Related
So I saw today that US Cellular is getting the SCH-i500 as well, though they're calling it the Mesmerize. If I'm not mistaken, the hardware should be identical to the Fascinate, and I'm guessing it has a full "Google experience" ROM. Anybody think there's a chance of porting its ROM to the Fascinate? Of course, it might have ifs own bloatware to remove, but I can't help but think it wouldn't be nearly as bad as Verizon's version.
Anyone have any thoughts about this? Would this be a worthwhile effort for the short term, or would it be a waste of time, and we should focus on Froyo instead?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
That'd be a great thing to try if it's possible. I'd be willing to try it out.
ivorycruncher said:
So I saw today that US Cellular is getting the SCH-i500 as well, though they're calling it the Mesmerize. If I'm not mistaken, the hardware should be identical to the Fascinate, and I'm guessing it has a full "Google experience" ROM. Anybody think there's a chance of porting its ROM to the Fascinate? Of course, it might have ifs own bloatware to remove, but I can't help but think it wouldn't be nearly as bad as Verizon's version.
Anyone have any thoughts about this? Would this be a worthwhile effort for the short term, or would it be a waste of time, and we should focus on Froyo instead?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is also said to be launching with froyo...
bdube said:
it is also said to be launching with froyo...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if it's the same hardware and launching with froyo, I would put my money on froyo coming out for the fascinate within days of it's release, give or take (also, bing free).
*edit* So, According to BGR, several other reliable news sources and US Cellular themselves it's being shipped with 2.1. I only read one article saying it was being shipped with 2.2, so I think you are incorrect. It will also be released the 27th of this month and if the rumors are true, we should have froyo by then, so this is probably moot. SOURCE *edit*
Most articles say it will ship with 2.1 I think the 2.2 one was just a typo.
Yeah. It will not ship with froyo, it will be upgraded later on to froyo.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Nope, no Froyo right now. From the official press release:
The Mesmerize operates on the Android 2.1 platform with access to the 80,000 applications available on the Android Market. It includes popular Google Mobile Services including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Talk and YouTube, and is pre-loaded with popular U.S. Cellular applications Your Navigator Deluxe, Tone Room Deluxe, My Contacts Backup and CityID. Customers can upgrade their software later this year to access Samsung’s Media Hub and migrate to the Android 2.2 platform, nicknamed “Froyo.”
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, and I wouldn't hold my breath on an October release. I'll believe if and when I say it, but the way Android upgrades keep getting delayed by Verizon, I'm thinking more mid-November-ish. But hey, I'd love to be proven wrong about that.
saps said:
Most articles say it will ship with 2.1 I think the 2.2 one was just a typo.
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Click to collapse
lol last time i ever read cnet
I'll be getting the Mesmerize when it launches, I already preordered it at a local store. I'll be watching developments on rooting closely. With the way US Cell upgrades phones Froyo won't come till next year, but hopefully nov/december would be acceptable.
cloudstrife7 said:
I'll be getting the Mesmerize when it launches, I already preordered it at a local store. I'll be watching developments on rooting closely. With the way US Cell upgrades phones Froyo won't come till next year, but hopefully nov/december would be acceptable.
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Click to collapse
How did you pre-order it? My friend went to all of the US Cellular stores in town, Corporate and authorized retailers, and none said they are able to pre-order.
thematrixkid17 said:
How did you pre-order it? My friend went to all of the US Cellular stores in town, Corporate and authorized retailers, and none said they are able to pre-order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to an unauthorized retailer and they put my name on a list for it, no money down. They said they will call me when I can buy it, however as long as they receive their shipment for the 27th, I'll be waiting outside the door when they open at 10AM.
Have we confirmed it will be a Google Experience phone? I didn't see anything about that in the press release.
eleazar123 said:
Have we confirmed it will be a Google Experience phone? I didn't see anything about that in the press release.
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Click to collapse
Well, the press release specifically lists most, if not all of the "Google Experience" apps individually, so as far as I'm concerned that qualifies. There doesn't seem to be a clear definition as to what a Google Experience device is. Some thought originally that it meant phones with stock Android and no custom UIs, but that was disproven ages ago. I think every Android phone is considered a Google Experience phone, unless specific key Google apps have been replaced, which Verizon and AT&T have done with Bing and Yahoo, respectively.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I want to put this out there right now, so that people will see it.
If you flash the full firmware file that's leaded for the Mesmerize, or the modem.bin file, you will brick your Fascinate.
Do not randomly flash other hardware's firmware to your device. Don't do it.
If you really, really, really want to do it because you're stupid, or naive, or feel like making a trip to the VZW store, at least post here first and ask if anyone else has done what you're going to do. More than likely we have, and it didn't work out very well.
namebrandon said:
I want to put this out there right now, so that people will see it.
If you flash the full firmware file that's leaded for the Mesmerize, or the modem.bin file, you will brick your Fascinate.
Do not randomly flash other hardware's firmware to your device. Don't do it.
If you really, really, really want to do it because you're stupid, or naive, or feel like making a trip to the VZW store, at least post here first and ask if anyone else has done what you're going to do. More than likely we have, and it didn't work out very well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, okay, where did that come from? I didn't see anyone here suggesting that anyone should do that. What I suggested was a port of the ROM, meaning the taking the full "Google Experience" portion of that ROM and adapting it to the Fascinate. Oh well, it's a moot point now. Froyo ROMs are right around the corner, so nobody's going to waste any time on a 2.1 ROM anymore.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I want to flash the HTC radio.
destroyerbmx said:
I want to flash the HTC radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'mma slap you..
How to Fascinate your Mesmerize
****THIS POST IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS*****READ COMPLETELY BEFORE PROCEEDING*********************************************************************
I had to do this because I had flashed wrong thing in ODIN, and I had NO other choice....I did not do this by choice but this REALLY WORKS and I THINK ITS GREAT I was taking a RISK and I understood the consequences....I Could have ended up with a BRICKED PHONE, but that was not to be. I am VERY VERY happy with the results.
I WANT TO SAY THAT ALOT OF THE MATERIAL IN THIS POST WAS USED FROM LINKS AND POSTS FROM XDA WEBSITE THEY ARE A GREAT FORUM AND ANYONE DOING THIS SHOULD BECOME A MEMBER OF "XDA" AND "MOD A DROID"....THANK YOU XDA AND ALL THE DEV'S FOR ALL YOUR WORK ALL THE MATERIAL IN THIS POST I WILL PUT LINKS TO PAGES AT THE BOTTOM FROM PAGES USED "BUT I HAVE CHANGED SOME OF THE STEPS SO FOLLOW THIS POSTS INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO DO THIS PROCEDURE"....TO FASCINATE YOUR MESMERIZE.
******************************READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING TO YOUR PHONE********************************************************
******************************READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING TO YOUR PHONE********************************************************
******************************READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING TO YOUR PHONE********************************************************
First -You NEED to download everything and have it on your PC ready to use !!! DO NOT START WITHOUT DOING THIS.
Second -You NEED to backup your contacts. DO NOT USE MY CONTACTS BACKUP !!! You will not have that app yet so there is no way to restore them. I used an app. called LOOKOUT from the market. You have to install on phone and sign up on LOOKOUTS web sight and make sure you run a backup of contacts, as well you need to move any apps you want to your PC or SD card. I recommend the PC to leave space on SD Card....Have at least 1GB free on card to be plenty safe.
Ok heres the deal this may or may not be something you will want to do to your phone....DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK....This is what I did to turn my phone into a Fascinate even though I was a US Cellular Mesmerize. I WARN THIS WORKS BUT THERE ARE PROS AND CONS TO DOING THIS. To date there is NO, I REPEAT NO WAY to date to go back from this procedure to a MESMERIZE. Someone may have a way but I have not seen or found it yet. I do believe it is only a matter of time before the DEV'S come up with a restore and then you could go back to stock. SUMMARY= THERE IS NO WAY TO DATE TO REVERSE THIS PROCEDURE !!! DO AT OWN RISK !!!
First thing you need to do is download ROM MANAGER from the market and put the App on the SD Card for later install. Next Download this file here>>>>NO HYPER LINKS COPY AND PASTE IN BROWSER TO DOWNLOAD
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/458252/Fascinate Files/update.zip ---- to the ROOT of your SD Card it is a file called "UPDATE.ZIP" "DO NOT RENAME" put that on there and do not remove it you need it do a restore to access Clockwork later. This is where you need to have this located on SD. ---- /sdcard/update.zip.
