Database Info

(INTRODUCTION TO ROOTING) New to rooting/flashing ANY Android? See this guide!

ROOTING
Rooting is a very popular thing to do with your android phone these days. It allows you to do a number of things you wouldn't normally be able to do, such as use apps that require root permissions (wifi tethering, real backups, etc), flash custom/cooked ROM's, flash kernels, remove bloatware. and overclocking. Before you attempt rooting however, there are several things you should know first:
"Rooting" is, in vernacular terms, the Android OS equivalent of say, jailbreaking an iPhone.
To be exact, it means several things:
Name for an administrator on Android or any other Linux system.
The lowest level in a file system (for example: the root of your SD card would be the screen that comes up when you first open it, no other sub-folders.)
It also means having administrative powers over your phone.
It also voids your warranty if your phone company finds out.
So basically, by extension, rooting a phone means giving yourself rooting privileges. Think of it like this: Say you have an HTC Evo. Android is open-source, but you're only allowed to do on the phone what Sprint allows you to. Sprint wants to charge people $30 or $40 per month to do wifi tethering. A rooted phone could do wifi tethering for free, as you would be the administrator, and override the block.
PROS and CONS
1. Pros
Superuser permissions (full control over your phone, down to terminal commands).
Use root-requiring apps (wifi tether, backups, etc).
Over/underclocking
Ability to use a custom recovery.img (for flashing).
Flash custom ROMs and kernels
Flash other .zip files
Removing bloatware (apps that you don't want or need but can't normally delete)
Upgrading your firmware to later versions (such as phones that won't get the Froyo update)
2. Cons
Voided warranty
Possibility of bricking device
Possibility of damaging hardware
The cons are easy to avoid, as long as you do everything correctly and do your research first. As for your warranty, it's often just easier to say your phone was lost. If it's still covered by warranty, then you could be covered for it.
ROOTING METHOD
For how to root your phone, the internet is your best friend. However, if you are not comfortable, then look to see if you can get someone experienced to do it! All rooting will require you to put your phone in USB Debugging mode as well, which is turned on by going to Menu-->Settings-->Applications-->Check the USB Debugging box. My personal favorite resources are:
Software/apps:
Unrevoked
OneClick
SuperOneClick
z4root
Written Instructions:
Cyanogenmod Wiki
My Blog! (Still growing)
XDA Developers
Video Instructions:
Youtube
(See my youtube vids)
The Unlockr
For having someone do it for you: See craigslist. Someone may be offering the service or you can ask for it.
ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST!
GROUND BASICS OF OPERATING A ROOTED PHONE:
A rooted phone acts the same as a non-rooted phone. The difference is usually under the hood.
You will need an application called "Superuser", downloadable from the app market. Most rooting methods install this automatically. It will have one of these two icons:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Any time something requires root permissions, it will ask for them. The first time around, you'll get a popup screen like this.
Just checkmark next to "remember" and you won't be prompted in the future.
Some popular apps that require superuser permissions:
Wifi Tethering - Self explanatory.
Titanium Backup - A powerful app for backing up your apps and data and restoring them (very useful if switching phones or if you wipe yours).
Autokiller - A powerful memory optimizer, helps with battery.
Overclock Widget - A widget that lets you overclock or underclock your processor. This requires a compatible kernel, which we'll get to in a second.
ROMs
ROM technically means "Read Only Memory", or your flash memory. In Android context though, it means porting a different firmware onto the phone. This is really where the magic of open-source comes into play:
ROMs usually come in ".zip" file format. DO NOT upzip them
ROMs are customized firmwares for your phone. "Customized" and "Cooked" are synonymous in Android context, and developers are the chefs. A ROM can be:
A minimalistic, fast firmware, and have certain features unlocked.
Upgrade your phone to 2.2 or 2.3 if you're stuck on an older firmware.
A completely new look and feel for people who don't like how their phone UI currently is (prevalent with many HTC Sense users).
An overclocking monster.
An undervolted battery saver.
Some combination of the above.
A quick way to brick your phone.
Bricking means your phone is an expensive paperweight, a "brick". Dead.
Notice the last bit about bricking. This is the biggest underlying risk in the rooting business. Many phones have corresponding software that will root the phone for you (Unrevoked, OneClick, SuperOneClick, z4root), but flashing is done manually, and someone who doesn't know what they're doing can brick their phone. Here is a basic guide to flashing:
Download a ROM
Good places to look are XDA or Cyanogenmod.
ROM Labels:
Vanilla - The stock ROM that comes standard on a phone.
CM - Cyanogenmod (or based on)
BACK UP YOUR INFORMATION.
This includes apps, contacts, texts (optional), and call logs (also optional).
You need to install a custom recovery, such as Amon Ra or Clockworkmod. They are both usually as easy to flash, and work generally the same.
Many softwares for rooting, such as Unrevoked, flash a new recovery image automatically.
If your method didn't, you can download an app called ROM Manager from the market. After installation, open it, and click "Flash Clockworkmod Recovery".
If the first two steps didn't work, then you'll have to research a way how.
Go to recovery mode, either from ROM Manager or manually.
Look up how to boot into recovery. For most phones, you'll navigate to it from the bootloader. which is started by turning on your phone while holding some combination of volume/camera buttons and the power button. Bootloader looks like this on most phones, though some vary (particularly Galaxy phones):
Your recovery will look like this:
Now there are a couple of important rules of thumb with flashing:
Always make a NANDROID backup. Navigate to it from the "nandroid" option in recovery. This is a little different than just backing up your contacts and pictures. It backs up your phone system as-is, like a sort of picture (metaphorically of course) of that moment. This gives you something stable to come restore to if something goes wrong.
When flashing a new ROM, if it's not just an update of the one you currently have, you SHOULD "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition". Your information we backed up earlier is on your SD card, which remains untouched.
Now, ready to continue?
Select "install zip from sdcard", then "choose zip from sdcard".
Navigate to your ROM zip(s).
Select it, then scroll down to "YES".
LET IT FINISH. DO NOT TOUCH ANY BUTTONS.
Steps 1-4 of this section are what "FLASHING" means.
When it's done, repeat steps 1-4 of this section for any other zip files associated with it (themes, kernels, tweaks, etc)
When you're done, navigate back to the initial screen of your recovery mode using the "***go back***" options at the bottom of each list. From here, select "reboot phone now".
It will install any remaining packages now. Again, LET IT DO ITS WORK.
Your phone will reboot. If it locks up on boot, try reflashing, or if it just won't work, restore from a NAND backup.
There you have it. A new ROM is a big plus to many with androids. Those who are stuck with 2.1, or even 1.6 and 1.5 now can get a 2.2 ROM and upgrade their firmware, etc. You will no longer receive updates from your provider though, so it is your responsibility to keep your phone up to date by checking the developer's ROM updates, or if you like it as is and don't mind, just keep it like it is for all time.
KERNELS
Kernels are the lowest part of a system's software. It controls memory related things as well as processor things. It manages the communication between the hardware and the software, and caution should be exercised.
Kernels are flashed the same way ROMs are.
Many developers will recommend or develop a kernel to go along with their ROM.
Custom kernels are often needed to do overclocking, or undervolting (for battery optimization), etc.
Also downloaded from XDA and such.
Make sure you do your research and that it's compatible with your phone and/or ROM!
RADIOS, WIMAX, AND OTHERS
Often time you can flash updated versions of your phone's radio and wimax. Download and flash these like you would a ROM.

Thank you! Great guide, simple and clear

Thanks! Please continue commenting to keep this thread from getting buried.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Do i need a new kernel (patched) to create a custom recovery or i can use the original kernel with moded ramdisk?
Can you give same direction for create a custom recovery?
Thank you.
Sent from my Ideos S7 using Tapatalk

Just curious, but any reason you don't have the UniversalAndroot app on your list? I have used it for my old HTC (GSM) Hero, Moto Milestone and a Chinese Android tablet.

I just listed a few off the top of my head, I didn't mean to diss any software

awesome thread... thank you

Can you post a guide to getting usb debugging to work if it is not inside settings? I can't figure out how to do that.

pandafloski said:
ROOTING
Rooting is a very popular thing to do with your android phone these days. It allows you to do a number of things you wouldn't normally be able to do, such as use apps that require root permissions (wifi tethering, real backups, etc), flash custom/cooked ROM's, flash kernels, remove bloatware. and overclocking. Before you attempt rooting however, there are several things you should know first:
"Rooting" is, in vernacular terms, the Android OS equivalent of say, jailbreaking an iPhone.
To be exact, it means several things:
Name for an administrator on Android or any other Linux system.
The lowest level in a file system (for example: the root of your SD card would be the screen that comes up when you first open it, no other sub-folders.)
It also means having administrative powers over your phone.
It also voids your warranty if your phone company finds out.
So basically, by extension, rooting a phone means giving yourself rooting privileges. Think of it like this: Say you have an HTC Evo. Android is open-source, but you're only allowed to do on the phone what Sprint allows you to. Sprint wants to charge people $30 or $40 per month to do wifi tethering. A rooted phone could do wifi tethering for free, as you would be the administrator, and override the block.
PROS and CONS
1. Pros
Superuser permissions (full control over your phone, down to terminal commands).
Use root-requiring apps (wifi tether, backups, etc).
Over/underclocking
Ability to use a custom recovery.img (for flashing).
Flash custom ROMs and kernels
Flash other .zip files
Removing bloatware (apps that you don't want or need but can't normally delete)
Upgrading your firmware to later versions (such as phones that won't get the Froyo update)
2. Cons
Voided warranty
Possibility of bricking device
Possibility of damaging hardware
The cons are easy to avoid, as long as you do everything correctly and do your research first. As for your warranty, it's often just easier to say your phone was lost. If it's still covered by warranty, then you could be covered for it.
ROOTING METHOD
For how to root your phone, the internet is your best friend. However, if you are not comfortable, then look to see if you can get someone experienced to do it! All rooting will require you to put your phone in USB Debugging mode as well, which is turned on by going to Menu-->Settings-->Applications-->Check the USB Debugging box. My personal favorite resources are:
Software/apps:
Unrevoked
OneClick
SuperOneClick
z4root
Written Instructions:
Cyanogenmod Wiki
My Blog! (Still growing)
XDA Developers
Video Instructions:
Youtube
(See my youtube vids)
The Unlockr
For having someone do it for you: See craigslist. Someone may be offering the service or you can ask for it.
ALWAYS DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST!
GROUND BASICS OF OPERATING A ROOTED PHONE:
A rooted phone acts the same as a non-rooted phone. The difference is usually under the hood.
You will need an application called "Superuser", downloadable from the app market. Most rooting methods install this automatically. It will have one of these two icons:
Any time something requires root permissions, it will ask for them. The first time around, you'll get a popup screen like this.
Just checkmark next to "remember" and you won't be prompted in the future.
Some popular apps that require superuser permissions:
Wifi Tethering - Self explanatory.
Titanium Backup - A powerful app for backing up your apps and data and restoring them (very useful if switching phones or if you wipe yours).
Autokiller - A powerful memory optimizer, helps with battery.
Overclock Widget - A widget that lets you overclock or underclock your processor. This requires a compatible kernel, which we'll get to in a second.
ROMs
ROM technically means "Read Only Memory", or your flash memory. In Android context though, it means porting a different firmware onto the phone. This is really where the magic of open-source comes into play:
ROMs usually come in ".zip" file format. DO NOT upzip them
ROMs are customized firmwares for your phone. "Customized" and "Cooked" are synonymous in Android context, and developers are the chefs. A ROM can be:
A minimalistic, fast firmware, and have certain features unlocked.
Upgrade your phone to 2.2 or 2.3 if you're stuck on an older firmware.
A completely new look and feel for people who don't like how their phone UI currently is (prevalent with many HTC Sense users).
An overclocking monster.
An undervolted battery saver.
Some combination of the above.
A quick way to brick your phone.
Bricking means your phone is an expensive paperweight, a "brick". Dead.
Notice the last bit about bricking. This is the biggest underlying risk in the rooting business. Many phones have corresponding software that will root the phone for you (Unrevoked, OneClick, SuperOneClick, z4root), but flashing is done manually, and someone who doesn't know what they're doing can brick their phone. Here is a basic guide to flashing:
Download a ROM
Good places to look are XDA or Cyanogenmod.
ROM Labels:
Vanilla - The stock ROM that comes standard on a phone.
CM - Cyanogenmod (or based on)
BACK UP YOUR INFORMATION.
This includes apps, contacts, texts (optional), and call logs (also optional).
You need to install a custom recovery, such as Amon Ra or Clockworkmod. They are both usually as easy to flash, and work generally the same.
Many softwares for rooting, such as Unrevoked, flash a new recovery image automatically.
If your method didn't, you can download an app called ROM Manager from the market. After installation, open it, and click "Flash Clockworkmod Recovery".
If the first two steps didn't work, then you'll have to research a way how.
Go to recovery mode, either from ROM Manager or manually.
Look up how to boot into recovery. For most phones, you'll navigate to it from the bootloader. which is started by turning on your phone while holding some combination of volume/camera buttons and the power button. Bootloader looks like this on most phones, though some vary (particularly Galaxy phones):
Your recovery will look like this:
Now there are a couple of important rules of thumb with flashing:
Always make a NANDROID backup. Navigate to it from the "nandroid" option in recovery. This is a little different than just backing up your contacts and pictures. It backs up your phone system as-is, like a sort of picture (metaphorically of course) of that moment. This gives you something stable to come restore to if something goes wrong.
When flashing a new ROM, if it's not just an update of the one you currently have, you SHOULD "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition". Your information we backed up earlier is on your SD card, which remains untouched.
Now, ready to continue?
Select "install zip from sdcard", then "choose zip from sdcard".
Navigate to your ROM zip(s).
Select it, then scroll down to "YES".
LET IT FINISH. DO NOT TOUCH ANY BUTTONS.
Steps 1-4 of this section are what "FLASHING" means.
When it's done, repeat steps 1-4 of this section for any other zip files associated with it (themes, kernels, tweaks, etc)
When you're done, navigate back to the initial screen of your recovery mode using the "***go back***" options at the bottom of each list. From here, select "reboot phone now".
It will install any remaining packages now. Again, LET IT DO ITS WORK.
Your phone will reboot. If it locks up on boot, try reflashing, or if it just won't work, restore from a NAND backup.
There you have it. A new ROM is a big plus to many with androids. Those who are stuck with 2.1, or even 1.6 and 1.5 now can get a 2.2 ROM and upgrade their firmware, etc. You will no longer receive updates from your provider though, so it is your responsibility to keep your phone up to date by checking the developer's ROM updates, or if you like it as is and don't mind, just keep it like it is for all time.
KERNELS
Kernels are the lowest part of a system's software. It controls memory related things as well as processor things. It manages the communication between the hardware and the software, and caution should be exercised.
Kernels are flashed the same way ROMs are.
Many developers will recommend or develop a kernel to go along with their ROM.
Custom kernels are often needed to do overclocking, or undervolting (for battery optimization), etc.
Also downloaded from XDA and such.
Make sure you do your research and that it's compatible with your phone and/or ROM!
RADIOS, WIMAX, AND OTHERS
Often time you can flash updated versions of your phone's radio and wimax. Download and flash these like you would a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Galaxy 3 phone and am completely new to rooting and based in Bangalore, India. Is there a one-click app for G3 which can root my phone automatically without much of my intervention and is it safe to use this app?

