Can I change my kernel without rooting? - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi guys,
I wanted to use the "Back Light Notification" which I understand requires a kernel that is supported.
I have not rooted my phone ... just updated manually to 2.3.4. Would it therefore be possible to change my kernel without rooting?
I'm on a NS from the US ... that's a i9020 I presume. The about screen shows baseband as I9020XXKD1 and the kernel version as 2.6.35.7-ge382d80

been trying all the ones from kernel manager just for grins, found nothing would really like to know as well

root is required to change your kernel because you are overwriting system files. by default, it is set to "read-only" and the only way to make it "overwritable" is to get root access to your phone.
why not root your phones? its a lot better than stock.

I doubt so, you'll probably need to root your phone anyway.

Paparasee said:
Hi guys,
I wanted to use the "Back Light Notification" which I understand requires a kernel that is supported.
I have not rooted my phone ... just updated manually to 2.3.4. Would it therefore be possible to change my kernel without rooting?
I'm on a NS from the US ... that's a i9020 I presume. The about screen shows baseband as I9020XXKD1 and the kernel version as 2.6.35.7-ge382d80
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't have to be rooted to flash a kernel but you need a custom recovery e.g. clockworkmod. Just make a nandroid backup of your current ROM, copy it to your PC just in case, then experiment away!

Related

[Q] Kernel questions

Hi,
I had a few questions about kernels...hope someone can help me in answering these...
I am thinking of trying out the Netarchy kernel on my Nexus S, but i was just wondering is there anywhere I can download the stock kernel (so that if anything does go wrong i dont have to do a full nandroid restore?)
Also, when installing a new kernel does that wipe data (of course I will make a backup etc before installing it, but should all my settings and apps etc remain intact normally?)
what impact does an OTA update have if i am running a non stock kernel? so say i am using Netarchy's kernel, and google releases a new OTA update...will i still be able to install the update? If i do, will it revert to stock kernel?
Thanks in advance,
brownmonkey said:
Hi,
I had a few questions about kernels...hope someone can help me in answering these...
I am thinking of trying out the Netarchy kernel on my Nexus S, but i was just wondering is there anywhere I can download the stock kernel (so that if anything does go wrong i dont have to do a full nandroid restore?)
Also, when installing a new kernel does that wipe data (of course I will make a backup etc before installing it, but should all my settings and apps etc remain intact normally?)
what impact does an OTA update have if i am running a non stock kernel? so say i am using Netarchy's kernel, and google releases a new OTA update...will i still be able to install the update? If i do, will it revert to stock kernel?
Thanks in advance,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not aware of anywhere that the stock kernel is available for download so doing a NANDroid backup is really your best option. If you have anything that deviates from stock (kernel, rom, theme, even just deleted stock apps) it will prevent you from being able to successfully update from an OTA.
You can find a lot of information about all the available kernels here just scroll down to the third post and you'll find the info.
Finally, just as a note of personal opinion, getting OTA updates is a little overrated. If you run a custom ROM, the OTAs will be included in those ROMs eventually so you won't have to worry about restoring a stock ROM just to get the updates.
kenvan19 said:
I'm not aware of anywhere that the stock kernel is available for download so doing a NANDroid backup is really your best option. If you have anything that deviates from stock (kernel, rom, theme, even just deleted stock apps) it will prevent you from being able to successfully update from an OTA.
You can find a lot of information about all the available kernels here just scroll down to the third post and you'll find the info.
Finally, just as a note of personal opinion, getting OTA updates is a little overrated. If you run a custom ROM, the OTAs will be included in those ROMs eventually so you won't have to worry about restoring a stock ROM just to get the updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick answer. I had read that post before (it was actually how i came to discover kernels ). The reason why I was asking about the OTA is because I actually use the stock ROM but was just thinking about trying out the Netarchy kernel just to see what its all about. Hence if there is an OTA update, and i am running a different kernel to the stock, is the only way for me to incorporate the update by flashing the new stock rom and then reinstall the netarchy kernel?
Also, if i install it, do you know if it wipes data/apps?
Thanks
brownmonkey said:
Thanks for the quick answer. I had read that post before (it was actually how i came to discover kernels ). The reason why I was asking about the OTA is because I actually use the stock ROM but was just thinking about trying out the Netarchy kernel just to see what its all about. Hence if there is an OTA update, and i am running a different kernel to the stock, is the only way for me to incorporate the update by flashing the new stock rom and then reinstall the netarchy kernel?
Also, if i install it, do you know if it wipes data/apps?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I apologize as I forgot to mention that part of your question, I'm sick with the flu and a little out of it on some cold medications lol. You only lose data and apps when flashing if you wipe the /data partition in mounts and storage and this is not required nor is it recommended when flashing a kernel. Sorry for answering out of order, but I thought I should clear that up first. As to the other question, you have it correct; you would need to flash the new update ROM and then flashing a new kernel.
I should also note that whenever you install a new ROM, you will need to reflash a custom kernel. This is because the vast majority of ROMs released include a kernel and when you flash them it will overwrite whatever kernel you currently have.
Finally, if you have any other questions you can always feel free to post them on that thread. I'm the one who wrote it and I check it often to try and answer questions as best and as quickly as I can. Happy flashing!
Are you using a custom ROM? Flashing CM7 has the stock kernel. There are probably other ones out there that includes stock kernel with them such as OTA.