Second you need to download...DI01 update with root and busybox here>>>>http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S7IFCKX0
Important:"DO NOT RENAME" and DO NOT put this on the root of your sdcard as /sdcard/update.zip. That's where clockworkmod lives. PUT IN FOLDER you name what ever on SD Card. You will need to go here later in the post to install this in step#12
/sdcard/"FOLDER YOU NAME"/update.zip.
Next thing you need the samsung drivers for windows for this to work. Those can be found on this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=779238 [this page has a good write up on how to down load and install.] or direct link BELOW>>>> Thank you DIRRK XDA member.
Download and Install Samsung Drivers to your WINDOWS PC this whole procedure was done on a WINDOWS 7 PC. WARNING: You need different drivers for mac/Linux and I do not know where to get them as I have only a WINDOWS PC.
64bit:
http://www.wikifilez.com/root files/epic4g/usb_drivers_GalaxyS_x64.zip
32bit:
http://www.wikifilez.com/root files/epic4g/SAMSUNG_USB_Driver_for_Mobile_Phones_x86.exe
*************************AFTER THIS POINT THERE IS NO WAY TO GO BACK PROCEED WITH CAUTION !!! ************************************************
For this next step THANK YOU FALLINGUP SENIOR MEMBER XDA....I have altered his orig. post to give more detail for people, using ODIN please follow my post to do this !!
****************************FROM HERE ON ONLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS POST TO DO THIS***************************************************
****************************FROM HERE ON ONLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS POST TO DO THIS***************************************************
****************************FROM HERE ON ONLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS POST TO DO THIS***************************************************
**************************GET ODIN AND ALL FILES NEEDED BEFORE PROCEEDING DOWNLOAD TO PC FOR USE*********************************************
LINKS ATTACHED TO FILES BELOW NO HYPERLINKS COPY AND PASTE TO BROWSER FOR DOWNLOAD.
Next download ODIN and run. Make sure ODIN sees your phone by putting phone in DOWNLOAD MODE by pulling battery LEAVE OUT. Run ODIN. HOLD VOL DOWN AND PLUG INTO PC with cable that came with phone, a yellow rectangle with id# means ODIN sees it----once this is connected DO NOT UNPLUG UNTIL ODIN IS FINISHED. If you do you will see a PC connected to a phone by a triangle this means you prematurely unplugged and you will need to re-flash whichever step failed to flash. It is only OK to unplug once a step is finished and Odin says reset in blue, but you do not need to you can load the next file and go. But I've got steps below so if you are here you didn't read entire post. CAREFUL Now follow step 4.1
ONLY FLASH ONE OF THESE AT A TIME. START WITH THE /SYSTEM ODIN AND WORK YOUR WAY DOWN THE LIST.---You do not just flash the pit file it is used with the other files like system,kernel,and recovery. ****FILES BELOW STEPS****READ ENTIRE POST BEFORE USING ODIN AND KNOW THE RISKS*************************************
************************ONCE YOU FLASH ANYTHING YOU CAN NOT GO BACK YOU WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE**********************************************
************************ONCE YOU FLASH ANYTHING YOU CAN NOT GO BACK YOU WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE**********************************************
Steps:
1. Pull battery from device
2. Open Odin on desktop
3. Hold volume down button and plug device into computer-This will place the device into download mode
4. Verify device shows up in Odin ---This should be a yellow rectangle with id #----As well the phone will also say download mode with a yellow triangle on it
4.1: Select PIT button
4.2: Select PIT file downloaded from this post and load it into Odin. (I Never loaded the pit file when I did this in Odin and worked fine for me but from what I understand it is good practice to do so to Quote a post ---"You need to load the pit file into Odin---Missing these steps usually results in major FC hell issues." Thanks PHOENIXPATH senior member XDA
4.1: To Flash the "Stock-i500-VZW-System.tar.md5" file you,
5. Click "PDA" button in Odin ---MAKE SURE YOU ONLY USE PDA "DO NOT USE PHONE" YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
6. Select "Stock-i500-VZW-System.tar.md5" from where you downloaded it
7. Click "Start" This will reboot your phone when complete. This flashes both the kernel and the recovery partition to enable you to flash update.zips signed with test keys. ---When done ODIN should say reset leave pit alone and load next file of the three needed to be flashed.(YOU MAY NEED TO UNPLUG and REDO STEPS 1-4 AGAIN)and jump/proceed to step#8 and continue on.
8. Flash "Stock-i500-VZW-Kernel.tar.md5" when done says reset move to next step.
8.1 Flash "Stock-i500-VZW-Recovery.tar.md5" when done says reset move to next step.
9. Flash "CWMrecovery.tar" ----THANK YOU JT1134 Senior member XDA
10. Replace the battery and Boot in to Recovery= HOLD VOL UP + VOL DOWN same time and PRESS POWER, all three need to be pushed to enter recovery.
11. In recovery navigate UP=vol. up/ DOWN=vol. down /ENTER=home key----You need to select "apply sdcard:UPDATE.ZIP" on ROOT of SD Card to enter the next recovery screen.
12.In this recovery "CLOCKWORK RECOVERY" navigation is different UP/DOWN=SAME but ENTER=power key---you need to navigate to the "ADVANCED" and then apply "WIPE DALVIK CACHE" when done select "REBOOT RECOVERY" (brings you to stock recovery) navigate to "WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET" once done go to "APPLY SDCARD UPDATE.ZIP" then "INSTALL ZIP FROM SD CARD" once there select "CHOOSE ZIP FROM SD CARD" navigate to the folder "YOU GAVE A NAME TO" and inside is the 2nd "UPDATE.ZIP" you put there and select it...wait until it is finnished...once done.."GO BACK"and"GO BACK AGAIN" then select "REBOOT SYSTEM NOW"
13. Enjoy your stock Fascinate phone with DI01 update and root and busybox . You still will have phone call ability but a couple of apps like contacts backup and vcast are "Verizon" and we at US Cellular can not use. But once you install custom ROMS in Rom Manager you will be able to get roms with them removed or get apps to shut down/freeze them and sub. them out.
Alot of the ROMS have apps taken from the MESMERIZE so this is not really an issue at least not to me.
INSTALL ROM MANAGER FROM SD CARD OR LOAD TO PHONE FROM PC AND INSTALL ON PHONE......
NOW GO INTO ROM MANAGER AND "BACKUP CURRENT ROM" so any changes made from here you can get back to this point.....once done you can NOW LOAD CUSTOM ROMS,KERNELS AND ENJOY THE HELL OUT OF YOUR "FASCINATED-MESMERIZE"
Buy the latest PRO version of ROM MANAGER and use to upgrade kernels thru clockwork or load roms in rom manager......
These are the files to put in ODIN PDA Flashing one at a time with the PIT file. ONLY USE PIT AND PDA......You have been warned again. PS-NEVER DUMP IN ODIN,and do not check anything but PDA AND PIT...there are things checked in ODIN when it loads leave them alone.
Download: "To PC for use in ODIN before you begin"
Odin: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/458252/Odin Files/Odin3 v1.3.exe -This is program to use to flash.
Odin Restore file for system: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/458252/Odin Files/Stock-i500-VZW-System.tar.md5 -----THIS IS FIRST.
Odin Restore file for kernel: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/458252/Odin Files/Stock-i500-VZW-Kernel.tar.md5 -----THIS IS SECOND.
Odin Restore file for recovery: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/458252/Odin Files/Stock-i500-VZW-Recovery.tar.md5 ----THIS IS THIRD.---this is just to be safe
Odin Clockwork recovery file: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/458252/CWMrecovery.tar ------THIS IS FOURTH ONE I FLASHED.
PIT file for use in Odin Restores: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/458252/Odin Files/Stock-i500-VZW-pit.pit ----THIS IS PIT TO USE "WITH" ABOVE FILES.