Informative thread, thanks.

I'm not sure there's a way to do that

I have noooo idea. I have no experience with that phone :/

Zinglife rooting is making me mad , pls help!
how to install adb drivers if no drivers are provided , superoneclick ,z4root all fail rooting my zinglife tablet..link to my thread in my signature

Read this before posting. MT4G Slide Compendium

The Almost Complete Compendium for MT4G Slide (Read This before Posting)
Note as of 12/22/2011 the ota update is not rootable (H boot 1.45.0013)
and s-off cannot be obtained. If you updated with s-off it is possible to revert back. [url='http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1421258"] Reference thread [/url]
Also, people who used HTC unlock and have s-on will have trouble flashing roms that are not gingerbread based.
Table Of Contents
1. XDA Lingo
2. MT4G Slide Specs.
3. S-Off, Root, Recovery, Backup, Unroot
4. ROMS, Kernels, Fixes, Mods
5. Network (Unlocking, Backtrack)
6. Apps
7. Development Section
8. Credits
Section One
READ FIRST
READ SECOND
READ THIRD
This is really helpful if a person is new to the forums. Some Lingo, Jargon!!
S-Off: This term is used when describing the security radio. With S-on only signed ROMs may be flashed, when S-off unsigned ROMs may be flashed IE custom ROMs.
Root: This means the user will have unrestricted full access to almost the entire system stack. Another way of describing it would be, having administrator rights on a windows computer
Custom Rom: This stands for “read only Memory”. With Android OS, a custom rom allows you to change things that were un-changeable.
Hybrid ROM: When referring to the MT4G Slide. This ROM contains both HTC Sense and AOSP Theme.
(Unlocked)Bootloader: Loads the core operating system. Unlocked bootloader means users can modify what files the bootloader opens.
H-Boot: Hitting power+volume down after a power down or restart brings up the H-boot (skating androids). This is used to get into recovery and can also be used to flash files using the proper file name.
Fastboot: Fastboot is the name of a tool used to manipulate the flash partitions of the Android developer phone. It can also boot the phone using a kernel image or root filesystem image which reside on the host machine rather than in the phone flash
Zipalign: Is an archive alignment tool. The benefit of zipalign is a reduction in the amount of RAM consumed when running the application.
A.O.S.P "Android Open Source Project": Pure google source untouced by carriers and phone manufacturers.
SDK ADK: “Software Development Kit”” Android Development kit” A suite of tools that helps developers create software for the Android OS.
ADB: “Android Debug Bridge” Allows a user to control and interface with the Android OS.
SBF: System binary file. “I sbfed back to stock” Meaning, I reverted my phone back to stock using a system binary file with a stock image.
Kernel: This is the center of the computer operating system. It provides basic services to the other parts of the system.
Overclock: Forcing the processor to increase its clock rate (therefore more cycles per second). Normally used to get better performance.
Underclock: Reducing the processor clock rate (less cycles per second). This is used to get battery performance and increase processor life.
Undervolt: Lowering the voltage while still maintaining clock rate. This is used to help save power and heat reduction.
Frosted/Defrost: A term used when freezing (frosted) an application or unfreezing (defrost).
Bloatware/Debloat: The many useless applications that carriers add onto the stock os (bloatware). Debloat means that the bloatware has been removed.
Master Subsidy Lock (MSL): Many phones are sold below cost, (at a loss to the carrier,) with the expectation that the money will be recouped in the cost of the monthly service plan. The up-front loss that is later recouped is called a Subsidy.For this to work financially for the carrier, the user must not buy the phone and then use it with a different carrier.The carriers slap on a MSL so the user cannot switch service providers.The term "unlock" means to get the MSL code to free the phone from the carriers lock.
Section Two
MT4G Slide Specs.
Phone specs:
Phone Scoop
[url='http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Phones/cell-phone-detail.aspx?cell-phone=T-Mobile-myTouch-4G-Slide-Black"]T-Mobile[/url]
HTC
Snapdragon
"Best Still Image shooter" according to PC World
T.V Out
Section Three
S-Off, Root, Recovery, BackUp.
S-Off and Root
How to find out S-On or S-Off / Booting Into Hboot
Radio - Necessary to recover botched radio install Stock Radio Another Stock Radio Thread
S-OFF for Retail (S-ON) Devices, NOTE ADDED 8/17/11
Revolutionary's site also has the root zip that is needed. Does this give me root?
Boot into H-boot, then recovery, use camera button and select "install zip from sd card". When zip is done reboot phone, check superuser.
PERMANENT-ROOT (NEW!) & Temp-Root (v2) for any MT4GS (Windows) Great Guide with very good information!
Recovery
[RECOVERY] Official CWM Recovery v5.0.2.7
Thanks Undeadk9 for install guide.
Also, if using an older ROM version of Sense On Crack, Senseless, Virtrous, etc both the system and data need to be mounted.
ROM Manager is also supported for flashing CWM Recovery. Simply download ROM manager, click flash recovery at the top. Then select our phone. Follow the directions.
Directions:
1. Make Sure Your On a WiFi connection.
2. Go here: http://www.clockworkmod.com
Go to recoveries, Download v5.0.2.7 recovery for doubleshot
3. Download Term Emulator
4. Using root explorer, move the recovery image to /data/local, then mount System r/w in root explorer, then press the home button.
5. Then open Term emulator and this....
su
dd if=/data/local/recovery-clockworkmod-5.0.2.7-doubleshot.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p21
Press ENTER
6. It should say transferring bytes blah blah
7. Open ROM manager and press reboot into recovery.
8. If it says v5.0.2.7 then You are done.
ClockworkMod Recovery 4.0.0.9 for the T-Mobile myTouch 4G Slide (MoDaCo edition)
*Older Version*
I took out the terminal emulator post in the thread which is how I upgraded my recovery. The words and numbers must be exact.
here is the OP Thanks
1. Download Recovery 4.0.0.9 from Modaco's website
2. Using Root Explorer, find the file in your downloads folder on the sdcard.
3. Paste the recovery img file into your phone's /data/local folder.
4. In terminal emulator, first type "su" and then type "'dd if=/data/local/doubleshot.clockworkmod.4.0.0.9.modaco.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p21" and let it transfer the recovery file.
Re-Cap How To Turn S-Off, Install MoDaCo Clockworkmod Recovery, and Install a Rom For Dummie
Backup (Read and Re-Read this section)
Backups - After Rooting, before ROMing, take this step
Unroot
For The What Ifs
Section Four
Roms!Roms!Roms
Difference between full rom and patch
Basic Installation of a NEW ROM
1. MAKE NANDROID BACKUP OF STOCK ROM
2. REBOOT INTO RECOVERY
3. WIPE DATA AND CACHE
4. FORMAT DATA
5. FORMAT SYSTEM
6. WIPE BATTERY STATS "OPTIONAL BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
7. WIPE DALVIK CACHE
8. INSTALL ROM
9. REBOOT
10*. LET PHONE SET FOR 5-7 MINUTES.(see below)
*The system is still building symlinks and installing things behind the scenes on first boot of a fresh installation. If you choose to play with it before the 5 minute mark, you risk losing data that has yet to be written. This can lead to buggy performance and issues the DEVS will have a hard time figuring out.
For patches
Backup
1. Wipe cache
2. Wipe davik
3. Flash Patch
4.Reboot
Stock Roms
12/Aug 1.28.531.9 r1 - HTC Doubleshot Stock ROM Rooted and decodexed
Pure Stock Doubleshot, Root/Deodex/Busybox/Opt/Zip
Ice Cream Sandwhich
[ROM][Jan 5 2012] Pyr-o-Ice ICS 0.3.0 alpha (Android 4.0.1) |Camera(photo)|FaceUnlock
Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Roms
CM7
Sense Roms
Virtrous
Crack Injected Sense
BulletProof
Touch 4G Slide DoubleShot Lite
*These Roms Have active Developer support. If I missed a ROM please message or post and I will fix.
Kernels
BoneStock Kernel
Unity V2
Kanged
Fixes, Mods
GPS Fix
Safe Bloatware Removal
Turn off system update for good
*Data Connectivity Fix
*Clutter Cleanup
*indicates stock ROM safe
Section Five
Networking(Unlock,Backtrack)
Unlock:Use method one
Another Way to Unlock the MSL
Backtrack (offensive network secruity)
Section Six
Apps
Good App suggestions and reviews
Section Seven
Development Section
This section is intended for DEVS and beginner DEVS. If you have a question ask before doing something.
MT4GS Stock App Developers Reference
Partions - memory address listing
ADB,SDK,JDK
Fastboot.Exe is in the attachments incase you did not get it. Put the .Exe in platform-tools folder.
Blue61x's Guide to setting up a fresh Dev Computer XP
ADB Workshop by Adrynalyne and Guide by Captainkrtek
Understanding Basic ADB Commands
Dev guide to adb
Key Mapping
Genius button to search
Hardware Key mapping and Flashable zips and requests
LockRing Editing
[How-To] Custom Sense Lockring on the MT4GS - easy step-by-step.Part 1
[How-To] Edit .9.png files for the MT4GS - step-by-step.Part 2
[How-To] Edit Mode10 Files for the MT4GS - step-by-step. Part 3
Tools and Dowloads
MR.Root by XMC Wildchild22 Great scripts!!!
SuperOneClick Root
Section Eight
Credits
I am adding more sections, more links and more information as well as some more jargon.
Pm's welcome for mistakes, more information, etc. ( I am human).
Thanks Blue6IX,Very involved with the creation of this compendium
I thank all the Devs, Mods,end users, supporters and noobs for helping me compile this information. I take no credit for this as it's an orangized Hub for all of our information.