[Q] Failed to update to 2.3.3 OTA

I've searched around and couldn't find anything.
I'm on 2.3.3 on 78C, and the update continually fails. Can anyone give me and hints as to why?
I tried it while using the 2.3.2 netarchy 1.2.5 kernel, as well as 100% stock android 2.3.2 with no luck.
I realize that 2.3.3 has screen issues but i'd still like to get a hold of it for the 1.2.7 netarchy kernel.
Any and all help is appreciated.
SpartusTana said:
I've searched around and couldn't find anything.
I'm on 2.3.3 on 78C, and the update continually fails. Can anyone give me and hints as to why?
I tried it while using the 2.3.2 netarchy 1.2.5 kernel, as well as 100% stock android 2.3.2 with no luck.
I realize that 2.3.3 has screen issues but i'd still like to get a hold of it for the 1.2.7 netarchy kernel.
Any and all help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure your Android was really 100% stock when you tried the update that way? If you had installed netarchy kernel prior to that, be advised that netarchy replaces the file bcm4329.ko in the /system/modules folder, and that this will cause the update to fail since it doesn't match the crc check of the file.
The netarchy kernel just by itself will cause a failure because it makes the boot.img partition not match the crc in the update scripts.
You need to make sure that EVERY file that the updater-script file in the OTA looks at is actually a 2.3.2 version. That means if you've flashed a custom kernel that replaces modules, or replaced /system/apps like Gmail with something themed, you have to undo all those changes.
In your case, assuming you were really 100% stock, then flashed netarchy, then went back to stock by just flashing a nandroid of the boot.img, I'd say if you just replace the bcm4329.ko file with one I posted in another thread this morning that you'll probaby be able to update.
If not, the script usually shows some text on the screen about what failed.
Your other option is to apply the full 94mb update that OVERWRITES your /system instead of patching it. I don't think that will cause any data loss, but don't hold me to that. I'd be sure to have a current nandroid and titanium backup in case something goes wrong.
The other option is to get the 2.3.3 pre-rooted nandroid from the development section and just flash it with clockwork.
Good luck.
ah, very good. thank you for the reply. I'll probably just grab that nandroid backup with 2.3.3 and root. i appreciate the help and thank you again.

Kernel's?

Can someone explain to me how kernel's work and if I flash one will I be able to get rid of it? Say flash a stock one? Someone please explain.
Make a nandroid before flashing the kernel
Darrien13 said:
Can someone explain to me how kernel's work and if I flash one will I be able to get rid of it? Say flash a stock one? Someone please explain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel provides the subsystem on which the OS itself operates. It is the interface to the physical hardware, handling access to physical devices as well as memory management. An optimized kernel can make a significant difference over a "vanilla" configuration.
Make a nandroid before you flash any kernels to go back easily. Otherwise you could reflash the full 2.3.3 rom.
thank you guys
If you're using CM7 and want to flash a kernel over it. You can just reflash CM7 without wiping anything and it would override your kernel with stock. CM7 includes stock kernel in it.
Yarr when I upgraded from 2.3.2 to CM7 RC1, my netarchy 1.2.5 resetted back to stock as I lost my Overclock. I just wasn't sure it was a stock kernel or a modified one specifically for CM7 that happened to not have an OC.
Aria807 said:
Yarr when I upgraded from 2.3.2 to CM7 RC1, my netarchy 1.2.5 resetted back to stock as I lost my Overclock. I just wasn't sure it was a stock kernel or a modified one specifically for CM7 that happened to not have an OC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its stock. if you use SetCPU and check the info, its labeled as google.com
or about phone it says #google

[Q] Anyone have a stock 9023 and a minute time?