*************************THANK YOU TO XDA WITHOUT YOU THIS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE**********************************************************
LINKS REFERENCED FROM XDA's WEBSITE THANK YOU AGAIN XDA MEMBERS !!! YOU GUYS ROCK !!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=721
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782204
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=790004
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=790085
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=779238
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789868
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788099
IF YOU LIKE THIS LEAVE ME SOME FEED BACK PLEASE.....................THANKS AND ENJOY........ANDROIDMAN
EXTRA NOTE: DO NOT TRY THIS WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE SCH I-500 MESMERIZE......AS IT HAS ONLY BEEN DONE ON THAT MODEL..........
FLASHING ANY OTHER GALAXY S VARIANTS ODIN FILES WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE !!!!!!!!!
just use SuperOneClick 1.55
but you MUST install the Samsung USB drivers that Androidman78 listed for either x64 or x32 based windows.
once i did that SuperOneClick worked like a charm.
Just sayin prob worth it to go back mesmerize......
As Roms ClockworkMod and Mods and Kernels are starting to dev for the Mesmerize may want to swich if you did the Fasinated-mesmerize just an FYI all the above mentioned is located in the Fasinate forum....check this mod I made and enjoy they are here let me know what you think...Enjoy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=877892
Can change to suit likes and dislikes so I need input....
THIS GUIDE IS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE MESMERIZE
Steps To Customize Your Mesmerize (For upgrading from any version to FROYO 2.2 EC10)
1.) Upgrade from any setup to 2.2 EC10 (Official Froyo) - If you have not already done so, you will need to upgrade your phone to EC10 2.2. If you have already, skip to the next step. (You can check this in "settings->about phone" under "firmware version" (should be 2.2.1 if you've already done this) NOTE: There is a custom rom listed in this post, I will detail that down below.
NOTE: The roms for this version come pre-rooted, so no need to root. However, if you have issues with superuser permissions (or are staying stock with root), you can use the SuperOneClick Root tool located here
If in the previous step you installed the leak that had the CWM upgrade pre-loaded or you have already manually updated CWM, skip step 2.- You know you have the updated recovery if when you boot to recovery it takes you to the red recovery with voodoo, backup and other options.
2.) Upgrade CWM manually (if needed) downloading this., (this next step by step will upgrade your recovery so that you are able to flash custom rom's/theme's/kernels.)
1.Shut phone off, pull battery out and leave it out.
2.Run odin (assuming you have it installed)
3.Load the cwm-recovery-all.tar file into the PDA spot
4.Plug usb into computer, then into your phone.
5.Hold the volume down key until phone goes into download mode, there will be a yellow android picture.
6.In odin, one of your com: spots should light up yellow - this means your phone is seen by odin (if not you may need drivers)
7.If above step is true, press start and odin will flash the recovery file to your phone. If all goes well the yellow box will turn green and your phone will power off.
8.Now you're able to boot into CWM recovery using the three button method (see glossary here)
3.)Upgrade Kernel With EC10 brought a new turn of events which thanks to jt has allowed fasicnate users to develop kernels which are compatible on the entire line of this model, so be sure to read phidelt's post on kernel's located here and choose one that is compatible with your rom. AOSP and MIUI require a different kernel, so keep this in mind as if you're restoring you may need to flash the appropriate kernel as the restore does not do this for you.
4.) Flash a custom ROM Choose from one of the Custom Rom's that we have out right now;
EC10 Pick and Pack DOWNLOAD HERE -- This is our stock deodexed rom with bloatware moved to a seperate .zip containing flashable packages with those removed apps. - < created by: phidelt82 >
EC10 Custom RomDOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom rom built by phidelt82 which incorporates some aspects of AOSP into the EC10 rom - launcher and calendar are to name a few.
AOSP -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM/Kernel built with the android open source project code (by lmartin), one of the most "vanilla" rom's meaning no manufacturer's additions such as touchwiz. It's very lean and runs well, but is in BETA stage so beware it may not be for your daily use. NOTE: If you use this rom/kernel and are wanting to return to EC10 you will need to reflash the appropriate kernel for the ROM you are restoring to (for example touchwiz)
MIUI -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM running on the AOSP kernel, you can learn more about it in the thread linked here.NOTE: If you use this rom/kernel and are wanting to return to EC10 you will need to reflash the appropriate kernel for the ROM you are restoring to (for example touchwiz)
GAS EC10 PNP based rom -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM that runs with the touchwiz kernel. Learn more about it in the linked thread.
HEINZ 57 EC10 (PNP/ED01/EC10 based rom) -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM that runs with the touchwiz kernel. Thanks to Sbrissen, it has a lot of extra settings in the TM parts settings menu, allowing you even more customizing. Learn more about it in the linked thread.
5.)Flash a custom THEME Pick one that's compatible with the ROM you are running, from this list.
HELP MY PHONE IS SCREWED (GO TO STOCK 2.2)!!!: If you weren't attentive and made a mistake or haphazardly missed a step and now you're stuck at a boot screen or one of many other failure points, stop what you're doing. Take a deep breath, wu-sa, grus-fraba, whatever you need to do to calm yourself and simply go to this thread and get your phone back to stock. You may not need to go all the way stock, but it seems to be the easiest, and requires the least amount of help from the developers (who have better things to do than answer questions of careless/unlucky people!! - no offense intended) This is also how you would handle getting your phone back to stock before trying to turn it in for repair.NOTE: Being as going to stock means it's expecting your phone to be formatted to RFS instead of EXT4 (lagfix enabled) you should disable lagfix before doing so or you will have errors and md5 mismatches which will disallow you from flashing from recovery. If for some reason you can't access recovery you will just have to disable lagfix manually which is detailed in this thread here.
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THIS IS THE OLD GUIDE FOR CUSTOMIZING 2.1
When I began this process, I had zero experience flashing any sort of software to any sort of devices, and a very minor understanding of "rooting". After much research and crawling I was able to work my way through these steps with little headache, and learned a lot along the way.
Keep in mind there are many variations to each step, this is what worked for me the easiest as a newb.
And last but not least. There is always the disclaimer that attempting any of this can and will make your phone dysfunctional and or possibly bricked beyond repair (but most likely just dysfunctional which is a pain in the arse to deal with) if you do not follow steps completely (and of a trustworthy source such as xda - ehm and in the appropriate forum ).
So make sure you're in a comfortable environment (not a good idea to be trying to accomplish this while slamming beers at the bar), take your time, read each step that these people have taken the time to carefully write up (then follow it), and you'll be just fine. Be patient as things don't always move fast and you never want to freak out as you may screw things up bad, when it's actually just taking longer than you would expect. Always give it at least 5 minutes before you determine it's looping or crashing or whatevering, there is alot going on behind the scenes, trust me!
Steps To Customize Your Stock Mesmerize (For eclair 2.1)
1) Root your phone. - Basically all this means is gaining the ability to give programs/apps and yourself SuperUser access (equivalent of being admin in windows) and also the ability to flash roms via recovery, detailed below.
The easiest way to root is through the z4root.apk. (an application that will run right on your phone)
Download Here
After download, put z4root.apk on your SD card root directory
Then make sure in Settings->Applications that the "Unknown sources" box is checked.
If you don't have a file manager, download a free one from the market, using the file manager navigate to the z4root.apk and select to install it. Note: If you need help at this step, no offense I would suggest getting someone with more experience to help you continue on. I'm serious here
Reboot your phone
After it boots, open the z4root app and press root. At this point it is going to hang, give it 2 minutes and pull the battery. Count to 10, put it back in and turn it on. - This is normal, trust me .
After your phone boots open z4root again and click root, this time it will run no problems and phone will reboot.
NOTE**IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH z4root: "give Super One Click a try. It's a package you have to download to your computer, but you get to see more of what's actually going on so you know where it's at in the process. I have only used up to version 1.5.5, and I know that version is very capable for the Mesmerize on 2.1. It is located here."-This Information provided by phidelt82**
Once you are rooted (you will see the superuser icon in your apps, it will show apps you've given that permission to... eventually) you will need to make sure you have a file manager that can request root permissions (read/write) before you will be able to complete the next step. Search the market for "root file manager" and pick one to download and install.
Also at this step I would download and install RomManager and TerminalEmulator as you will need these later.
2) Install RomManager and the ClockworkMod Recovery. These will basically just give you the ability to boot into recovery where you can more easily flash kernel's/rom's and anything else you wish to push to your phone. (Recovery is basically a bios like interface - but it's different than the stock version)
I was able to install the Clockwork Mod Recovery very easily just by simply using the root file manager app I had downloaded, along with following with the instructions.