Change Log: 11/02/2011 Added New CWM Recovery, CM7, Mods and Fixes section. Changed name of Unlocking section to networking. Added backtrack.
11/06/2011: Added new terminology.Updated and split the ROM section into aosp and sense roms. Added another way to obtain an unlock code. Added development Section.
11/11/2011: Added new terminology. Added new section to ROM: Hybrid. Added Doubleshot Lite to ROM section. Moved Key mapping section to dev. section. Added ADB section to dev. section. Edits.
11/22/2011: Added new terminology. Added Rom Manager is now supported for flashing CWM. Minor Edits.
12/21/2011: Updated Dev. Section and added fastboot.exe to attachments
1/05/12 : Added ICS Rom section, Added tools and download section, Added Blue's guide and XMC's root tool.

This should help clear up some of the oft-asked questions for people new to the device.
Droidmoder really put a lot of effort into making this happen!
Edit - How did I forget to click thanks on the OP? Dec 14th, 2011

Blue6IX said:
This should help clear up some of the oft-asked questions for people new to the device.
Droidmoder really put a lot of effort into making this happen!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blue6IX,
thanks for your help. You helped more than you think you did!

Blue6IX said:
The system is still building symlinks and installing things behind the scenes on first boot of a fresh installation. If you choose to play with it before the 5 minute mark, you risk losing data that has yet to be written.
The system will serve you, the user, before itself, and will drop from memory things it still needs to write to process your requests. This can result in buggy performance or problems down the line, and lead to frustrating issues that developers of the ROM can't figure out - because no one else will have these problems. Please be advised of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added to step ten.

Very nice write up =D.

ekoee said:
Very nice write up =D.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thank you very much! Now the goal is to keep it up to date which will probably turn into more work than you want, but thank you!

unclespoon said:
Yes, thank you very much! Now the goal is to keep it up to date which will probably turn into more work than you want, but thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem.
Sent from my Crack Injected Doubleshot using xda premium

Great Job!
Suggestion: a section on key remapping? (there was a thread somewhere but never got completed)

Etn40ff said:
Great Job!
Suggestion: a section on key remapping? (there was a thread somewhere but never got completed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to add this tonight. At work. I have that thread alreay
Sent from my Crack Injected Doubleshot using xda premium

Etn40ff said:
Great Job!
Suggestion: a section on key remapping? (there was a thread somewhere but never got completed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two threads actually.
Original
Then I made one for requests that people want in flashable zip form:
Requests
So technically, there is no need to 'finish' the first one, and I support my request thread as time allows. It's set up so any dev can come in and handle requests, and there are a few floating around here that would be more then happy to help.

by finish I refer to ekoee's post on shift+alt keys, either it never appeared or i could not find it at the time

Etn40ff said:
by finish I refer to ekoee's post on shift+alt keys, either it never appeared or i could not find it at the time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, good catch - i'd forgotten about that with everything else that's been going on.
Wonder if someone will put time into figuring it out?
I bet the answer to that will also lead to the answer for getting other languages supported on the hardware keyboard.

Yeah sorry about that, I haven't had the time to start pulling apart key mappings. Ill make sure to get on it when work settles down.

ekoee said:
Yeah sorry about that, I haven't had the time to start pulling apart key mappings. Ill make sure to get on it when work settles down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thinking about moving key mapping in the dev section. Wouldn't it be more of a devlopmental thing?
Btw I'm going to refurb the dev sections with links and guides on adk adb and fastboot .
sent from my sense on crack MT4G Slide using xda premium

What does "nandroid" backup mean?
I have backed up with the recovery and I have backed up with ROM manager. What is nandroid?

sandiegoan said:
I have backed up with the recovery and I have backed up with ROM manager. What is nandroid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid is what clockwork mod calls the actual backup file.
Backup means to create a backup.
Nandroid is the file backup of your system . Hence nan (small) and droid the os. So you can also say you made a small android os .
Ill add this to terminology when I get to it. Hope this helped.
sent from my Agent Orange MT4G Slide using xda premium

Very helpful info, I unrooted, but theunlockr guide stated that this would turn the phone back to S-ON, but it hasnt, i have the stock tmobile rom back on the phone, but HBOOT states I still have S-ON, is this a problem? is there a way to get S-ON again so I can start the root process over? or am is there shortcuts I can take to root now that I have S-off?

I actually do not know. I would assume s on is attainable. Why would you want s on, you can re root without going threw rev again.
Follow the root guide its easy enough.
sent from my Agent Orange MT4G Slide using xda premium

You mean the guide from theunlockr? or another guide? if its another guide please post it? as far as following theunlockr method, in order to gain perm root it stated I have to first boot into recovery, and then flash the ZIP file, but when I try to go into recovery, I get a red exclamation mark, even though I have S -OFF

MaXimum SENSEaY-TION SIMPLIFi ROOT, ICS, UNLOCK, ROM, 1.5GHz, Beats NOOBPROOF 10min

NEW YEARS UPDATE: CdTDroiD has put out SENSEaY XE40/3.0!!! I will update this tonight once I get it working on my phone . You can also use Android Revolution HD and InsertCoin ICS ROMs as they are pretty stable
NEW YEARS UPDATE 2: Found 1.5GHz Kernel for ICS. Posted below.
NOTE: I AM NOT TAKING CREDIT OR DONATIONS FOR ANY OF THE ROMS, KERNELS, MODS, OR ANY OTHER BIT OF THE GREAT PRO BONO WORK DONE ON A REGULAR BASIS BY XDA DEVS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THIS POST. PROPS TO THE XDA DEVS WHO’S WORK THIS IS. DONATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE APPROPRIATE DEVS. THIS IS JUST A “REMIX” OF (IMHO) THE BEST WORK OUT THERE. ALSO THANKS TO HTC FOR THEIR WORK ON SENSE, THE GREAT HARDWARE THEY PRODUCE, AND THE RUU FILES THEY PROVIDE FREE OF CHARGE TO DEVS. NO INSULT IS INTENDED TO ANY DEVS OF ROMS NOT IN THIS REMIX. YOU ALL DO GREAT WORK, AND THIS IS JUST PERSONAL PREFERENCE.
Look! Transparent taskbar, transparent dock, transparent calendar widget, and ICS-like theme throughout. Newest version google Apps, Sense 3.5 (PICS BELOW FOR Android 2.3.5. PICS FOR ICS COMING SOON, ONCE BETTER BUILDS ARE OUT)
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Android 2.3.5 Current <Will Update to ICS when stable build is posted on XDA by a dev, complete with props>
HTC Sense 3.5
1.5-1.7GHz Dual Core w. HTC Kernel, 1.2GHz with SENSEaY kernel
768MB RAM (562MB addressable with HTC Kernel, 613MB with stock SENSEaY kernel)
Greetings from the great white north! As much as I’d like to think of myself as technically inclined, I’m a relative greenhorn (compared to devs and other hardcore XDAers). I’m a big fan of the work of devs on XDA. I’ve used Android since the G1, and have dabbled in unlocking, rooting, custom ROMs, etc. but have had a bit of a hard time sifting through all of the ROMs, Kernels, mods, etc on XDA. That’s why I decided to bring together a mix of the best options and features out there into a simple step-by-step instructional post.
Why root and unlock? You can use your phone on any carrier (as long as the radio is supported), unlock its hardware potential (including overclock), better battery life with custom Kernel, and NO MORE ADS with adfree.
Vol. 1: HTC Sensation (4G/XE, T-Mobile US, Bell Canada)
If you’re one of the proud owners of this phone GOOD FOR YOU! You’ve made a good choice on good quality hardware – that was the first step. Step 2 is making the phone work for you. We’ll go through rooting to give you control, free-unlocking to break the chains, custom ROMs that maximize your hardware, custom kernels to tune the ROMs, and custom Mods to make it really pop.
By the end of these 10 minutes you’ll have an HTC Sensation XE with Beats audio running at 1.5GHz (the design clock of the Sensation CPU, Overclockable to 1.9GHz) a swiping keyboard, and a really slick FAST interface
1. Rooting permanently (S-OFF, Recovery, Root, etc.) [props to xl VipeR lx ]
a. a) Remove your battery and write down your phone’s serial number. You’ll need it for c)
b. Put the battery back in your phone and press the “Volume down” and “Power” buttons at the same time. This will bring you to a white screen. This is called “boot to bootloader”. Look for “HBOOT” and write down the number (ex. 1.18.0000). You’ll need this for c).
c. Go to http://revolutionary.io/ - click “Download for Windows” if you have Windows installed on your PC. It will ask you for the Serial number, device, and HBOOT version you got in step a) and b). It will give you a beta key – write this down, because you’ll need it for e). Unzip “revolutionary-0.4pre4” and note the location (for f))
d. Download HTC Sync (we’ll use this for device drivers, not the tool itself) and install.
e. Reboot your phone and start it up as normal. Once it’s all up, plug it into your PC by USB, and select “HTC Sync” when prompted to do so. Enable USB Debugging (Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging). Uninstall HTC Sync after your PC finds your phone and installs the right drivers for it.
f. Open the “revolutionary.exe” tool from the “revolutionary-0.4pre4”. Enter the beta key from c). It may take a few attempts. Once it does work let the tool do its job. It will ask you at some point if you want to flash a custom recovery (Clockworkmod). SAY YES.
g. Rooting time. Download su-2.3.6.3-ef-signed.zip and copy it to your phone’s microSD card. Boot into bootloader. Select “Recovery” (henceforth, boot into recovery), which will take you to a black screen with blue text. Once there, make a “nandroid” backup (“backup and restore”) of your phone in case you decide to revert eventually or you worry about losing data. After, select “install zip from SD card”, “choose zip from SD card”, then “su-2.3.6.3-ef-signed.zip” and flash it. This may take 3 attempts until it gives you a “success” message. YOU’RE ROOTED!
2. 10-second Unlock [props to xl VipeR lx ] - Now that you’re rooted you can do a very simple free permanent unlock
a. Download PG58DIAG.nbh and copy it to your SD card.
b. Boot into recovery. It will bring you to that (now familiar) white screen, and automatically go through some fancy steps.
c. Do these steps quickly: press “Vol down” to enter DIAG, rotate the phone so it’s horizontal, press “Power” to select “Clean S58 data” and “Power” again to execute. YOU’RE UNLOCKED! You can install any SIM card and the phone will recognize all networks as long as that network has the same radio frequency.
Pre-3. Decide on ICS ROM (my current favorites: InsertCoin and Android Revolution HD), but if you do you can't do any tweaks or overclock past 1.5GHz in step 5!
3. Flashing a great ROM [props to CdTDroiD ]
a. Download this recommended ROM: SENSEaY XE35 v2.1.0 and copy the .zip file to your microSD card. Download the “super wipe” erasing tool: Android_Revolution_HD_Super_Wipe_Sensation.zip and copy the .zip file to your microSD card.
b. Boot into recovery. Flash the super wipe file, then flash the SENSEaY file. YOU NOW HAVE AN AWESOME CUSTOM ROM
4. Enhancements
a. Download a custom kernel
FOR ANDROID ICS 4.0.x click HERE or HERE (if first link not working)
FOR ANDROID Gingerbread 2.3.x (recommended: Bricked v1.4 w camfix. Copy this to your microSD card. Note, this will decrease memory showing from 613MB to 562MB.
b. Download CdTdroid tweak (NOT IN ICS YET) CdTDroiD_Tweaks_Patch_1.8.x_v2.zip [props to CdTDroiD ]. Copy this to your microSD card.
c. Download Transparent Taskbar (NOT IN ICS YET)JeffTrabar.zip. Copy this to your microSD card.
d. Boot into recovery. Install zip from SD card, and install in the order above. Reboot. YOU NOW HAVE A SLICKER ROM
5. Final steps and Overclock:
a. Settings>CdTDroiD Tweaks>Battery Options – unselect “show battery icon”, and select “battery text style>Regular%”.
b. Download “Antutu” CPU Master from the market. When prompted, allow “SuperUser permissions”. Now you can OVERCLOCK your CPU. Make sure select “Set on boot” or it will reset to the stock 1.5GHz on boot.
c. Menu>Personalize>Display tab>Lock screen style>weather
d. Menu>Personalize>Display tab>Lock screen shortcuts – set whatever your favorite shortcuts are. Mine are phone, GMail, camera, and SMS messages.
Congratulations, you made it this far! Now go out and enjoy the hell out of your phone.
Credits:
XDA Web team
Devs
If I’m leaving anyone out PM ME and I will add to this list. No disrespect intended, of course.

