and GO Launcher or LauncherPro).

Danrarbc said:
I don't know if anything exists for that automation though, it'd be helpful for me too though - got a promotion and my new desk has horrible signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally found the apps I was thinking of...take a look at the following (still haven't decided which I like best)
Locale
Tasker
Setting Profiles
Timeriffic
Smarter Profiles
Tasker appears to be one of the most powerful, but a bit complex to setup and use...it's basically guided scripting from what I can tell....Locale looks pretty simple to use, but can get pricey. Haven't played enough with the others.

[Q] Is my battery a dud

Hi everyone I'm new to the forums and smartphones. But I got a razr hd from fido a few months ago. I've never compared the battery life and could get 3 hours of screen time on one charge. At first I thought it was great but then I used my friends razr (non maxx like mine). But I could watch 3 hours of YouTube videos with max sound and only used 50% of the battery. I got the warranty from future shop that will replace my battery, but since the battery isn't removable they will replace it with another phone of the same retail value. I turned off all apps, apex launcher, and avg, and used only what he had, JuiceDefender Ultimate and SwiftKey. My battery was about the same.

I don't get even get three hours of screen out of mine with brightness at around 40% and I have the maxx. I game a lot on mine though and talk a lot on the phone. I think the battery figures were obliviously under the ideal circumstances, so in the real world that's pretty good what your getting.
Do a side by side with both devices and see what the difference is.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app

Mines just a normal RAZR HD. I'm not in an LTE area like you so I stay on 3G and throttle up to H+ when its transferring data.
I don't game much; my heaviest game is Angry Birds Star Wars which I don't use much so usualy its just Words With Friends.
I don't use it often for phone calls but I do use it. I'm a guy so I'm not talking for hours and hours.
I always get a full day out of it, and by full day I mean 16 hours or therabouts, until I put it to recharge while I sleep.
I'm not using anything to save battery.
I run Apex Launcher opposed to stock.
I run Tasker and have it looking for cable plugged in, orientation, change in wifi connection (nothing major, just gets the SSID and MAC and stores them as variables), and have it looking for screen unlocked and Display off (for ADB toggle).
In the background I'm running NG call recorder, LMT, WhatsApp, Lookout, LocateMyDroid, Words With Friends, TEAM battery bar Pro, Go SMS
Pro, Calengoo, BetterBatteryStats, ModemFastdormancyMonitor, SmartCardService, Google Services, Google Play, and Notification Toggle.
I sync Gmail and Contacts.
I have frozen Acoustic Warning, Audio Effects, Calendar, Calendar Storage, Email, Facebook stays frozen but unfreezes and runs with GPS off when I run a script but I don't use it much and the same for Maps but GPS on obviously (Maps made a differance for me and needed to be refrozen on every boot as well as the ROM seems to unfreeze it at boot time), Google Caledar Sync, Google Play Books/Movies/Music, Google+, Homescreen (default launcer), Moto Chinese Input, Moto English... infact almost everything starting with "moto or Moto is frozen", Quickview, All of Smart Actions, Swype, and Telstra One (specific to my ROM). Of everything frozen, the only things that I think make a significant impact are the way I have Maps and Facebook handled, that they stay frozen and then are called by a script that unfreezes and runs them and refreezes them on exit.
The Motocare may make a differance however I think its something that's needed to see when you have updates.
This list is very specific to my ROM as I'm on Telstra Austrlia which is (so I've gathered) one of the most bloat free ROMs, and freezing is always going to be carrier specific from what I've read about the phone from other people's carriers.
In adition to the freezing, I've stopped heaps of stuff in Autostarts. I don't reccomend messing with this as its easy to get lost and forget your settings. There is no undo or restore to default, so if you get lost then you're only sure fire way is a factory reset. If you feel safe using it though, then its worth having a look through what's starting up (start with just the stuff after boot) and disabling things that aren't needed. There's heaps of apps that run that really don't need to; non system apps I mean. If you get comfortable with it then the next greatest place they like to start up is when new apps are installed or old ones updated but there needs to be some care taken here as some apps do need to know this while others are just spying and wasting resources while doing so. If in doubt, just don't mess with it at all as there's no "set back to default" option.
I don't use Juice Defender, that's something that stuck out at me, is that I don't know how its being used in one of the posts stated above, but in the case of my ROM, the power management seems to be as good as I'm going to get it on its own. Toggling wifi in particular is something that I tried out with Tasker and it was better to leave it alone. I did try an app... I can't find it now but apparently I didn't back it up before uninstall. Its the beta app made by the chip manufacturer that runs in our phones (or so I read anyway) and it spent time in the background collecting data then tried to optimise power management. I think it was okay but I didn't see anything significant. I was hoping it would end the wakelocks that turn the wifi on but it ended up just leaving my wifi on most of the time and then turning it off when I actually was at home, and I couldn't manually turn it on and get a connection. It may be quite helpful for others though... Its the same thing for Juice Defender; I reckon that the way I would use it would be less helpful because of the wifi handling. I've gathered that wifi doesn't so much turn off but just goes into a power friendly state, and that a full toggle on and off takes more power so I ended up leaving that alone entirely. For people with other power issues, for example I stated that I don't use LTE or 4g in my area, then perhaps it could be useful... I can't give advice on that.
...
...but to answer your question, that's how I use my phone and I get at least 6 hours screen time in a 16 hour day. In fact I always get that much (assuming its used that much) and usually more if I need it. I have battery left over but it does admitadly go down quickly after it reaches a point. I would be dissapointed if I got less. I came from the S2 with the Samsung extendable battery (just under %20 more juice than out of the box) and would get 4 or 5 hours on that before it was dead. I think that you have a genuine frustration on your hands, but that you should deal with it slowly and one step at a time, and that the first step is diagnosis and if it were me I would start by switching it to 3g/2g and seeing how that goes for a few days... let it settle in like that and see if it makes any differance after at least a few days later and a few charges of the battery.
By the way, Location services work fine with maps frozen. Another thing I neglected to mention is that I don't use Google Now. All of my apps that use fine or course location work fine (Google ones and third party) with Maps frozen.
Oh... One more edit; I also have DroidWall or some other equivalent firewall installed. I forget which one at the moment but if you use one, make sure it simply is a front end to iptables as there's almost zero resources used in this fashion. As I don't have 4G in my area, I don't know what is best suited for that. Mine is very simple and has a checkbox for wifi and for data, however it makes a lot of sense that a lot of these firewalls may not be updated to be detecting the interface that 4G is running on. This doesn't make a huge difference on my phone and I don't think I would notice any battery savings if I didn't have it but it may be of help if you were hell bent on using 4G, as its supposed to be power hungry, because you can prevent a lot of apps from making a connection to report the crap they discover (Contacts, numbers dialed, etc) and block ads in some games that don't otherwise need the internet to be played. At the same time, I'm honestly not sure if the results would be good or bad... for example if an app persistently tries to make a connection and isn't programmed to give up when the connection is timed out then that would be bad. I still thought I'd throw it in there. It would actually be one of the last additions I'd make to my phone after being finally satisfied with the power management. Its also something that you need to be aware of, for example if you can't play a game or use an app, it can cause you (me) to uninstall and reinstall only to find that I had firewalled it when it needed to have a connection. Some apps need to connect to check the validity of their licence as well and you just need to be aware and enable it when it shows up.