(In your file manager, MAKE SURE YOU ARE Read/Write not Read/Only, for RootExplorer there is a toggle at the top, other ones you may have to enable this through settings, others may just be R/W by default, you will just have to determine this or google the app)
Download the two zip files located in the first post here
Place both files on your SD card root if you were using a computer to download them or you could always download them through your phone's browser
Using the root file explorer app, move the Redbend_ua file from the SD card to /system/xbin/
Long press on the Redbend_ua file and click permissions, there should be one check missing, check that so that all are marked. Save and exit.
Now open TerminalEmulator (Come with me if you want to live )
NOTE:The spaces below are actual spaces and in bml8 there is a lowercase "L" not a "1" there is also a space after cd, after redbend_ua, after restore, and after recovery.bin
TYPE THIS ALL EXACTLY AS SHOWN BETWEEN THE QUOTES
at the command line ($) type "su" (then hit enter)
Type "cd /system/xbin" (then hit enter, which changes directory)
Type "redbend_ua restore /sdcard/recovery.bin /dev/block/bml8" (then hit enter, It will now scroll a bunch of text and reboot.)
After phone boots, open RomManager
Click on Flash ClockworkMod Recovery
Select the Samsung Fascinate your phone will still be the mesmerize. By now - you better damn well trust me , this is just what works with our model
At this point you're all stock and ready for new kernel/rom. (but now you are able to do so very easily)
3) KERNEL: Install Voodoo lagfix kernel and new 5.0 sound
If you want speed and good battery life (and high standard marks) +unlocking the headphone amp and eq controls (it makes even the samsung headset sound killer) go here and follow those steps for using your now functional recovery mode to flash the new Voodoo 5.0 kernel.
You could always install the old Voodoo kernel located here, if for some reason you do not want to take advantage of the new, sound improved one.
Note: Just an FYI, after installing custom kernel's you will always have an issue on start up of seeing a flashing black box in the middle of the samsung logo. This can be corrected by installing a custom boot screen (only requires root access) and you can find out how here.
Note: There are a few ways of getting into this recovery mode, the best way if all else fails is to hold phone from the back with left hand (thumb on volume button, in the middle holding both down and pointer on power button) hold these down until the mesmerize logo pops up then slide your thumb down a bit to volume down only (if you slip don't worry it might blink but it'll still go to recovery) Sometimes this is easier with the back case off. However the best way, is to download and use the QuickBoot app, it allows boot to recovery/reboot/poweroff options from the app.
4) Custom ROM : Download and install the ROM of your choice.
Just pick one from this list Here-They are all there along with other very useful links, read through the first post of each before you decide, some are plug and play some take a few steps first. These are currently only 2.1 eclair builds however right now they have an (somewhat unstable) 2.2 froyo rom/kernel that being worked on but is not quite yet ready for day to day use (some features are not working quite yet). But be patient because these guys will have something long before Samsung let's us have theirs, but who cares - "ours" will be so much better
HELP MY PHONE IS SCREWED!!! (GO TO STOCK 2.1): If you weren't attentive and made a mistake or haphazardly missed a step and now you're stuck at a boot screen or one of many other failure points, stop what you're doing. Take a deep breath, wu-sa, grus-fraba, whatever you need to do to calm yourself and simply go to this thread and get your phone back to stock. You may not need to go all the way stock, but it seems to be the easiest, and requires the least amount of help from the developers (who have better things to do than answer questions of careless/unlucky people!! - no offense intended) This is also how you would handle getting your phone back to stock before trying to turn it in for repair.
MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF Credit go to all of the OP's and many others (some included in my sig), these people are awesome, show them some love! Without them we would be stuck in stock US cell/Samsung HELL!
Final NoteIf you have any suggestions, additions, corrections, subtractions, or multiplications; PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I'm very open to all of the above and since this is now more of a community article let's stick to the android motto and keep it...open source
I gotta say, you did a really good job explaining yourself there. Now I'll just have to send people to one post and not a bunch when I get messages at all hours of the night.
Good work!
phidelt82 said:
I gotta say, you did a really good job explaining yourself there. Now I'll just have to send people to one post and not a bunch when I get messages at all hours of the night.
Good work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks, and believe it or not this is the exact reason I decided to put this together with this much detail (aside from answering someone's question). I figure, I'm no android developer but I can follow instruction and explain myself pretty well so I put this together to take some of that off of you guys. (A small token of my appreciation)
Nice work! Stickied for others to follow
Oh and love that comment:
Now open TerminalEmulator (Come with me if you want to live )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gave me a good laugh!
the_scotsman said:
Nice work! Stickied for others to follow
Oh and love that comment:
Gave me a good laugh!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha well good and thanks, I almost put /badjoke at the end of that comment
EDIT: Edit to main post.
Good Job! This pretty much covers everything. Hopefully soon we can add to it :S
Is there a rough idea of the amount of time it will take to complete? I have pulled the battery a couple of times, and it just sits at the "running exploit in order to obtain root access" spinning the icon for several minutes. I have re-started it for a third time, now just letting it spin to see if it will come around.
LaTuFu said:
Is there a rough idea of the amount of time it will take to complete? I have pulled the battery a couple of times, and it just sits at the "running exploit in order to obtain root access" spinning the icon for several minutes. I have re-started it for a third time, now just letting it spin to see if it will come around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually it only takes about a minute or so to complete. If it gives you problems, give Super One Click a try. It's a package you have to download to your computer, but you get to see more of what's actually going on so you know where it's at in the process. I have only used up to version 1.5.5, and I know that version is very capable for the Mesmerize on 2.1. It is located here.
Just wanted to say thanks for all the hard work and for the write ups for those of us new around here. You guys make the scene available for the rest of us.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the easy walkthrough.
I am getting stuck at the end of step 2. The "redbend_ua restore" part was completed successfully, and after the phone rebooted I launched Rom Manager and clicked "flash ClockworkMod Recovery", selected the Fascinate, and keep getting an error message stating "An error occured while downloading your recovery."
Am I doing something wrong? Is there another way to get clockwork recovery onto my phone? I am on WiFi with a strong signal (I'm about 3 feet from the router) and the connection is working fine in other apps (browser and whatnot) so I don't think it's my internet connection.
Any help for this total newb to the android community would be greatly appreciated.
Mesmerizeuser said:
Thanks for the easy walkthrough.
I am getting stuck at the end of step 2. The "redbend_ua restore" part was completed successfully, and after the phone rebooted I launched Rom Manager and clicked "flash ClockworkMod Recovery", selected the Fascinate, and keep getting an error message stating "An error occured while downloading your recovery."
Am I doing something wrong? Is there another way to get clockwork recovery onto my phone? I am on WiFi with a strong signal (I'm about 3 feet from the router) and the connection is working fine in other apps (browser and whatnot) so I don't think it's my internet connection.
Any help for this total newb to the android community would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not you. I believe Koush's repo is down right now. Hopefully it will be back up soon and you will be able to finish up.
Thanks for the heads up. Is there any way to get the recovery on the phone without using rom manager, or will I have to wait for the repo's to come back up?
never mind
It's back up. Just flashed to a voodoo kernel. Thanks again for the great instructions.
Very good write up.. You actually made it kind of fun to read if that makes sense.. lol
I seem to be running into problems. Whenever I go into recovery mode my phone doesn't verify the update.zip file. I was wondering how do I fix it or get another one? Also what part does this file play in changing roms?
Error:
Verifying update package...
E:failed to verify whole-file signature
E:signature verification failed
Install aborted
Also very good write up A++ would hack again
Edit: got it working. I had to rerun redbend_ua and make sure it went through a full reboot and didn't stall. I think I wasn't giving it super user permissions. Great writeup thanks again!
thanks this is worked great for me on the Froyo step by step
jmtenny said:
thanks this is worked great for me on the Froyo step by step
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, glad to hear it! This is a new addition and I've just made some more changes and also reformatted the OP so i'ts more obvious that there are two processes.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this!
I'd like to think that now I have a better understanding of what I'm doing.
I'm having some problems and was wondering if someone could help me please.....
I successfully installed the EA11 leak and updated from 2.1 to 2.2. However, when I boot into the blue recovery and try to hit update.zip from there it just shows me an exlamation icon and never goes into the red recovery instantly like it should according to everyone's directions.