Sweet. So this is basically a re written/re worded version of the sticky guide on how to get s off and root ? After reading through it, it seems very similiar, but a little easier to follow....? I'm guessing following your guide when I get to the Rom/kernel part, I can flash any other too?
Has anyone w a tmo sensation 4g followed this exactly step by step and was completely successful without any problems?
Thanks for taking the time to write this
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

@kboater
Yep, it's basically just a simplified, faster guide that I put together myself based on a LOT of other guides, walkthroughs, and OP Dev posts. You can use any other ROM of your choosing, but I've only tested the tweaks and kernels with SENSEaY. I tried Android Revolution HD, InsertCoin, and a few others and found that SENSEaY fit best for my requirements.
TESTED AND WORKING ON T-Mobile Sensation, Bell Sensation
4 SENSATIONS DONE SO FAR

Edit: added more ROMs and Kernels

Hi, thank you for this great time spending to put all info in one place. I tried and I like it. Everything is smooth. However, I have one bug. I am not aible to use camera anymore. Then I push camera app, screen becomes black and is showing litle camera shaped logo in the middle. After this phone just goes into home menu. Any suggests why this is happening and how I can fix it?
By the way, I was reading about HTC Amaze camera app for sensation. Is it that much better? Can I ser a compress ratio to standart one?
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE Z710e using XDA App

RoboDan918 said:
@kboater
Yep, it's basically just a simplified, faster guide that I put together myself based on a LOT of other guides, walkthroughs, and OP Dev posts. You can use any other ROM of your choosing, but I've only tested the tweaks and kernels with SENSEaY. I tried Android Revolution HD, InsertCoin, and a few others and found that SENSEaY fit best for my requirements.
TESTED AND WORKING ON T-Mobile Sensation, Bell Sensation
4 SENSATIONS DONE SO FAR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks appreciate it.
2 more questions:
1. from the little reading i have done on roms, it seems like the roms based on sense 3.0 in general tend to be more stable (with better battery life) then the ones based on sense 3.5...? Senseay Xe35 seems be be sense 3.5 right? For this to be the first rom I flash on my tmo sensation 4g, do you suggest I start with the a very stable sense 3.0 Rom?
2. Have you tried to put S-On back on? The guide to putting it back on does not seem like it is quite as noobproof...? If you have tired it, do you recommend it, or do you have your own simplified version of it, like you do for S-off and flashing roms, like this thread?
Thanks, really appreciate it )

@madbeardo
Just updated the guide. Yes the bricked 1.5 kernel and HTC stock kernel both seem to interfere with the camera. I fixed this on my 4 Sensations by flashing bricked 1.4! You can still overclock to 1.9GHz (though I don't recommend over 1.7GHz for stability)
@kboater
Yep sense 3.5. You can flash an older version of SENSEaY or another ROM with sense 3.0 but I've found those to be no more stable than the 3.5 ROMs. As for the battery life, I'm at 35% with "1d 1h 14min 28s on battery" on moderate normal usage (voice calls, downloads, light browsing, some gaming, texting, email, etc.) I'll post battery stats once I get down to 5% or so.
Simplest way to get S-On should be flashing the original RUU for the device using HTC tools. It will also wipe out clockworkmod custom recovery.

I loves this post. It's easier for newbie like me.
Thank you.

Thanks, finally went about unlocking my device using this guide.

Glad to be of help! If you like it, please click "thanks" in the original post.
FYI Updates: Some XDA Devs are making progress on the ICS ROMs. I hope to update this soon to include the ICS option.

Robodan,
Using Sensay and the kernel you suggested (bricked 1.4), things are just a little laggy. for example, when opening weather or many other apps, i get a grey checkered screen for a sec before the app opens.
when opening or scrolling through the app drawer, its kind of laggy also.
any other Roms you suggest trying? any other kernels?
thanks!

This should be stickied.

@kboater
I haven't run into that on any of the 4 Sensations I've done
Could you describe it in more detail? Screenshots? (Power+home buttons)
Also, are you using the Bricked 1.4 I posted in this thread or another? The one I posted has the camfix.

RoboDan918 said:
NOTE: I AM NOT TAKING CREDIT OR DONATIONS FOR ANY OF THE ROMS, KERNELS, MODS, OR ANY OTHER BIT OF THE GREAT PRO BONO WORK DONE ON A REGULAR BASIS BY XDA DEVS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THIS POST. PROPS TO THE XDA DEVS WHO’S WORK THIS IS. DONATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE APPROPRIATE DEVS. THIS IS JUST A “REMIX” OF (IMHO) THE BEST WORK OUT THERE. ALSO THANKS TO HTC FOR THEIR WORK ON SENSE, THE GREAT HARDWARE THEY PRODUCE, AND THE RUU FILES THEY PROVIDE FREE OF CHARGE TO DEVS. NO INSULT IS INTENDED TO ANY DEVS OF ROMS NOT IN THIS REMIX. YOU ALL DO GREAT WORK, AND THIS IS JUST PERSONAL PREFERENCE.
Look! Transparent taskbar, transparent dock, transparent calendar widget, and ICS-like theme throughout. Newest version google Apps, Sense 3.5
Android 2.3.5 Current <Will Update to ICS when stable build is posted on XDA by a dev, complete with props>
HTC Sense 3.5
1.5-1.7GHz Dual Core w. HTC Kernel, 1.2GHz with SENSEaY kernel
768MB RAM (562MB addressable with HTC Kernel, 613MB with stock SENSEaY kernel)
Greetings from the great white north! As much as I’d like to think of myself as technically inclined, I’m a relative greenhorn (compared to devs and other hardcore XDAers). I’m a big fan of the work of devs on XDA. I’ve used Android since the G1, and have dabbled in unlocking, rooting, custom ROMs, etc. but have had a bit of a hard time sifting through all of the ROMs, Kernels, mods, etc on XDA. That’s why I decided to bring together a mix of the best options and features out there into a simple step-by-step instructional post.
Why root and unlock? You can use your phone on any carrier (as long as the radio is supported), unlock its hardware potential (including overclock), better battery life with custom Kernel, and NO MORE ADS with adfree.
Vol. 1: HTC Sensation (4G/XE, T-Mobile US, Bell Canada)
If you’re one of the proud owners of this phone GOOD FOR YOU! You’ve made a good choice on good quality hardware – that was the first step. Step 2 is making the phone work for you. We’ll go through rooting to give you control, free-unlocking to break the chains, custom ROMs that maximize your hardware, custom kernels to tune the ROMs, and custom Mods to make it really pop.
By the end of these 10 minutes you’ll have an HTC Sensation XE with Beats audio running at 1.5GHz (the design clock of the Sensation CPU, Overclockable to 1.9GHz) a swiping keyboard, and a really slick FAST interface
1. Rooting permanently (S-OFF, Recovery, Root, etc.) [props to xl VipeR lx ]
a. a) Remove your battery and write down your phone’s serial number. You’ll need it for c)
b. Put the battery back in your phone and press the “Volume down” and “Power” buttons at the same time. This will bring you to a white screen. This is called “boot to bootloader”. Look for “HBOOT” and write down the number (ex. 1.18.0000). You’ll need this for c).
c. Go to http://revolutionary.io/ - click “Download for Windows” if you have Windows installed on your PC. It will ask you for the Serial number, device, and HBOOT version you got in step a) and b). It will give you a beta key – write this down, because you’ll need it for e). Unzip “revolutionary-0.4pre4” and note the location (for f))
d. Download HTC Sync (we’ll use this for device drivers, not the tool itself) and install.
e. Reboot your phone and start it up as normal. Once it’s all up, plug it into your PC by USB, and select “HTC Sync” when prompted to do so. Enable USB Debugging (Settings>Applications>Development>USB Debugging). Uninstall HTC Sync after your PC finds your phone and installs the right drivers for it.
f. Open the “revolutionary.exe” tool from the “revolutionary-0.4pre4”. Enter the beta key from c). It may take a few attempts. Once it does work let the tool do its job. It will ask you at some point if you want to flash a custom recovery (Clockworkmod). SAY YES.
g. Rooting time. Download su-2.3.6.3-ef-signed.zip and copy it to your phone’s microSD card. Boot into bootloader. Select “Recovery” (henceforth, boot into recovery), which will take you to a black screen with blue text. Once there, make a “nandroid” backup (“backup and restore”) of your phone in case you decide to revert eventually or you worry about losing data. After, select “install zip from SD card”, “choose zip from SD card”, then “su-2.3.6.3-ef-signed.zip” and flash it. This may take 3 attempts until it gives you a “success” message. YOU’RE ROOTED!
2. 10-second Unlock [props to xl VipeR lx ] - Now that you’re rooted you can do a very simple free permanent unlock
a. Download PG58DIAG.nbh and copy it to your SD card.
b. Boot into recovery. It will bring you to that (now familiar) white screen, and automatically go through some fancy steps.
c. Do these steps quickly: press “Vol down” to enter DIAG, rotate the phone so it’s horizontal, press “Power” to select “Clean S58 data” and “Power” again to execute. YOU’RE UNLOCKED! You can install any SIM card and the phone will recognize all networks as long as that network has the same radio frequency.
3. Flashing a great ROM [props to CdTDroiD ]
a. Download this recommended ROM: SENSEaY XE35 v2.1.0 and copy the .zip file to your microSD card. Download the “super wipe” erasing tool: Android_Revolution_HD_Super_Wipe_Sensation.zip and copy the .zip file to your microSD card.
b. Boot into recovery. Flash the super wipe file, then flash the SENSEaY file. YOU NOW HAVE AN AWESOME CUSTOM ROM
4. Enhancements
a. Download a custom kernel (recommended: Bricked v1.4 w camfix. Copy this to your microSD card. Note, this will decrease memory showing from 613MB to 562MB.
b. Download CdTdroid tweak CdTDroiD_Tweaks_Patch_1.8.x_v2.zip [props to CdTDroiD ]. Copy this to your microSD card.
c. Download JeffTrabar.zip (transparent taskbar). Copy this to your microSD card.
d. Boot into recovery. Install zip from SD card, and install in the order above. Reboot. YOU NOW HAVE A SLICKER ROM
5. Final steps and Overclock:
a. Settings>CdTDroiD Tweaks>Battery Options – unselect “show battery icon”, and select “battery text style>Regular%”.
b. Download “Antutu” CPU Master from the market. When prompted, allow “SuperUser permissions”. Now you can OVERCLOCK your CPU. Make sure select “Set on boot” or it will reset to the stock 1.5GHz on boot.
c. Menu>Personalize>Display tab>Lock screen style>weather
d. Menu>Personalize>Display tab>Lock screen shortcuts – set whatever your favorite shortcuts are. Mine are phone, GMail, camera, and SMS messages.
Congratulations, you made it this far! Now go out and enjoy the hell out of your phone.
Other HTC Sensation ROMs and Kernels:
http://www.theandroidsource.com/sen...cking-etc/824-htc-sensation-roms-kernels.html (they link back to XDA FYI)
also http://www.mediafire.com/?t74kay2965co3
*** Other kernels may interfere with the camera - a known issue
Credits:
XDA Web team
Devs
If I’m leaving anyone out PM ME and I will add to this list. No disrespect intended, of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot!!! steps worked perfect!! only issue i had was downloading the "CdTDroiD_Tweaks_Patch_1.8.x_v2.zip" the link for that one doesnt work anymore , it says it was removed...did a search on google. found it here :http://dev-host.org/users/CdTDroiD/296/ADDONS , thanks a billion...loving my sensation XE!