Tty to get rid of running these things in my HTC…

i'm not having too many battery issues. I want to prolong the battery life, but all I find remain the same, you know…so, I’d rather to have a external battery, anyway.
This is my first android phone so i do not want to mess with it when its so new.
i can not seem to get rid of google talk running in the background unless i quit the process in running services. I have auto sign in unchecked and everything in the settings unchecked. I also end the program, but the service remains running in the background. anyway to really stop this service with out task killers? even after reboot the talk is still running.
Below are things that are running on my phone that I want to stop at first.
calender - obexservice and connectivity. these seem to restart on their own if i stop the service.
google - gtalk service - why, i don't use this at all
voicemail - cm_service - what is this for? do i need a service running for voicemail? i just have the basic voicemail setup, does this phone run a visual voicemail program that i missed.
HTC DM - HtcDmService - no idea what this is or what its for.
Sprint Zone - updateservice - what is this for, do i need it? can i get rid of it?
HTC IQ Agent - agent service - no clue what this is. can i get rid of it?
DMserviceapp - again no clue what this is. do i need it, can i get rid of it?
Touch Input- ok i think i get this one, but does the phone really need to run a service to save my touch settings?
And I find a way out at last. The only thing i need to stop is gtalk and sprint zone. the rest are things that make the device function. HTC iq agent is part of HTC Sense, as well as HTC DM. voicemail should be rather obvious...and calendar, anyway, I just let it run.
disable 4G, wifi and all that crap, and cut syncing off, i notice a huge difference in battery performance. with these settings, i could go 37.5hrs theoretically before needing to charge. i only need it to last for 17hrs personally. if i go out after work, then 19-20hrs tops, though still want a replacement battery...:silly:

knighthorus said:
disable 4G
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I am pretty sure this isn't the desire s, the saga doesn't have 4G bands. also stop using task killers, they are useless on Android. the Linux kernel is designed to fill up the ram. you may wanna either delete those apps using root permissions or greenify those apps.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2