At thiis screen it will stay showing this icon, and the only way off of it is to hit the menu key which takes you back to the blue recovery screen. It then has a description below the blue text that says:
-- Install from package...
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E:Failed to verify whole file signature
E:signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
Am I doing something wrong? Any feedback would be so appreciated.
Hopefully this will get some attention and help some people out before they dig that treacherous hole that they cant get out of and of course for the ever present (NOOBS) The guys that are brand new to Android and hit the ground running full speed with the itch to do something but just dont know what to do
So with that said before you go junking up the forums asking for help. Do us all a big favor and USE THE SEARCH BUTTON!!!!!! Please read and abide by all the forum rules as this includes duplicate posts as well!! Do a little homework before you get the itchy finger and do something you foolishly shouldn't have! And before you delete something make sure you know what it is. THE SAFEST THING TO DO IS JUST FREEZE IT!!!!
Rules:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/announcement.php?f=1058
Our Mod asking to keep the place clean:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1337004
** IF YOU ARE HAVING APPS DISAPPEAR, A MESSAGE OF NOT ENOUGH STORAGE SPACE FOR APPS, OR COMPUTER NOT RECOGNIZING THE SD CARD LOOK HERE!! MAKE SURE ALL APPS ARE INSTALED TO INTERNAL MEMORY AND NOT ON THE SD CARD.IF YOU HAVE APPS ON THE SD CARD YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS!!! THIS PHONE DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH CERTAIN CLASS 10 SD CARDS, THE SAFEST THING IS TO HAVE A CLASS 6 OR LESS CARD AND MAKE SURE THE CARD IS FORMATTED CORRECTLY!
First I want to thank Swiftks, as I am borrowing a lot of his work from the OG ATRIX forum
Lets start with some basic terminology & general understanding:
What is Root / Rooting?
Put simply, Rooting your device allows you, and/or rooted apps, to access parts of the Linux based Android software that is your OS, and that you would otherwise not be able to access. These tasks can be as simple and beneficial as backing up your system setting, or as complicated as installing custom ROMs, Kernels, etc. (more on this later).
What are Fastboot files or (FXZ) ?
Fastboot files (FXZ),contains a firmware image that can be installed on your device. i.e. they are more of less what you are installing on your device when you do a OTA (over the air) update; except an actual Fastboot file (FXZ) that you download and flash on your own will most of the time not only contain the updated info. in the OTA, but also all the other “stock” info. that came with the device. That’s why when you flash a Fastboot file (FXZ) it will return you to a stock/retail device.
What is ADB?
ADB = Android Debug Bridge. So what this basically is, is a command/terminal based interface you can run from your PC, to interact with your device and its file structure. You can PUSH (install) programs, apps, .apk files, etc. to your device, move things around, set permissions, etc. One of the primary things to remember when trying to use adb, is that you need to enable debugging on your device. In fact it’s a good idea to enable this, and leave it that way… forever! This setting can be found on your device under Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging
Here is a list of helpful adb commands:
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=ADB
What is a ROM?
A rom is like a custom firmware image that is made by a Developer either entirely from scratch, or based off of the official firmware package. Some ROMs contain simple changes like changing icons and adding extra options to things, other more complicated ROMs can change the entire Android experience. Which one you will want to flash, will be entirely up to you. Read carefully, and make sure you understand what you are getting into before you flash.
What is a Kernel?
As a rule of thumb, if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t be messing with this anyway. But hey, best for you to at least know what it is. A kernel is the heart of the device's OS. In simplest terms it’s a connection between your apps and your device’s hardware; i.e. the processor, RAM, etc. A custom kernel can dramatically change the way your device’s hardware performs… for the better and/or the worse.
**Right now we currently have a LOCKED BOOTLOADER so we can not change Kernal's at this time, IF the Bootloader gets unlocked this WILL change !!
What is a Bootloader?
The bootloader is a program code that is executed before the device OS starts up, and that instructs that device to boot “normally”. The bootloader can come locked or unlocked from the manufacture. A unlocked bootloader will allow you to install custom ROMs & Kernels (as well as some other neat things) on your device.
**Currently our BOOTLOADER IS LOCKED!!! but you can take a look here and join in if ya want to!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1328714
What is a odexed and de-odexed framework, and what is the difference between the two?
Just read this:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
What is CWM Recovery (ClockWorkMod Recovery)?
CWM is a custom recovery program that allows you to backup / restore a full or partial system backup of your device. It also allows you to install flashable .zip files; which is one of the primary installation methods for custom ROMs. It also provides other neat features such as cache wiping, battery reset, and other processes. Long story short, if you are thinking about flashing custom ROMs or just want a really good backup program, incase you FUBAR your device, you need to install this.
What is Fastboot?
Again, just read these for description & helpful Commands:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=619153 [Thanks briggie108]
or
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=Fastboot
What is all this CM7 stuff about?
CM7 stands for CyanogenMod. It's a very popular ROM, b/c of its built-in options, great enchantments and total removal of manufacture software; i.e. all that MotoBlur stuff on your device is gone. It is a stripped down fast and well designed ROM with a custom kernel, that allows for easy flashing of great custom themes (just check out the General Theme Section for Android on XDA). Only a small selection of Android devices have a "official" release of CM7, however almost all Android devices have a "un-official" port for it.
More info. on CM7 can be found here:
http://www.cyanogenmod.com/
And here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyanogenMod
The #1 rule of CyanogenMod is that you do not ask for timetables!!! You have been warned. If you choose to ignore my warning, ask away and prepare to be blasted until you cry.
SOME RECOMMENDATONS FOR THE FLASHAHOLICS!!
ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP ON YOUR SD CARD AT ALL TIMES FOR EMERGENCY!!
HERE IS A LIST AND GUIDE THAT WILL HELP YOU OUT AND SAVE YOU A LOT OF HEADACHES!!
GO HERE AND READ THE GUIDE!!
HOW TO FLASH A FXZ:
FXZ Hints, Tricks & Guidelines:
- Always make sure to flash with a full battery! The last thing you want to do is run out of juice in the middle of a FXZ flash; that's a great way to brick your device.
- As a general rule of thumb before flashing a FXZ file to your device, you should always download the FXZ file to a file path on your computer with the least possible spaces (i.e. the shorter the file path to the FXZ file the better). So just download it to the root drive of your computer, such as C:\.
- If you are running Windows on your PC, open RSD Lite as a Administrator. Also, when you open RSD Lite, Instead of browsing for the FXZ file via the normal “…” button in the program, just drag the sbf file onto the file path bar in RSD Lite. Sometimes, the FXZ file will not load when you select it via the browser button in RSD Lite (again I have no idea why).
- Once your FXZ file begins to flash to your device, be patient… the device will re-boot at least a couple times in the flash process. Do not get jumpy and disconnect your device until RSD Lite says you are 100% done! Doing so can cause your device to BRICK! If for some reason you have waited for an inordinate amount of time, and it does not say finished, then ask for help on the thread, before unplugging. The same goes for pulling the battery. DO NOT DO THAT!!! Pulling your battery during a sbf flash, is one sure fire way to brick your device. Only pull the battery as a last resort and only after you have asked for help.
STEPS:
1) Have the correct Motorola drivers installed for your PC (i.e. x32-bit or x64-bit).
Here is the Motorola Driver site
http://www.motorola.com/consumers/v...59431210VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD&pubid=987654
2) Download RSD Lite & install on your PC.
Here is the latest version to download (RSD Lite 5.6)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=784077&d=1321414457
3) Choose the FXZ file to download
Android 2.3.5 ---- Blur_Version.55.11.16.MB865.ATT.en.US
InlineFlashing_edison_5.5.175.16_cfc_p3_APBP_CID28 5.zip
http://www.fileserve.com/file/erjAuTR/InlineFlashing_edison_5.5.175.16_cfc_p3_APBP_CID285.zip
or
www.multiupload.com/W3UH3W5LU0
4) Make sure you alternatively boot into AP Fastboot mode by powering down (or pulling battery), then press and hold the volume up and down button while powering on.
5) Plug your phone into a back USB port on your computer.
Front USB ports are often unreliable when it comes to power levels. They should not be used for flashing.