GOD bless U
I just bought my Sensation XE 3 days ago after my long used N73 was stolen. So Android, Custom ROM, Flash everything is completely new to me ! And as a Bangladeshi, English is not even my first language. but when incidentally i stumbled upon this thread, at that very moment i could feel that "yes, i can do this" . The total presentation is excellent and thanx to this thread now my android is flashed with custom ROM on its 3rd day My humble congratulations to the creator I just want 2 add few points where a noob like me can get a little scared on step 1e..it will be helpful to mention that we must uninstall HTC sync first, otherwise the “revolutionary.exe” tool WILL NOT open ( i thought uninstallation wasn't that necessary and tried...the tool was not opening and got scared)
1g..second time when i tried to boot to bootloader..it won't happen got scared again and by searching other resources found out that to do that i have to take the battery out every time or simply TURN OFF the Fast boot option.
After that i flashed with "Revolutionary HD" ROM & Now i am a Poweruser !!!
if u mention those 2 little extra lines as i mentioned..It will be completely IDIOT proof
GOD bless XDA forum/ developers.. I think for only people like u, knowledge and technology has reached this far. Cant imagine what if the rest of the world acted like people in "apple" ( Respect to Mr. Jobs any way)

I was able to unlock and root my HTC sensation perfectly using the above methods. Thanks!
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium

everytime I enter the beta key from the web site (in case sensitive) it tell me it an invalid key. I have tried about 10 times with no luck.
Any advise???

radind said:
everytime I enter the beta key from the web site (in case sensitive) it tell me it an invalid key. I have tried about 10 times with no luck.
Any advise???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the key is case sensitive, happened to me too . after 2nd try when it said Ivalid key..i copied it into MSword and changed the fonts.found that i was trying with "i" instead of small "L" . i wish ur case is also simple like mine, best of luck.

yes it was exactly that issue. hard to tell what the letters are sometimes. Have completed the process and all working well.

So I'm curious, why isn't this in the development section with all the other roms? I haven't tried it yet but it looks like a nice version, I'll probably be rooting and romming tonight for the first time

[GUIDE][VZW Edition]How to root your Galaxy SIII & More!(ROMs/CWM/Stock)

Here is a guide I have put together for the VZW Samsung SCH-I535 Galaxy S3
------------------
This guide contains 7 sections:
Section 1: How to Root/Unlock bootloader/Flash CWM recovery coming from stock 4.0.4 ICS
Section 2: How to flash a Custom Touchwiz 4.0/4.1 rom
Section 3: How to flash a CM10/AOSP/AOKP JellyBean rom
Section 4: How to flash a Custom Kernel
Section 5: How to Odin back to Stock from any rom/recover from a soft brick/flash a stock radio
Section 6: Directory
Section 7: Glossary
-----------------
This Guide Is For The D2VZW SCH-I535 ONLY!! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLASH ANYTHING FROM THE I9300 International GS3 Or You Will Hard Brick The Device!!
-----------------
*I am not liable for what you do to your DEVICE!!
*I take no credit for links posted in this thread... This is just a guide or more so a collaboration of different guides all put into one thread!!
*This Guide will not trip your flash counter!! Flashing any custom software via odin will infact trip the flash counter!! Thats why I use these methods and the only thing I use odin is for flashing STOCK firmware Only!!!
-----------------
*** Before going any further I strongly suggest reading and performing this action before flashing any custom roms!!! ***
[HOWTO]Comprehensive IMEI/EFS Backup- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 1: ( For Windows OS)How to Root/Unlock bootloader/Flash CWM recovery coming from Stock 4.0.4 ICS
*This works with all current Stock 4.0.4 ICS builds...VRALF2, VRALG1, VRALG7, VRALHD, and VRALHE.
*However RootdebugFS does not work for 4.1.1 JellyBean. If you want Stock rooted Jellybean then there are 2 options! .
*Option 1 is to proceed to section 5 and use odin to flash a Stock pre-rooted Jellybean rom. Then follow steps 8-12 from this section for unlocking and flashing a custom recovery.
*Option 2 is to complete this section 1, then proceed to section 2 and flash a Jellybean rom via CWM or TWRP recovery.
Step 1: Download these files to your pc:
Samsung Driver- http://tinyw.in/Fdoz
RootDebugFS- http://goo.im/devs/invisiblek/i535/Root%20Debug%20FS.7z
Step 2: Install samsung drivers to the pc and unzip the RootDebugFS tool to desktop.
Step 3: Connect the device with the oem usb cable to pc.
Step 4: On your device, Make sure USB Debugging(settings/developer options/usb debugging) and Install of Unknown Sources(settings/security/unknown source) is checked.(Also, make sure there are no other android devices, emulators, or any tethering programs running!!).
Step 5: From the PC, Open the Root Tool folder you downloaded in step 1 and Double click "RootDebugFS". press 1 then hit enter.
Step 6: Agree to all of the disclaimers by pressing Y after each one pops up.
Step 7: Once the root process starts DO NOT UNPLUG YOUR DEVICE until it completes!
*Congrats you should now be rooted! Continue following instructions for unlocking bootloader and flashing a custom recovery*
*TAKE NOTE THAT IF YOU EVER OTA UPDATE YOUR BOOTLOADER WILL BE LOCKED*
Step 8: Open up the SuperUser application from your app drawer and make sure the binaries are up to date! You can do this by sliding over to the info screen and selecting update binary.
Step 9: Download the EZ-Unlock app to your device from HERE.(Only use version 1.1 or 1.2 for now as the latest versions have issues!)
Step 10: Open the app and select unlock! Now your unlocked...yup its that easy!
Step 11: Download the EZ-recovery app to your device from HERE.
Step 12: Open app, select CWM recovery, tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 13: Congrats you are now rooted, unlocked, and have a custom recovery installed!! If you want to flash a custom rom proceed to section 3 or 4.
*Credit goes to Adam Outler, Noxious Ninja, mmmeff, and all others involved!!!
*(Mac/Linux) users read HERE for Rooting!
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Section 2: How to flash a Custom TouchWiz 4.0/4.1 rom from CWM recovery
**YOU MUST BE ROOTED AND HAVE BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED!**
Step 1: Download one of the roms below to the root of your internal sd card(/mnt/sdcard):
ICS 4.0.4
Bean's Custom Stock-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1768209
Rooted Stock VRALHD- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1911118
TW JellyBean 4.x
Incubus JellyWiz- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853337
Eschelon's Synergy- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792499
Scrosler's CleanRom- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1832070
Puremotives Galaxy Mod- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1953008
Beans JellyBeans- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1973982
Stock rooted VRBLK3 4.1.1- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=9390214368362234071
Stock rooted VRBMB1 4.1.2- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2178482
Step 2: Download and install the EZ recovery App from HERE (If your coming from section 1 and already have a custom recovery, reboot recovery and skip to step 4).
Step 3: Open app, select CWM recovery, tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 4: Perform a Nadroid Backup from the "back up/restore" menu(optional but recomended)!
Step 5: Wipe Data/Factory reset, then under the "mounts & storage" menu Format System.
Step 6: Navigate to "install zip from sdcard", then from there "choose zip from sdcard", and finally install the rom you downloaded in step 1.
Step 7: Reboot.
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Section 3: How to flash a CM10/AOSP/AOKP Jelly Bean rom
**YOU MUST BE ROOTED AND HAVE BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED!**
Step 1: Choose and download one of the roms in part A and the file in part B to the root of internal sd card(/mnt/sdcard):
A.
CM11- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2558946
CM10.2- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2405425
Pac-Man http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2028443
Eclipse- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1934572
B.
Kit Kat Gapps https://plus.google.com/107979589566958860409/posts/FYkuneXi3J7
JB Gapps- http://goo.im/gapps
Inverted JellyBean Gapps- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1797292
Step 2: Download and open the EZ recovery app from HERE (If your coming from section 1 and already have a custom recovery, reboot recovery and skip to step 4).
Step 3: Open app, select CWM recovery, then tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 4: From CWM recovery, Perform a nandroid backup from the "backup/restore" menu(Optional but recomended).
Step 5: Wipe data/factory reset, then under the "mounts & storage menu" Format System.
Step 6: Navigate to "install zip from sdcard", from there "choose zip from sdcard", and finally install the rom you downloaded in step 1 part A.
Step 7: Again, Navigate to "install zip from sdcard", from there "choose zip from sdcard", and finally install the gapps package you downloaded in step 1 part B.
Step 8: Reboot.
*This same method can be of use to revert back to Touchwiz ICS or JellyBean aswell...no extra steps are needed. Simply wipe data in cwm recovery and flash rom or restore nandroid.
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Section 4: How to flash a Custom Kernel
**YOU MUST BE ROOTED AND HAVE BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED!**
Step 1: Download one of these kernels to the root of your Internal SD Card(/mnt/sdcard):
-------------
TouchWiz ICS 4.0.4 Kernels
Imoseyon LeanKernel- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/31329-imoseyon-test-leankernel-tw-729-v111-kexec/
Scrosler's CleanKernel- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1850495&page=2 (DOES NOT work on BEANS)
Morfic's Trinity GST- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1874720 (Works on CM9 or TouchWiz)
--------------
ICS & JellyBean Kernels(CM9/CM10/AOKP/AOSP)
Imoseyon LeanKernel- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/32286-kernel-aosp-jb-leankernel-minimalistic-kernel-v02-beta-81312/
Ktoonsez KT747- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853816
Faux (CM9/CM10/AOKP/AOSP)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1905141
---------------
Step 2: Download the EZ Recovery app from- HERE (If your coming from section 1 and already have a custom recovery, reboot recovery and skip to step 4).
Step 3: Open app, select CWM recovery, tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 4: From CWM recovery, wipe cache, then navigate to the "advanced" menu and wipe dalvik cache.
Step 5: Navigate to "install zip from sdcard" and then from there "choose internal sdcard".
Step 6: Install the kernel.zip that you downloaded in step 1.
Step 7: Reboot.
*Credit goes to Imoseyon, BMc08GT, Invisiblek and all other devs involved.
*These steps work for any .zip file such as themes, custom boot animations, and what not...just replace the .zip file in step 1 with the one your trying to flash!
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Section 5: How to Odin back to Stock from any rom/recover from a soft brick/flash a stock radio
* If your device is currently running a 4.0-4.2 base and you forgot to unlock your bootloader before flashing a custom rom, you probably were greeted with the yellow triangle....Dont Panic! Simply power off the device and follow directions below. Odin will recover your device!! Make sure to only use a 4.0-4.2 Odin file to restore back to stock.
***NOTE*** If you did not take the 4.3 OTA then do not use the 4.3 files in link below. These will permanently lock your bootloader and you will be limited to using safestrap from here on out.
Step 1: Download and install these files to your pc:
Odin- http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1165122&d=1340993443
Samsung Driver- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2038555
Step 2: Download one of the Factory Stock roms below to your PC:
*These are Official full wipe versions that will format the internal sd and lock bootloader!!
All Official Stock Builds- http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SCH-I535(Only use these files if you have a locked 4.3 bootloader.)
VRALG1 4.0 ICS-http://www.mediafire.com/download/kkhq5wtj4r3fpwf/COMBINATION_I535VRALG1_I535VZWALG1_743127_REV09_user_low_ship.tar.zip(Do Not use this if your device took the 4.3 OTA)
*In the link below are PRE-ROOTED full wipe versions that will lock the bootloader(Thanks Mr. Robinson!!) See section 1. steps(8-12) for unlocking and flashing a custom recovery.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436
Please Remember to back everything up to a pc or external sd before flashing!!
Step 3: Power device off, hold the volume down/home/power keys until you see a yellow triangle, then press the volume up key to access "odin or download mode".
Step 4: Open odin and connect the oem usb cable from pc to device. There should be a "comport number" in upper left hand corner of odin indicating communication between the pc & device.
Step 5: Click on the PDA function of odin. Select the stock rom you downloaded in step 2, then select start. This operation should take less than 8 minutes before odin will say pass/reset and your device will reboot.
------------------
*Flashing a Stock Radio with Odin or a Custom Recovery
Download's:
Stock Radios- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/34053-officialmodems-vrlhd-verizon-sgs3-sch-i535-odin-or-recovery-flashable/
Odin Method:
Step 1: Download one of the files above to your pc.
Step 2: Power device off, then hold the volume down/home/power keys until you see a yellow triangle, then press the volume up key to access "download mode".
Step 3: Open Odin and connect the oem usb cable to pc & device, you should see a "comport #" in upper left hand corner of odin.
Step 4: Make sure auto reboot is checked.
Step 5: Click on the PDA function of odin and select the file you downloaded in step 1, select start, should take roughly 1min, then odin will say pass/reset.
Step 6: Your device should Reboot.
CWM or TWRP Recovery method:
Step 1: Download files A and B(optional) to the internal sd.
A) Choose a Recovery flashable radio- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/34053-officialmodems-vrli5-verizon-sgs3-sch-i535-odin-or-recovery-flashable/
B) RPM.zip(Optional)-
* A great explanation about RPM cand be found HERE
VRABLI5- https://app.dumptruck.goldenfrog.com/#p/_DeLB5rDRb
VRABLJ1- http://myandroidfiles.com/beanstown106/VRALJ1.rpm.zip
VRABLK1- http://myandroidfiles.com/beanstown106/VRBLK1.rpm.zip
VRABLK3- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=9390214368362234078
Step 2: Reboot recovery via the power menu or power off and use the three finger method.
Step 3: Select install zip from sd and flash the radio.zip you downloaded in step 1A.
Step 4: Slect install zip from sd and flash the rpm.zip you downloaded in step 1B.
Step 5: Reboot.