Hey everyone - I recently flashed Android 2.3.4 onto my 9023 just to give it a spin and I noticed that the bootloader was also being flashed.
Now I reverted back to the nandroid backup of the cm7 system I was using before but I'm a bit confused because fastboot tells me the bootloader version is I9020XXXKA3 and I'm not sure that it wasn't somethin with 9023 before
So if anyone is running (prefereably stock) 2.3.1, 2.3.2 on their 9023 or at least has never flashed 2.3.4 I'd be really interested to know what their bootloader says.
Especially since I'm having some hardware problems and might have to send the thing is. So to make it appear untouched it'd be good to knwo whether I need Odin or just a stock rom....
Thanks in advance
Just nandroid restore your stock 2.3.4 ROM, restore stock recovery, lock the bootloader. Your phone will be fully stock again, and it's perfectly sensible to have updates installed on your phone since purchase, so I wouldn't worry about it.
gotjazz said:
Hey everyone - I recently flashed Android 2.3.4 onto my 9023 just to give it a spin and I noticed that the bootloader was also being flashed.
Now I reverted back to the nandroid backup of the cm7 system I was using before but I'm a bit confused because fastboot tells me the bootloader version is I9020XXXKA3 and I'm not sure that it wasn't somethin with 9023 before
So if anyone is running (prefereably stock) 2.3.1, 2.3.2 on their 9023 or at least has never flashed 2.3.4 I'd be really interested to know what their bootloader says.
Especially since I'm having some hardware problems and might have to send the thing is. So to make it appear untouched it'd be good to knwo whether I need Odin or just a stock rom....
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I am also facing same issue. After updating to 2.3.4 my i9023 fastboot shows baseband as I9020XXKD1 and Bootloader as I9020XXKA3. Even I am worried. I bought it yesterday only and I manually updated to 2.3.4 from full rom google link for i9023. In about section the device still shows baseband as I9023XXKD1. Even I am bit scared and completely confused! I also found that MUMBAI MTNL DOLPHIN sim card connection is no more getting HSPA connection but only 3G!
Check my detail issue here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056062&page=44 POST NO. 436

Why flash custom Roms?