6)Run “RSD Lite” on your computer
7)Press the “. . .” button next to the box labeled “Filename”
8)Browse and open the FXZ file or just just drag the FXZ file onto the file path bar in RSD Lite
9)Wait for the program to read the file, then choose “START”
10) Now, the device will slowly flash the FXZ file. BE PATIENT AS THIS MAY TAKE A WHILE!
11) Congratulations! You’ve restored your ATRIX 2!!
How to flash the FXZ once applying the OTA update and get back to 2.3.5, ONCE YOU UPDATE TO THE OTS 2.3.6 YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FLASH THE 2.3.5 FXZ WITHOUT FOLLOWING THESE STEPS BELOW!!
NOTE: Download this file HERE -
Unzip it and move all the the items in it to the stock fxz. You might get a warning about replacing files, just click OK. NOTE that Windows might not be able to handle the size of the fxz. I have 6 GB RAM but Windows still wasn't able to perform a drag-and-drop through the fxz's zip. I recommend that you just unzip the fxz and then put the files in. (You don't have to rezip it either, RSD Lite will still recognize it and will flash faster).
You should be able to use RSD Lite to flash the file.
THANKS TO COGEARY FOR THESE STEPS
How to flash the FXZ once applying the ICS leak, YOUR STUCK ON ICS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE WE ARE TRYING TO GET A WORKING METHOD OUT BUT UNTIL THEN YOUR STUCK, SO IF YOU DONT TAKE THIS CAUTION SERIOUSLY AND YOU BRICK YOUR PHONE, DONT COME CRYING AND MAKING NEW THREADS ASKING FOR HELP!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.....!!
HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER FOR ANDROID 2.3.5
Still a work in progress but you can take a look here and join in if ya want to!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1328714
HOW TO ROOT YOUR DEVICE
FOR ANDROID 2.3.5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18942700&postcount=1
FOR ANDROID 2.3.6
Install the OTA and upgrade your phone to 2.3.6
Download the 2.3.6 root zip from HERE
Make sure you have the right drivers installed then connect your phone to your PC.
Unzip the file and then double-click "Click-To-Root.bat".
THE FOLLOWING METHODS BELOW FOR MAINTAINING ROOT SHOULD BE NO LONGER A NECESSITY BUT I'M LEAVING THEM FOR REFERENCE IN CASE WE NEED THEM IN THE FUTURE
How to maintain root through any OTA update! THIS MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE INSTALLING THE UPDATE!!!!
You can use Root Explorer for a copy/paste method DO NOT USE ES FILE EXPLORER!!! or you can use adb push/pull if you prefer the manual way.
Root Explorer copy/paste method - make sure you make system r/w
go to /system/bin/
open in text editor – mount_ext3.sh
add the 3 following lines to the very bottom
chmod 4755 /system/bin/su
chmod 4755 /system/xbin/su
chmod 4755 /system/app/Superuser.apk
ADB Shell Method
1) download the mount_ext3.sh file, .... get it HERE
2) open a command line in the directory you saved the file
3) run the following commands:
adb push mount_ext3.sh /data/local
adb shell
su
cd /data/local
mount -o remount, rw /system
cp ./mount_ext3.sh /system/bin
chown root /system/bin/mount_ext3.sh
chmod 755 /system/bin/mount_ext3.sh
mount -o remount, ro /system
reboot
4) Then run the update
Thanks to Jimbridgman for this version
HOW TO INSTALL CWM RECOVERY
ATRIX 2 BOOTSTRAP
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19355021&postcount=1.... everyone send a thanks to Nitroglycerin33 for taking the time to modify this for us
[Safestrap] (STILL A WIP)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427007
WHAT DO I DO IF MY DEVICE WILL NOT FULLY BOOT??? (i.e. Boot Loop or Soft Brick)
Follow the directions in the FXZ section to get that phone back to operational status
ROMs & Kernels:
ROMS
[ROM] STOCK Deodexed - With 2Themes
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420980
[ROM] Supercharged Atrix
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1441397
[ROM] CM9 Barely Alpha (WIP)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427026
[ROM] Rebel Rom
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1543792
[ROM] Atrix Blaze
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1550693
[ROM] Romulus & Remus
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1686157
[ROM] Lithium
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591790
[ROM] Bullet
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1670350
[ROM] Supercharged V2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1648421
[ROM] Sonya V4 AtriXperia
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1584505
KERNELS
For future reference
THEMES
[THeme] ICS Blue [THEME][WIP]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1383779
[Theme] Darkened Blur
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1332470
OTHER MODS & FIXES
[Mod] Webtop via HDMI without a Dock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1357600
[How to] get full ubuntu and your favorite desktop in webtop
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1375042#
[How to] Disable CarrierIQ on the Atrix 2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1402657
[Overclock]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1405964
[MOD by APP] Nebtop - Universal HDMI Webtop hack
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1410509
[Reference] List of things that are safe to freeze
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330235
A lot of people don't like the stock camera and have purchased Camera FX Zoom from the market and have had great results
Enable Built In wifi Hotspot
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1328588
1% Battery Mod (MUST BE ON STOCK DEODEXED ROM!)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1437712
1% Battery Mod- 6 options
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1449631
[MOD] BlurHome Launcher - ICS StYLE
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529488
[MOD] blurhome2.apk UPDATE! 2.3.6 added
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1486299
As things progress I will continue to update and if you think I need to add anything send me a PM
very nice... sticky this please
iB4STiD said:
very nice... sticky this please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this most definitely good job man
Sent from my MB865 using XDA Premium
awww beat me to it hehe I made a link reference too lol after seeing a bunch of similar post
Noobtastic!
Sticky itt.
Great post, this may be a bit preemptive but my first questions are;
What is an FXZ and is it used the same way an sbf is?
What are the recovery options before(if any) and after there is an unlocked bootloader?
Yes, great post. Mods, please sticky this.
Jim
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium
dolph8886 said:
Great post, this may be a bit preemptive but my first questions are;
What is an FXZ and is it used the same way an sbf is?
What are the recovery options before(if any) and after there is an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An fxz file is the same as an sbf, and you would use RSD Lite to restore your phone with.
With and without a bootloader unlock CMW will still be the best ways for recovery. The fxz file and rsd is still the only way out of a soft brick and we don't have that just yet.
Jim
Sent from my MB865 using xda premium
Been having several questions regarding the FXZ....editing it now.
Hope that helps!
Stupid Question - Thanks Button?
I see your use the thanks button.... could you point me in the right direction to find it? BTW I really appreciate your guys joint efforts for the A2, have one and cannot wait for the unlocked bootloader and custom roms. Thanks again.
Thanks!!! Exactly what I was looking for!
The link for the fxz is broken just let ya know..least for me it was
Sent from my MB865 using XDA Premium
Got it fixed
another link:
dl.dropbox .com/u/29105592/InlineFlashing_edison_5.5.175.16_cfc_p3_APBP_CID285.zip
The link on de-odex and such I'd broken also
Sent from my MB865 using XDA Premium
tried to flash and rsd gets stuck
i tried to flash my atrix 2 with rsd lite, it all goes well until it gets to the "preinstall.img" it just says failed, and stops.
the phone will still boot up but nothing is there except a stock background.
no pull down screen, icons, nothing.
what can i do to get back going?
---------- Post added at 08:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:31 PM ----------
matt99017d said:
i tried to flash my atrix 2 with rsd lite, it all goes well until it gets to the "preinstall.img" it just says failed, and stops.
the phone will still boot up but nothing is there except a stock background.
no pull down screen, icons, nothing.
what can i do to get back going?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
k i got it to install all the way through, but i still get the same screen.
after doing it several times i tried to install my SIM card and everything came to life.
frycook15 said:
The link on de-odex and such I'd broken also
Sent from my MB865 using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it repaired and thanks for the extra download link for the FXZ
JRW 28 said:
Hopefully this will get some attention and help some people out before they dig that treacherous hole that they cant get out of and of course for the ever present (NOOBS) The guys that are brand new to Android and hit the ground running full speed with the itch to do something but just dont know what to do
So with that said before you go junking up the forums asking for help. Do us all a big favor and USE THE SEARCH BUTTON!!!!!! Please read and abide by all the forum rules as this includes duplicate posts as well!! Do a little homework before you get the itchy finger and do something you foolishly shouldn't have! And before you delete something make sure you know what it is. THE SAFEST THING TO DO IS JUST FREEZE IT!!!!