Section 6: Directory
[APP][MOD] MOBILE ODIN- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899
[APP][MOD] SIII AOSP Camera- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746611
[APP][MOD] AC!D Audio Technology | v4.0 (22.10.12)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1883262
----------
[GUIDE] Unsure about your ROM choice- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1950824
[GUIDE] Verizon Galaxy SIII Downloads List- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1850506
[GUIDE] Set up Verizon Galaxy S3 as World GSM Phone (confirmed working)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
[GUIDE] Enable UMS Mode for External SD Card- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1785243
[GUIDE]Google Wallet - Everything you need to know before you flash or root- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1764428
[GUIDE] for dual booting CM9- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1774795
[GUIDE][HOW TO] Edit Earphones Connected-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1782155
----------
[HACK] for removing wifi reminder-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1770622
[HOW-TO] Unbrick your soft bricked Galaxy S III- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030
[How To] Backup and restore your IMEI / MEID / EFS Data- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1791291
[How To] invoke self hardware test-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767247
[HOWTO]Comprehensive IMEI/EFS Backup- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
----------
[MOD][VRBLK3] PDroid Privacy Protection- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2043699
[MOD]AOSP Lock Screen with Toggle- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2002620
[MOD]Super Simple 5 minutes Wireless Charging Mod for Samsung SG3- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877191
[MOD]Enable wifi in notfication bar- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775235
[MOD]App2ExtSD2 [Works for all U.S. Galaxy S3!]- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1849860
[MOD] Latest Google Wallet (10/23/12)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1810040
[MOD]AGPS Patch Galaxy S III 3.1 & 2.2 | NEW SIII SPECIFIC BUILD | Tentative Support - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1880411
[MOD] OTA updates - keep root, custom recovery, unlocked bootloader and Google Wallet- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1964502
----------
[OFFICIAL] Tips and Tricks thread-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1732018
[OFFICIAL][MODEMS] Verizon SGS3 (SCH-I535)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1788313
----------
[ROOT][TOOL] Root the Verizon GSIII without flashing-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792342
[ROOT][TOOL][2012-09-12] SuperSU-Version_Debugfs: Root VZW SGS3 w/out Flashing ROM- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1883984
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Section 7: Android Glossary
Download Mode - This is a setting in which you will put your phone when using Odin. There are other ways, but most noobs will reach download mode by powering down, removing the battery, and holding volume down while plugging the factory usb cord into the computer and phone. Odin can only communicate properly with your phone if the phone is in download mode.
F. Reset Time - This is a check box in Odin. It's not clear that anyone knows the exact details of what it actually does, nor is it clear what will happen if you leave it unchecked vs checked. It seems to reset some arbitrary counter in your phone. As a general rule, you can either follow the instructions of whatever guide you're using or just leave the checkbox how you found it.
Fast Charge - This is a feature on some ICS ROMs that can be turned on or off. When enabled, it allows your phone to draw as much charge as possible regardless of the charging source. Without fast charge, your phone will place artificial speed limits on charging when plugged, for example, into the USB slot on your computer. Fast charge bypasses these limits, letting your phone believe it is always plugged into a wall charger. It is worth noting that your phone will not be recognized by your computer as a USB device when fast charge is enabled. It will only charge.
FC - Force Close - This is when an app stops working unexpectedly. This can happen to both rooted and unrooted phones. It doesn't cause any damage to the phone. In most cases, the app can just be opened right back up. It seems to depend on a lot of factors, including the quality of the app itself. ROMs and kernels that experience very few FCs are said to be "stable."
Flash - This is a term used to describe the installation of software onto your phone. It refers to fundamental changes in your phone's operating system. It is different from just installing an app from the Marketplace (Google Play). Commonly, people will flash ROMs, kernels, patches, and radios. There are basically two ways to flash new software onto your phone:
1. Odin
2. CWM Recovery (or a comparable recovery program)
Freeze - There are two meanings in general use. One might use this term to refer to his or her phone becoming unresponsive. More commonly, though, it refers to a special ability of a program called Titanium Backup. This program can be downloaded from the Android Marketplace (Google Play), but it requires a rooted phone to work. When Titanium Backup is used to freeze an app or process, that app or process is essentially gone from the phone. It won't show up in the app drawer, and it won't be running in the background. The difference between freezing and uninstalling, though, is that anything frozen can be quickly "thawed," also with Titanium Backup. With the touch of a button, the missing app or process is right back where it used to be. This is a convenient way for newly rooted users to test the waters of debloating.
Gapps - Google Apps - When flashing custom ROMs, the apps on the phone are usually deleted. As an alternative to going to the Marketplace (Google Play) and re-installing all the favorites (Google Maps, Google Talk, Google Voice, etc.), many devs have packaged these into a tidy zip file that can be flashed via CWM. Why don't they just put the Google Apps in the ROM, you ask? Custom ROMs and Google Apps get software updates at different rates, so keeping the two separate allows users to always have the most up-to-date version of each. On MTD ROMs such as CM7 or anything ICS, you generally must flash the gapps package to get the Android Marketplace (Google Play).
GB - Gingerbread - Android 2.3. Google likes to name its Android releases after sweet foods. Most of our stock phones are running on this release of Android. There are numerous ROMS and kernels compatible with Gingerbread. These are a good starting point for newly rooted users, as they will feel quite familiar.
Github - This is a web-based service where developers can post their code. Depending on the situation, their code can be accessed by other users, modified, or just shared with the world. The site encourages the kind of open source development for which Android is famous.
Governor - This refers to the type of logic your phone uses to control how fast its processor ramps up when needed or slows down when not. The choice of governor can influence overall performance and battery life. The governor can be selected using an OC/UV program such as Voltage Control or NS Tools. No one governor is right for everyone. The fun is in experimenting. Here are some examples and brief descriptions:
performance: Keeps the processor always ramped up to to maximum; useful for benchmarking
ondemand: Rapidly ramps up the processor when needed; gradually slows it down when not needed
conservative: Similar to ondemand, but ramps up more slowly
userspace: The user can define the parameters (for advanced users only).
lazy: This was developed specifically for Android by xda dev Ezekeel. He states it is an enhanced version of ondemand, tuned to our phones' capabilities. Don't be fooled by the name. He tested it with numerous processor-intensive applications.
interactive: Uses a logic to try to predict how quickly it needs to ramp up processor speed, attempting to balance battery life and performance
interactiveX: A tweak on interactive (by dev imoseyon), which locks the processor at the minimum speed when the screen is off
smartass & smartassV2: Modified interactive governors by dev erasmux, they use logic to determine how quickly to ramp up or slow down; designed to optimize battery life without sacrificing performance.
powersave: This keeps the processor always set at the minimum frequency. The name may be a bit misleading, as certain processes will just take longer, using up more battery.
Heimdall - This program is similar to Odin. It was created by an Australian software company called Glass Echidna. It can be used to flash files onto your phone. Some users prefer this program over Odin. Heimdall can be used with Mac computers, whereas Odin can not. Many high level users regularly use both Heimdall and Odin.
ICS - Ice Cream Sandwich - Android 4.0. Google likes to name its Android releases after sweet foods. It comes pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus from Verizon. Several developers have created ways to install ICS on the Samsung Fascinate.
init.d - This is a type of script used by developers when they modify Android code. You hear the term a lot because modifications using this type of script have far-reaching effects in the overall performance of the phone. High level users (who aren't quite devs) can even insert bits and pieces of init.d scripts to make minor tweaks to their phones.
Inverted - By default, most Google apps consist of a white screen with dark lettering. Inverting changes this to a dark screen with light letters. There are several advantages to this. Beyond the aesthetic advantages, it tends to be easier on the eyes in low light situations and reduce battery consumption. Inversion is done by talented individuals called themers.
I/O Scheduler - This refers to the type of logic your phone uses to order and process read and write requests to your phone's hard drive. There are several types, which are listed below, but there is no magic bullet. The joy is in finding the one that works for you in terms of performance and battery life. It is worth noting, though, that certain schedulers were designed to be used with mechanical rotating hard drives, taking the drive's rotational position into account. This does not apply to our phones, which use solid state drive technology. A scheduler can be selected by using an OC/UV control program such as Voltage Control or NS Tools. Specific descriptions are beyond the scope of this glossary, but simple Internet searches can expand on any of schedulers listed.
Examples: noop, deadline, cfq, bfq, sio, vr, bfs
* In the absence of a dev's recommendation, if you don't feel like reading up on the subject, you can leave the scheduler at the default or choose noop or sio.
JB - Jelly Bean - Android 4.1. Google likes to name its Android releases after sweet foods. This is the latest version of Android to hit the streets, and devs are flocking to it , making all JB development new and exciting.
Jig - This is a tiny Frankensteinian device made of a small chip, a transistor, and the tip of the little micro-USB connector that you plug into your phone to charge it or attach it to your computer. When your phone will not go into download mode through normal means, putting a jig into the phone when the battery is in will make your phone go into download mode. You can make one yourself or buy one online for less than $10.
Kang - Generally used as a verb, this means to take bits and pieces of someone else's coding and to then integrate it into your own. Granted, noobs won't be doing this, but devs do it all the time. For the most part, this is considered a welcome practice among friendly devs, provided it is done correctly and politely. Kanging often serves to better the community as a whole. The key for devs is to give credit to the other devs from whom they have kanged.
Kernel - This is one of the two main components (ROM being the other) of the software running on an Android phone. It is the piece of software that connects the hardware (screen, softkeys, vibration, speakers, etc.) to the other software components. An unrooted phone comes with a stock kernel. It is stable but somewhat slow. Practically speaking, installing (flashing) a custom kernel will make your phone feel much faster and smoother as it moves through screens and opens apps. Generally speaking, installing a new kernel will not change the basic appearance of your phone or erase any of your phone's information. Custom kernels can also unlock several abilities of rooted phones. Examples include:
-wireless tethering (ignoring that pesky $30/month charge from Verizon)
-control over how and when the softkeys at the bottom of the screen light up
-overclocking/undervolting
-voodoo lagfix (This only applies to phones with BML-based ROMs. MTD ROMs don't need lagfix.)
-custom boot animations
Lean Kernel - Created by imoseyon, He intentionally leaves out a lot of the "bells and whistles" to keep the experience simple, smooth, and fast. Imoseyon works with several phones, so it is imperative that you have the correct version of Lean Kernel, the one appropriate for your phone.
Linaro - This is a team of software engineers developing open source software for numerous platforms, particularly as it relates to getting maximum bang for the buck from systems with memory and hardware limitations. For our purposes, many Linaro modifications are making their way into our custom ROMs, promising increased speed and responsiveness.
Logcat - This is a log of all of the processing activity your phone did over a certain period of time. This is useful for bug reporting, as devs can examine logcats and attempt to determine the source of the error(s). Many threads in the development forum request logcats to go alongside any bug reports. A logcat can be generated through adb, and there are also some apps that will do it for you. Random complaints aren't terribly useful for devs, but logcats generally are. This classic cartoon illustrates how many devs feel about disorderly complaints about their work, even though most are far too polite to say anything.
Milestone - Devs are always trying to incorporate the latest and greatest features into their ROMs. The add-ons are incorporated as parts of new releases, or "builds." This is what makes development exciting, but it also leads to bugs. Milestone builds occur when the devs sit back, roll up their sleeves, and work the bugs out of all the awesome features they've crammed into their work. The milestones are considered the relatively safe and stable builds. When installed correctly, they rarely experience major bugs.
MIUI - This term is a transliteration of a Chinese name for a special customization of Android actually developed in China. MIUI ROMs can be installed on the Fascinate. They change the look and feel of the Android system, moving it closer to something resembling iOS, the iPhone's operating system. A lot of custom development has been done with the software code from the MIUI system. Many devs will integrate bits and pieces of MIUI into their own ROMs. For example, the TSM Resurrection ROM allows you to use the MIUI battery indicator, which looks completely different from the standard battery indicator.