Can a kernel be flashed without a rom and vice versa?
Does it erase all saved data to flash a kernel? A rom?
The designations KD1, KB5, KJ6, wtf do these represent?
What is firmware version 2.2.1? Does this dictate what kernels/roms will work?
My phone came stock with
Baseband version: T959VUVKD1
after an unsuccessful root, it now it has
Baseband version: T959VUVKB5
What's the difference? Is my new one better?
My kernel is now 2.6.32.9
Wasn't stock kernel 2.2.1?
Why bother switching kernels/Roms in the first place? It seems like it's just a big headache. Launcher apps seem to provide more customization then alternate Roms. What gives?
Thanks in advance, this may seem noob but I find it hard just finding BASIC information sometimes.
I've spent a LOT of time dicking around with this new phone (my first smartphone) and I love the fact that it is customizable it but it takes up too much time to have to read up on everything, flash, then re load all my icons, screw that. I just want to know what is the best, fastest, simplest, most customizable rom/kernel combo up front, or I'm going back to stock, I have to believe that they designed the stock OS around the phone to maximize effectiveness.
Thanks in advance
Alot of questions but I'll attempt to answer them. Disclaimer though, I havent been on these forums for that long so my answers may not be correct and I wont be held responsible for incorrect info.
Farlander said:
Can a kernel be flashed without a rom and vice versa?
Does it erase all saved data to flash a kernel? A rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes a kernel can be flashed without a rom, but roms come with kernels already on them. When flashing a kernel, data on you're device is kept, but not vice versa.
The designations KD1, KB5, KJ6, wtf do these represent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are versions. They are labeled in alphanumeric order. Example, KB5 is the oldest of the three, KD1 is newer, and KJ6 is the newest (and the newest kernel at the moment for this phone as well).
What is firmware version 2.2.1? Does this dictate what kernels/roms will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.2.x are Froyo (Frozen Yogurt) versions. 2.3.x are Gingerbread versionss with the Gingerbread bootloaders that are needed to flash most roms on here with Clockwork Mod (CWM).
General Android Knowledge:
Cupcake < Donut < Eclair < Froyo < Gingerbread (GB) < Honeycomb < Icecream Sandwich (ICS)
My phone came stock with
Baseband version: T959VUVKD1
after an unsuccessful root, it now it has
Baseband version: T959VUVKB5
What's the difference? Is my new one better?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well "better" is relative, but it is indeed older. Also, try using the new SuperOneClick to root next time if you haven't.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
My kernel is now 2.6.32.9
Wasn't stock kernel 2.2.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm noob so idk how to answer this.
Why bother switching kernels/Roms in the first place? It seems like it's just a big headache. Launcher apps seem to provide more customization then alternate Roms. What gives?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom ROMs can add features, take away bloatware (relatively useless programs that come preloaded with the phone), and provide functional inprovements (such as KJ6's better WiFi reception.
Thanks in advance, this may seem noob but I find it hard just finding BASIC information sometimes.
I've spent a LOT of time dicking around with this new phone (my first smartphone) and I love the fact that it is customizable it but it takes up too much time to have to read up on everything, flash, then re load all my icons, screw that. I just want to know what is the best, fastest, simplest, most customizable rom/kernel combo up front, or I'm going back to stock, I have to believe that they designed the stock OS around the phone to maximize effectiveness.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may just want to just follow this guide for now:
Then after which, use SuperOneClick (SOC) to root
After you get yourself situated here, then move on to bigger and better roms such as RaverX3X's Octane:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1305145
or Somairotevoli's 2.3.6 Debloated SimplySimple:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321611
Be sure to always follow the OP's Instructions to the T. For example, when wiping or mounting.
And UMMU mounts means in CWM under mounts set them to:
Unmount
Mount
Mount
Unmount
Hope this helped
Oh also, if all else ever fails when attemoting to flash a ROM, try the method found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1223765
Farlander said:
Can a kernel be flashed without a rom and vice versa?
Does it erase all saved data to flash a kernel? A rom?
The designations KD1, KB5, KJ6, wtf do these represent?
What is firmware version 2.2.1? Does this dictate what kernels/roms will work?
My phone came stock with
Baseband version: T959VUVKD1
after an unsuccessful root, it now it has
Baseband version: T959VUVKB5
What's the difference? Is my new one better?
My kernel is now 2.6.32.9
Wasn't stock kernel 2.2.1?
Why bother switching kernels/Roms in the first place? It seems like it's just a big headache. Launcher apps seem to provide more customization then alternate Roms. What gives?
Thanks in advance, this may seem noob but I find it hard just finding BASIC information sometimes.
I've spent a LOT of time dicking around with this new phone (my first smartphone) and I love the fact that it is customizable it but it takes up too much time to have to read up on everything, flash, then re load all my icons, screw that. I just want to know what is the best, fastest, simplest, most customizable rom/kernel combo up front, or I'm going back to stock, I have to believe that they designed the stock OS around the phone to maximize effectiveness.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll do my best to answer this; hope I don't skip anything
Can a kernel be flashed without a rom and vice versa?
- The kernel is a traffic cop. It is what controls the underlying hardware in your phone, on your tablet, or on your PC. It handles things like memory management and allocation, access to hardware, process scheduling, and much more. You can flash a kernel onto an existing ROM (for example, Gingerbread VUVKG4 ROM with a modified KG4 kernel that has root access). The kernel you flash replaces the one that's already there. When you flash a ROM, it has a kernel already in it.
Does it erase all saved data to flash a kernel? A rom?