Rules:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/announcement.php?f=1058
Our Mod asking to keep the place clean:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1337004
** IF YOU ARE HAVING APPS DISAPPEAR, A MESSAGE OF NOT ENOUGH STORAGE SPACE FOR APPS, OR COMPUTER NOT RECOGNIZING THE SD CARD LOOK HERE!! MAKE SURE ALL APPS ARE INSTALED TO INTERNAL MEMORY AND NOT ON THE SD CARD.IF YOU HAVE APPS ON THE SD CARD YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS!!! THIS PHONE DOESN'T PLAY WELL WITH CERTAIN CLASS 10 SD CARDS, THE SAFEST THING IS TO HAVE A CLASS 6 OR LESS CARD AND MAKE SURE THE CARD IS FORMATTED CORRECTLY!
First I want to thank Swiftks, as I am borrowing a lot of his work from the OG ATRIX forum
Lets start with some basic terminology & general understanding:
What is Root / Rooting?
Put simply, Rooting your device allows you, and/or rooted apps, to access parts of the Linux based Android software that is your OS, and that you would otherwise not be able to access. These tasks can be as simple and beneficial as backing up your system setting, or as complicated as installing custom ROMs, Kernels, etc. (more on this later).
What are Fastboot files or (FXZ) ?
Fastboot files (FXZ),contains a firmware image that can be installed on your device. i.e. they are more of less what you are installing on your device when you do a OTA (over the air) update; except an actual Fastboot file (FXZ) that you download and flash on your own will most of the time not only contain the updated info. in the OTA, but also all the other “stock” info. that came with the device. That’s why when you flash a Fastboot file (FXZ) it will return you to a stock/retail device.
What is ADB?
ADB = Android Debug Bridge. So what this basically is, is a command/terminal based interface you can run from your PC, to interact with your device and its file structure. You can PUSH (install) programs, apps, .apk files, etc. to your device, move things around, set permissions, etc. One of the primary things to remember when trying to use adb, is that you need to enable debugging on your device. In fact it’s a good idea to enable this, and leave it that way… forever! This setting can be found on your device under Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging
Here is a list of helpful adb commands:
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=ADB
What is a ROM?
A rom is like a custom firmware image that is made by a Developer either entirely from scratch, or based off of the official firmware package. Some ROMs contain simple changes like changing icons and adding extra options to things, other more complicated ROMs can change the entire Android experience. Which one you will want to flash, will be entirely up to you. Read carefully, and make sure you understand what you are getting into before you flash.
What is a Kernel?
As a rule of thumb, if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t be messing with this anyway. But hey, best for you to at least know what it is. A kernel is the heart of the device's OS. In simplest terms it’s a connection between your apps and your device’s hardware; i.e. the processor, RAM, etc. A custom kernel can dramatically change the way your device’s hardware performs… for the better and/or the worse.
**Right now we currently have a LOCKED BOOTLOADER so we can not change Kernal's at this time, IF the Bootloader gets unlocked this WILL change !!
What is a Bootloader?
The bootloader is a program code that is executed before the device OS starts up, and that instructs that device to boot “normally”. The bootloader can come locked or unlocked from the manufacture. A unlocked bootloader will allow you to install custom ROMs & Kernels (as well as some other neat things) on your device.
**Currently our BOOTLOADER IS LOCKED!!! but you can take a look here and join in if ya want to!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1328714
What is a odexed and de-odexed framework, and what is the difference between the two?
Just read this:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
What is CWM Recovery (ClockWorkMod Recovery)?
CWM is a custom recovery program that allows you to backup / restore a full or partial system backup of your device. It also allows you to install flashable .zip files; which is one of the primary installation methods for custom ROMs. It also provides other neat features such as cache wiping, battery reset, and other processes. Long story short, if you are thinking about flashing custom ROMs or just want a really good backup program, incase you FUBAR your device, you need to install this.
What is Fastboot?
Again, just read these for description & helpful Commands:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=619153 [Thanks briggie108]
or
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=Fastboot
What is all this CM7 stuff about?
CM7 stands for CyanogenMod. It's a very popular ROM, b/c of its built-in options, great enchantments and total removal of manufacture software; i.e. all that MotoBlur stuff on your device is gone. It is a stripped down fast and well designed ROM with a custom kernel, that allows for easy flashing of great custom themes (just check out the General Theme Section for Android on XDA). Only a small selection of Android devices have a "official" release of CM7, however almost all Android devices have a "un-official" port for it.
More info. on CM7 can be found here:
http://www.cyanogenmod.com/
And here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyanogenMod
The #1 rule of CyanogenMod is that you do not ask for timetables!!! You have been warned. If you choose to ignore my warning, ask away and prepare to be blasted until you cry.
HOW TO FLASH A FXZ:
FXZ Hints, Tricks & Guidelines:
- Always make sure to flash with a full battery! The last thing you want to do is run out of juice in the middle of a FXZ flash; that's a great way to brick your device.
- As a general rule of thumb before flashing a FXZ file to your device, you should always download the FXZ file to a file path on your computer with the least possible spaces (i.e. the shorter the file path to the FXZ file the better). So just download it to the root drive of your computer, such as C:\.
- If you are running Windows on your PC, open RSD Lite as a Administrator. Also, when you open RSD Lite, Instead of browsing for the FXZ file via the normal “…” button in the program, just drag the sbf file onto the file path bar in RSD Lite. Sometimes, the FXZ file will not load when you select it via the browser button in RSD Lite (again I have no idea why).
- Once your FXZ file begins to flash to your device, be patient… the device will re-boot at least a couple times in the flash process. Do not get jumpy and disconnect your device until RSD Lite says you are 100% done! Doing so can cause your device to BRICK! If for some reason you have waited for an inordinate amount of time, and it does not say finished, then ask for help on the thread, before unplugging. The same goes for pulling the battery. DO NOT DO THAT!!! Pulling your battery during a sbf flash, is one sure fire way to brick your device. Only pull the battery as a last resort and only after you have asked for help.
STEPS:
1) Have the correct Motorola drivers installed for your PC (i.e. x32-bit or x64-bit).
Here is the Motorola Driver site
http://www.motorola.com/consumers/v...59431210VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD&pubid=987654
2) Download RSD Lite & install on your PC.
Here is the latest version to download (RSD Lite 5.6)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=784077&d=1321414457
3) Choose the FXZ file to download
Android 2.3.5 ---- Blur_Version.55.11.16.MB865.ATT.en.US
InlineFlashing_edison_5.5.175.16_cfc_p3_APBP_CID28 5.zip
http://www.filesonic.com/file/e95BAnx/InlineFlashing_edison_5.5.175.16_cfc_p3_APBP_CID285.zip
or
www.multiupload.com/W3UH3W5LU0
4) Make sure you alternatively boot into AP Fastboot mode by powering down (or pulling battery), then press and hold the volume up and down button while powering on.
5) Plug your phone into a back USB port on your computer.
Front USB ports are often unreliable when it comes to power levels. They should not be used for flashing.
6)Run “RSD Lite” on your computer
7)Press the “. . .” button next to the box labeled “Filename”
8)Browse and open the FXZ file or just just drag the FXZ file onto the file path bar in RSD Lite
9)Wait for the program to read the file, then choose “START”
10) Now, the device will slowly flash the FXZ file. BE PATIENT AS THIS MAY TAKE A WHILE!
11) Congratulations! You’ve restored your ATRIX 2!!
HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER FOR ANDROID 2.3.5
Still a work in progress but you can take a look here and join in if ya want to!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1328714
HOW TO ROOT YOUR DEVICE ON ANDROID 2.3.5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18942700&postcount=1
as other ways become available I will continue to update.