MTD - This is a technical term used by devs to describe the software organization in your phone, as it relates to things called partitions. The bottom line is that the stock organizational system, called BML, is somewhat fixed and limited, whereas MTD offers devs a great deal of flexibility. Heavily customized ROMs like those from CyanogenMod or anything MIUI rely on MTD file organization. All of our ICS ROMs use MTD. MTD ROMs, generally speaking, experience very little lag, as compared to BML ROMs. When returning to a normal BML ROM from an MTD ROM, special precautions need to be taken.
Nandroid - This is a backup of your entire phone as it stands at that moment in time (ROM, kernel, text messages, your Angry Birds progress, etc.). It is stored on your sd card, which is somewhat immune to your tinkering. A Nandroid backup is a good failsafe for the times when you might want to try out that new experimental kernel your favorite dev has been working on. The files can also be saved on a home computer/flash drive/etc. for safe keeping. Nandroid backups are created using a recovery program like Clockworkmod Recovery. CWM can also use old Nandroids to restore a phone to its previous condition.
Nightly - Nightlies - Some rooted users like the idea of having the most stable, tested, and reliable ROMs available. Others prefer the excitement of being on the cutting edge. Nightlies are the untested regular releases of whatever a certain dev happens to be working on at the time. They package them up, post them online, and let the discussions ensue. These are not for the faint of heart. They are for people who are comfortable addressing freezes, boot loops, and force closes.
Noob - If you have to ask what this means, this is what you are. It's a derivation of "newbie" or "newb," someone who's new to the activity at hand. In many ways, the noob is defined by his actions rather than by the amount of time he's spent rooting phones or posting on xda. Here are a few standard behaviors that will immediately brand someone as a noob:
-Posting new threads to ask questions that have been answered dozens of times. (Hint: It's best to search before posting)
-Posting ROM complaints (without logcat), beginner questions, and other non-development topics in the development forums (It has been theorized that this will ultimately be the end of xda)
-Diving in and flashing away without reading and then posting about your problems (Everyone needs to read the Guide.)
NSTools - This is an app that requires superuser permissions. It can be used to control a variety of the phone's features that are unlocked when running a custom kernel. It can enable fast charge, BLN, overclocking, and undervolting. It often comes pre-installed with ICS ROMs.
OC - Overclocking - Computer processors operate at a variety of speeds. When a manufacturer sells a product (like a phone) to the general public, they strictly limit the speed at which the built in processor can operate, even though the processor may be capable of more. This is to promote stability and reliability. Rooted users can overclock their phone's processor, raising the maximum speed at which it can operate. This can be done through various apps, including Voltage Control and NS Tools. Some ROMs even have the controls built into their settings. There are limits, though. Running a processor at too high a speed can cause overheating and/or glitches.
Odin - This is a program of seemingly mysterious origins that allows your home computer to communicate with your phone. You download it to your home computer. Good communication with your phone requires the installation of Samsung drivers on your computer as well as the use of the USB cable that came with your phone. Among other things, Odin can be used to root your phone, install CWM Recovery, install custom ROMs and kernels, and return your phone to stock after you've screwed it up.
*NEVER touch the "Phone" button on Odin. It should be labeled "Destroy your Phone"
OP - Original Post - This refers to the first post in any given thread, the one that started the thread in a discussion forum. A common noob mistake is to hop into a thread on page 27, read for 30 seconds, and then chime in with a question. He is often directed to the OP, which contains the answer to his question.
OTA - Over the Air - These are the official firmware upgrades that Verizon has released over the life of this phone. They were either pushed out to our phones in the middle of the night or offered up for us to download at our convenience. The latest one, EH03, came in December of 2011. Generally speaking, rooted users do not receive OTA updates. Also generally speaking, this doesn't really matter. The updates can be found on xda, and it is unlikely that the Fascinate will ever receive another OTA update.
Patch - This generally refers to a zip file that can be flashed using CWM. The file usually contains updates or small modifications to an existing ROM or kernel. A great example is the patch that reprograms the phone dialer's voicemail button to open Google Voice instead of the standard voicemail or Visual Voice Mail.
PDA Button - This is the button you will want to use when using the Odin program. You should always avoid the "Phone" button.
Pit file - This is a type of file used with Odin when returning your phone to stock. There is a "Pit" button on Odin you can push to enter the pit file you wish to use. An example of a pit file that you will probably use is Atlas_v2.2.pit. To return to stock, you would use a pit file along with a stock ROM, putting both into Odin at the same time. Droidstyle's guide provides detailed instructions.
Project Butter - This is a Google initiative, launched with Jelly Bean, aimed at reducing phone lag, both real and perceived. It involves research into human visual perception, the pairing of GPU and CPU, graphics buffering, and so on. It's purpose is to make your Android phone run "like buttah."
Radio - a.k.a. Modem - This generally refers to the software that manages the phone's connection to the outside world, not the physical device itself. Verizon would release new versions of this software from time to time in their OTA updates. The two most popular ones are currently EH03 (the latest) and EC09. Both of these work with Android 2.3 and the various Android 4.0 ROMs. The choice of radio can determine your 3g download speeds. It's difficult to say that one is better than another. Different users find good results with each one. Both radios are available as zip files that can be flashed in CWM.
Recovery - Your phone comes with a recovery program. You have to choose to boot it up as an alternative to booting up your phone's normal touchscreen interface. An ordinary phone user would probably never even see this program. It's not pretty. It's just functional. It is basically a list of commands and technical terms that you can navigate using the phone's softkeys, volume up & down buttons, and the power button (to select). Essential to rooting are the special recovery programs such as CWM Recovery. A special recovery program, which is flashed via Odin, will replace the stock recovery program for a rooted user.
Re-Partition - This is one of the check boxes in Odin. This box should be checked only when returning your phone to stock. Of Odin's various check boxes, this is the only one for which widespread agreement of its use exists.
ROM - This is one of the two main components (kernel being the other) of the software running on an android phone. It generally determines the overall appearance of your phone, including which apps are installed by default. The ROM that comes installed on your phone right out of the box is known as the stock ROM. Created by devs, there are numerous custom ROMs available for the Fascinate. Popular ROMs a newly rooted user might try are Superclean3, PWGB, and GeeWiz. The process of flashing a custom ROM to your phone will, generally speaking, erase everything on your phone. The most popular ROM for the Fascinate right now is probably the AOKP version of ICS.
Root - When you buy your phone from Verizon, Verizon still controls it. You are simply a user who is allowed to perform various Verizon-approved activities on it. Gaining root access to your phone grants you the control that Verizon had previously held. Rooting quite literally makes you the "Superuser," opening numerous possibilities for improvement, customization, and ruin. Root access is essential to having a fast, fully customized phone.
Root Explorer - This is an app downloadable from the Android Marketplace (Google Play). As it requires Superuser permissions, it is only functional for rooted users. Its abilities far exceed those of standard file management apps. For example, Root Explorer can copy .apk files directly into the system/apps folder in Android. It's a great way to get that obscure Samsung widget reinstalled on your phone after your favorite developer's ROM washed it away and called it bloat.
Samsung Drivers - This is a small piece of downloadable software that will need to be installed on your home computer before it will be able to communicate with your phone (via Odin or adb).
Skin - This is a program that a phone manufacturer creates with the goal of making its phones more user friendly. It is basically an interface that sits on top of the pure Android guts underneath, hence the term "skin." The skin that comes with Samsung phones is called TouchWiz. This is why our phones don't look quite the same as our friends' HTC or Motorola phones, even though they are all using Android. Some people love TouchWiz. Some people hate it. Some custom ROMs are designed to be used with TouchWiz. Others are designed to be rid of it.
SOD - Sleep of Death - This is when your phone goes into standby mode but then goes into a catatonic state somewhere between being asleep and completely powered down. Users report various degrees of SOD. Some ROMs and kernels have been associated with it, as have certain apps, certain radios, and certain SD cards. Experimenting with fringe OC/UV and didle settings are often responsible these days. Generally, a battery pull (or better, Volume Up + Power) will revive the phone. Once a phone experiences a SOD, it seems likely that it will happen again, so a fix will need to be instituted. A modification of OC/UV settings or a return to stock and clean installation of your ROM, kernel, and apps are recommended.
Superuser - A rooted phone will have a new icon in the list of apps called Superuser. This is what distinguishes a rooted phone from a non-rooted phone. There are numerous apps available on the web and Android Marketplace (Google Play) that require "Superuser permission" to do what they do. Common examples of these apps include NS Tools, Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, Voodoo Sound, NS Tools, and Voltage Control. When a rooted user first runs one of these special apps, the app will ask for Superuser permission. Since you are now the Superuser, you get to press the button that says allow or one that says deny.
S Voice - Korean Siri, courtesy of Samsung.
Swype Beta - One of the early perks of rooting, the latest version of Swype is not available to unrooted users because the Fascinate comes with a special pre-installed (and perhaps outdated) version of Swype. Upgrading gives a slicker version of Swype with a more advanced word selection logic. You must follow a few steps to do it correctly:
1. Change the input method to the Android keyboard (settings->language & keyboard).
2. Uninstall Swype using Titanium Backup.
3. Go to the Swype website, give them your email address, and then follow their lead.
*ICS ROMs don't contain any traces of Swype, so steps 1 and 2 can be skipped for them
.tar - This is the file extension for the files that get flashed via Odin. The file to install CWM, for example, is a .tar file. Another example is the file that returns your phone back to stock.
TB - TiBu - Titanium Backup - This is an app available on the Android Marketplace (Google Play). It is for rooted users only, and it requires Superuser permissions to operate normally. Its two main functions are:
1. Creating backups of your phone (or parts of it) in case you screw it up
2. Freezing or uninstalling apps and other stuff you don't want (i.e. debloating)
Thanks button - Once you have created an established account at xda and made a post or two, you will begin to see a button with a little thumbs up sign next to the word "Thanks." This can be found on the lower right corner of someone's post. Pushing this button lets the person who posted know that their work is appreciated. It is considered polite to thank anyone who has helped you, whether or not it was in direct response to your own question. It is always polite to thank the devs whose software you are using. Xda tallies these thanks and gives experienced users a quantifiable measure of their contributions to the community. You will see a thanks meter under other users' names. Helpful people and prolific devs can have hundreds or thousands of thanks.
Troll - This describes a person who attempts to transform a civil forum discussion into a battle of harsh words. They generally lure people into a massive argument by posting inflammatory remarks that are just slightly off topic. They then sit back and laugh to themselves as the argument develops into the nerd equivalent of a bar fight. To feed a troll and make him stronger, just respond to him. To weaken him, report his posts to moderators.
TW - TouchWiz - see "Skin"
TWRP - TeamWin Recovery Project - This is an alternative to the traditional recovery program. Rather than using the volume rocker, softkeys, and power button to interact with it, a touchscreen interface is used. While it offers some interesting potential, it is still under development in terms of compatibility with the Fascinate and our popular ROM/kernel setups.
UV - Undervolting - This is a means of attempting to reduce battery consumption when using custom kernels. Rooted users can accomplish this through one of several apps, with Voltage Control and NS Tools being common examples. The point of whether UV reduces battery consumption is highly contentious, but there does seem to be a theoretical basis for its validity, as well as a preponderance of anecdotal evidence.
Voltage Control - This is an app available on the Android Marketplace (Google Play). It requires root access (i.e. Superuser permissions). When used with compatible kernels, it allows you to overclock and undervolt your phone.
Voodoo - Project Voodoo is a collaborative software development effort started by dev supercurio back when Galaxy S phones first hit the market. Its goal was to optimize the Galaxy S, bringing it up to its full potential. Voodoo innovations have been used by countless rooted users. Voodoo features can only be used on compatible custom kernels. The project consists of three main branches:
1. Voodoo Color - optimizes screen images/video *Not really available in most modern Fascinate setups, but people still talk about how they miss it.
2. Voodoo Sound - optimizes sound quality for audiophiles *The Voodoo Sound app is available from the Marketplace (Google Play) to control settings.
Wipe x3 - This term refers to the act of wiping the slate clean on your phone. It removes all apps you have installed and any data associated with those apps. It will not erase Android, your ROM, your kernel, or anything on your sd card (your photos and videos are on your sd card by default). The Wipe x3 is often done before making major changes to your phone's system. The process is accomplished through a recovery program such as CWM. Here are the 3 commands (hence the "x3"):
1. wipe data/factory reset
2. wipe cache partition
3. wipe dalvik cache
*Note, performing a wipe data/factory reset will reportedly wipe the cache partition and the dalvik cache, so steps 2 & 3 may be redundant.
zip - For our purposes, this refers to the file type for files that can be flashed with CWM or other recovery programs.
*Credit goes to Jawman27 for a great glossary! I just edited a bit for the gs3!