- Generally flashing a kernel does not wipe any of your data as you're only replacing the kernel. Flashing a ROM can wipe your data; it really depends on what you're flashing. It's always good practice to make a backup before flashing unless you've nothing on the phone to lose. Flashing a ROM that does wipe your data will not wipe the contents of your sdcard, it wipes the /data and other partitions on the phone's internal memory/storage.
The designations KD1, KB5, KJ6, wtf do these represent?
- Versions. Generally ROMs for our model of phone (Galaxy S 4G, SGH-T959V) have a name like VUVKB5, VUVKD1, or VUVKJ6. The last two characters correspond to a certain build/version number. The more recent the last two characters the more recent the build. The builds for our phone were on 2.2 (Froyo) through KD1 then went to 2.3 (Gingerbread) starting with KF1. Gingerbread required updated boot loaders for the phone. Without the proper boot loaders the phone wouldn't work.
What is firmware version 2.2.1? Does this dictate what kernels/roms will work?
- 2.2.1 is Froyo. It's a version of the Android operating system (OS). It does not dictate what will work, per-se. Rather it's telling you what version of the OS your phone is currently running. If you were to try and flash something, say a kernel, you'd definitely need to know what version you are on so that you flash a kernel/ROM for that version. You can upgrade to newer ROMs, though, say to go from 2.2.1 (KD1) to 2.3.6 (KJ6). You just have to make sure you have all of the right pieces in place first.
My phone came stock with
Baseband version: T959VUVKD1
after an unsuccessful root, it now it has
Baseband version: T959VUVKB5
What's the difference? Is my new one better?
- The "new" one is actually older, which means it is missing bug/performance fixes and the like.
My kernel is now 2.6.32.9
Wasn't stock kernel 2.2.1?
- Confusing, isn't it? The 2.6.32.9 is the kernel version & 2.2.1 is the ROM version. When you upgrade ROMs there's a good chance the kernel version will change, too, but not necessarily. They are independent numbers but kernels/ROMs are dependent upon one another. Clear as mud, right?
Why bother switching kernels/Roms in the first place? It seems like it's just a big headache. Launcher apps seem to provide more customization then alternate Roms. What gives?
- It's a personal preference most of the time. You could upgrade to the latest release ROM by Samsung which is VUVKJ6 using their Kies Mini software. It's Gingerbread based, faster, better battery life, wifi is a little weaker. Just make sure you backup any information you want to keep first. I generally keep my contacts synched with T-Mobile or Google and after a data wipe they sync back to the phone.
As for flashing custom ROMs you'd have to read up on the different ones to see if they interest you. Some increase performance, some have mad themes wrapped up in them, some have better battery life, some do their best to roll all of that up into them.
In short, you don't have to flash anything. The development community here enjoys doing it though despite what headaches it might bring. It enables us to hack/tweak the phone to see what it can do, what performance we can wring out of it, etc. I've learned a lot in the little time I've been in this community and have a TON more to learn.
I've spent a LOT of time dicking around with this new phone (my first smartphone) and I love the fact that it is customizable it but it takes up too much time to have to read up on everything, flash, then re load all my icons, screw that. I just want to know what is the best, fastest, simplest, most customizable rom/kernel combo up front, or I'm going back to stock, I have to believe that they designed the stock OS around the phone to maximize effectiveness.
- Unfortunately reading up on it, trying ROMs out, and going through some trials and tribulations is a part of the process. Which is the best ROM is strictly subjective so you'd get a bunch of different answers from a bunch of different people.
The best thing I can suggest is, if you're really interested, to take the time to read the stickies in the different forums (General, Q&A, Developer, etc.). They contain a plethora of information that will actually help you to avoid a lot of the problems. Read some threads on different ROMs & issues. You'll find a lot of "I had this problem" followed by the developer or someone else saying "Yeah, I fixed that" or "here's how to avoid/fix it". Utilize the search feature; it's there to help. The more research you do on your own the more you will learn and the less likely you'll get flamed by anyone for not trying to help yourself before asking for the help of others.
Welcome to the forums. Best of luck to you.
Kudos to you both I hope other noobs find this info as well. I think I'll flash KJ6 deodexed (faster/cleaner/more customizable right?) rooted. I don't really see the need for CWM or Titanium unless there's a ton of bloatware to remove, or I want to go crazy flashing ROMS - from what I gather, with CWM you can modify the recovery mode so that new roms can be installed right from the phone?
I have really looking for some specific key features that would improve my experience, such as a customizable destination folder for camera pics, i.e. SD card, not internal memory, a good all-time gestures program, wifi file sharing w/ pc, some cool widgets and animations, and a major reduction in the spyware content and background data of the phone, specifically google apps that try to sync my entire brain.
Farlander said:
...from what I gather, with CWM you can modify the recovery mode so that new roms can be installed right from the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically, but you always have to be careful when doing so. Make backups of your data and follow the instructions carefully unless you really enjoy losing important files and using Odin lol.
I have really looking for some specific key features that would improve my experience, such as a customizable destination folder for camera pics, i.e. SD card, not internal memory, a good all-time gestures program, wifi file sharing w/ pc, some cool widgets and animations, and a major reduction in the spyware content and background data of the phone, specifically google apps that try to sync my entire brain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already thought the default destination for Camera pictures was in sdcard/DCIM ? And for cool widgets and animations, you are better off using a custom Launcher, such as GO Launcher EX. A ton of roms on here, however, do offer very nice looking themes and many remove bloatware.
My advice: get comfortable with CWM and flash a few roms; however many you need until you know you're preferences.

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