HOW TO INSTALL CWM RECOVERY
ATRIX 2 BOOTSTRAP
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19355021&postcount=1.... everyone send a thanks to Nitroglycerin33 for taking the time to modify this for us
[Safestrap] (STILL A WIP)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427007
WHAT DO I DO IF MY DEVICE WILL NOT FULLY BOOT??? (i.e. Boot Loop or Soft Brick)
Follow the directions in the FXZ section to get that phone back to operational status
ROMs & Kernels:
For future reference
ROMS
[ROM] STOCK Deodexed - With 2Themes
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1420980
[ROM] Supercharged Atrix
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1441397
[ROM] CM9 Barely Alpha (WIP)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427026
KERNELS
For future reference
THEMES
[THeme] ICS Blue [THEME][WIP]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1383779
[Theme] Darkened Blur
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1332470
OTHER MODS & FIXES
[Mod] Webtop via HDMI without a Dock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1357600
[How to] get full ubuntu and your favorite desktop in webtop
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1375042#
[How to] Disable CarrierIQ on the Atrix 2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1402657
[Overclock]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1405964
[MOD by APP] Nebtop - Universal HDMI Webtop hack
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1410509
[Reference] List of things that are safe to freeze
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330235
A lot of people don't like the stock camera and have purchased Camera FX Zoom from the market and have had great results
Enable Built In wifi Hotspot
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1328588
1% Battery Mod (MUST BE ON STOCK DEODEXED ROM!)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1437712
As things progress I will continue to update and if you think I need to add anything send me a PM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
idk what is going on but it rsd lite keeps saying flashed failed
---------- Post added at 01:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 AM ----------
help ?? im dumb
so after looking for 3-4 hours i'm convinced that almost all the links for files related to the SK4G are expired/down/DL limit reached. i had to wipe my HDD and can't find my backup anywhere!?!? if anyone has the stock firmwares (any and all) could you pretty pretty please send them to me? i'm stuck in a buggy version of glorious overdose and just need my phone to work right again. respond for e-mail or just post ***NEW*** link in this thread.
P.S. so when the mods say "wrong thread" or "duplicate" i looked i searched and found nothing newer than 2013 so i started a fresh one......... that and i just signed up and it keep telling me "NO" in what seemed like the correct forum.
P.S.S i'm assuming there's legal reasons but whats up with a file repository on or at least paired with XDA to hold all the files posted here. shooting in the dark but maybe Kimdotcom will provide a mega account to serve as a repo?!?!?!?
I have the One-Click KG2 ODIN Java app that may be able to restore your SK to t839-Sidekick4G-UVKG2. Here's the README:
If you brick your phone, well you're lucky because it can't get any easier to fix. This is pretty much a one-click version of ODIN that is OPERABLE AND EXECUTABLE on ANY operating system that has Java installed. Self-explanatory, but if you don't have Java installed yet, you probably should go get it installed now.
(Credits go to Ayoteddy for the following post) :
To get into download mode (if you can't) pull the battery out of your phone, the USB cord (if connected), the SIM card, and the SDCard. Now...in a position where your one hand is able to access the Trackball and - volume key, hold them both at the same time and with your other free hand, insert the battery, after a second or two, you should see an Android on screen with a logo saying DOWNLOADING..you're ready to advance.
After you install Java, double-click the .jar file in this folder.
Hit "flash" and if all is well, it'll work without any hassles and you'll be back to the stock ROM like the day you got your Sidekick (factory reset).
If it says driver was not found, a window will popup with an administrative prompt if you are running Windows 7, allow it to run.
On the new Zadig window, go to Options>List all devices.
You should now see SAMSUNG COMPOSITE DRIVER, make sure the box to the immediate right says WinUSB and then hit the install button.
You should be on stock after performing these steps...if not and YOUR MODEM fails to upload, check "Flash Bootloaders" and the modem should flash just fine and you'll be back on stock ROM soon enough.
Thanks to AdamOutler for Heimdall!
His thread is here if you want to thank him properly!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1350060
I also have Odin3+v1.61 with sk4g pit. Let me know if you want me to upload these.
marathonjon said:
I have the One-Click KG2 ODIN Java app that may be able to restore your SK to t839-Sidekick4G-UVKG2. Here's the README:
I also have Odin3+v1.61 with sk4g pit. Let me know if you want me to upload these.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please re-upload these to sammobile.com, samsung-firmware.org, MEGA, Android File Host, or similar where the files can live on longer.
Sorry, I got rid of my SK a couple years ago and all the files that went with it.
marathonjon said:
Sorry, I got rid of my SK a couple years ago and all the files that went with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there anyone out there that still has this? Please re-upload.
Argh! Pulling my hair out over this one. I've been flashing custom ROMs and rooting my phones for years now, since my old HTC G1. Even had KitKat running on my HTC Desire 4G!
... but this Sidekick is proving another matter. I've been through forum after forum, all saying the same things on how to root/flash this thing, but I haven't managed to get anything to work! So, here's step-by-step of what I just did and the result I get every single time, no matter the initial method:
1: Fired up ODIN3.
2: Wiped the user data and cache from the stock recovery (Android System Recovery (3e)).
3: Connect USB cable, reboot phone into download mode (using the battery-pull method).
4: Successfully flash to stock ROM, reboot.
5: Sign in with Google, enable WiFi.
6: Run SuperOneClick, reboot.
7: Grab ES File Explorer from the Market, after it updates.
8: Attempt to replace "recovery" in /system/bin with custom
... and here's where things break. Doesn't matter what version of SuperOneClick I use (and I've tried from 1.9.1 through 2.2.3), nor does it matter what exploit I select. What happens? Well... aside from everything on-screen claiming to be okay, and everything claiming it's working, once the rooting is "successful", I reboot like it says, see that SuperUser is in the applications, it shows me an su binary version...
... but anything that tries to run super-user (ES File Explorer included) that gets added to the super-user list simply does not work. I can't over-write the recovery, can't delete or muddle with anything that requires elevated privileges, and the ROM Manager for sure won't work because I can't get CWR installed.
I love my phones with keyboards. I really do. I'd love to keep this thing, but the stock firmware is driving me up a wall (especially that stupid media scanner). So if anyone has any ideas to throw at me, care to offer some? Haven't a clue at this point what I'm doing wrong.
Hey buddy!
I feel your pain, this is one of the last nicely built hardware keyboard phones, first time rooting it is a bit strange
See post #27 (or so) here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2221030
I ran through the manual steps there and have links for needed files
If you get stuck let me know, I'll be around
demkantor said:
Hey buddy!
I feel your pain, this is one of the last nicely built hardware keyboard phones, first time rooting it is a bit strange
See post #27 (or so) here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2221030
I ran through the manual steps there and have links for needed files
If you get stuck let me know, I'll be around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! I'll give this a go once I'm all done with today's activities and see if it works.
Well, apparently I have root access for the moment, but it is denying my replacing of /system/bin/recovery - in adb shell, it states "Filesystem is read-only", so I re-mounted /system -rw and no dice. Going to attempt to try again in a moment, after a reboot.
Okay, so since there's a problem with all of this, I'm going to try that second ROM (KD2 I think it was) - but as I recall, it was on a very slow server. Plus I have a load of things to do tomorrow, so it probably won't be until tomorrow evening sometime when I'll be able to flash it. Once I've used Odin to re-flash, I'll get back to you.
Well, I had to dissect "t839-Sidekick4G-UVKG2-One-Click.jar" and remove the xml file from within it, but I acquired the necessary package to upgrade to KG2 from KD1 through Odin3. Took a while to figure out just how to deal with it, and I was successful in flashing... and I even replaced the recovery file after rooting it again!
... however, now it just sits there at the "T Mobile Sidekick 4G" start-up screen when I attempt to boot into recovery, so now I'm preparing to re-flash it again to recover the stock recovery. So... still more on this, later.
EDIT: Also, I named the tar file "KG2OdinHeimdall.tar", since I basically ripped it right off the "HeimdallPackage.tar" file from the Heimdall one-click thing. Turns out, it apparently works just fine if you remove the .xml file from the original tar.
Finally!
I ended up having to use my own method to get the KG2 update installed because the one-click program kept crashing on me when selecting "Show all devices", and I opted to use AntTek Explorer (all you have to do is go into the program's options and it'll attempt to acquire admin privileges, if the device is rooted) to copy the recovery file to /system/bin - but your post worked for everything else, once I got past not being able to copy the recovery file.
I opted for the CM6 package and it's quite fast! Thank you loads, demkantor!
Nice! I'm glad all worked out well for you!
If you get a chance try out the one gingerbread ROM, its cool to see it running but there are still driver issues so keyboard is borked, really makes it pointless to have on this phone...
But there are a few nice froyo ROMs ready to be played with, someday development will hopefully pick up again
Until then, happy flashing!