did this man just collect the $1000 bounty?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

lol I wish I was that intelligent. This is merely just a guide of whats already posted in the dev section, just consolidated into one thread. I made a guide like this for the SCH-I500 Fascinate and was very popular because all the files and steps needed are in the op... No need to search for anything!!! Its pretty basic now, but once development takes off it should be benificial to new android users...should also help keep the bricks to a minimum.

This will definitely be useful to us first time Samsung peeps who haven't used Odin before. Thank you for taking the time to put this together!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2

Marcismo55 said:
This will definitely be useful to us first time Samsung peeps who haven't used Odin before. Thank you for taking the time to put this together!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you like! Now all we need is for development to get rollin and more will be added. All in due time...guess Im a little anxious, since this is the first device that I purchased before actual release date :highfive:

Nice man! I have years of HTC experience behind me, but coming to Sammy is totally new with odin. Definitely using this guide on Thursday
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

Do you think you could add the dialer programming codes? I'm coming from a Thunderbolt and was curious if *#*#4636#*#* worked or were there other codes I haven't come across yet?

Thanks for this my first time to a Samsung device coming from HTC gonna wait on rooting till the bootloader issue is resolved but nonetheless added this thread to my favorites list
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using xda premium

I have always been hesitant about rooting devices before the 1year Verizon warranty has expired, but I don't think I'll be able to make it that long with this phone. As such, I have two questions for y'all...
1.) Will following the return-to-stock instructions leave me with a device that is indistinguishable from one that had never been rooted at all? Will there be any way to tell that it had been rooted?
2.) While I understand that if you follow directions it's unlikely that you'll brick your device, it is still something that concerns me a little... I have heard that an unlocked bootloader is something that is required for moth methods of recovering from a soft brick. Is this true? If so, I assume that Verizon's bootloader would pose a problem in this regard?
I just want to understand the risks before I jump in. Thanks in advance.

Seems from experience with my phone, enabling root will not force custom screen at boot, installing custom recovery will. Idk if it ups the flash counter though. If you only root and one day revert back, I'd imagine it will be indistinguishable.
Sent from my rooted SCH-I535 using xda premium

Will this trip the counter? Also, is CWM in the first root?

Solar257 said:
Do you think you could add the dialer programming codes? I'm coming from a Thunderbolt and was curious if *#*#4636#*#* worked or were there other codes I haven't come across yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill look into it thx!

No this root method does not trip the counter....yes going back to stock erases all traces of being rooted. Thx to odin this device is damn near unbrickable.

droidstyle said:
No this root method does not trip the counter....yes going back to stock erases all traces of being rooted. Thx to odin this device is damn near unbrickable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the detailed Guide I am sure this will help a lot of people out.

Section 1 updated with new root.img

Updated!! Consolidated the three sections into one and added section 2 for Recoveries.

Sorry if this is a total nub question:
Will flashing this cause my current data to be wiped?
I just got the phone how I like it, not complaining cause root>most things I can stock but I wanna plan for it just in case my apps/settings/contacts/etc. go bye bye.

voted to counter the trolls who think its funny to 1 star threads.

GUIDE SGS4 GSM vs CDMA, Unlocking, Rooting,Info on XDA, Flashing,4 noobs & beginners

GUIDE SGS4 GSM vs CDMA, Unlocking, Rooting,Info on XDA, Flashing,4 noobs & beginners
First off: if you find this useful, please hit the THANKS button, instead of posting thank you in the comments
Over the course of the past three months (and more specifically, over the past week), I'd like to think I've gone from complete noob to proficient android ROM flasher/ phone dude. However, it took many, many hours of searching for info scattered across this site and others, so I figured I'd give compiling all I've learned a shot, into one comprehensive thread that really covers all the stuff you need to learn from the ground up.
Will do so in the next couple 10 posts, topics being:
*Step (-1): What type of network/ phone technology does your phone use?
*Step (0): is your phone networked locked?
*Step (0.5): DECIDING YOU WANT TO ROOT YOUR DEVICE!/ Put a custom operating system on that thaaaang
*Step1: figure out what your device is- specific phone and model
*Step2: figure out how to root (gain root access to) your device looking at XDA forums
*Step3: Follow instructions, root device
*Step4: backup all your apps and app data
*Step5: Install a custom recovery either ClockWorkRecovery (CWR) or Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP), and do a nandroid backup!
*Step6: Choose which ROM or multiple ROMS you want to try out, and download the zipfile to your phone's internal memory or
*Step7: Step 7: flash the ROM and restore your apps!
NOTE: YOU TWEEK YOUR PHONE/ FOLLOW MY ADVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK
I just learned this stuff myself, so I thought now would be a good time to explain it, while I can still remember what if feels like to have no idea what I'm doing haha.
Before I go further, there are similar intro threads to this...for example, this one does a decent job of explaining that by modding your phone, you may void the warranty (although there are ways to restore your device to a state such that you can't tell you ever modded, it, like triangle away, etc.) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1118120
I posted this here because a couple of these steps use the Galaxy S4 i9500 as an example...so if you have that phone this thread should be particularly helpful.

Step(-1): What type of network/ phone technology does your phone use?
If you are OUTSIDE the USA, 99% chance the answer to this question is GSM, meaning your phone number is attached to a little plastic sim card that you can put into/ out of your phone...you should check anyways though to be sure.
If you are in the US, you may have a phone which uses CDMA, a technology that does not use Sim cards (true if your carrier is Verizon or Sprint). Phones that JUST use CDMA are sort of "Hardwired" to their networks, making it much more of a hassle to switch carriers; plus, basically everywhere else in the world uses GSM, so if you plan on traveling outside the USA, you probably won't be able to use your phone abroad. If you have a fancy new smart phone, it may have the hardware to use both CDMA and GSM networks, (for example, all Iphones models 4s and above), so check your phone specs.
In the US, the major carriers that use GSM are ATT and Tmobile. I prefer getting phones from these guys, because I know I'll be able to relatively easily use my phone anywhere in the world, and easily switch between cheap, prepaid, contract free plans (like straight talk or ultramobile), which rent out the networks of major carriers like ATT and Tmobile.

Step(0): is your phone networked locked?
ans: This is mostly a non-issue to folks outside the US, or if you don't plan on switching your carrier, but if you plan on travelling abroad or switching your carrier, and have a CDMA phone, you have a tough road ahead that I cannot advise you on . I would suggest checking out this site and buying a slightly used android gsm phone (att or tmobile branded) http://swappa.com/ .
However, if you have a GSM phone you got in the US, your phone may be configured so that putting sim cards from different carriers in it won't give you any service (aka "locked" or "network locked"). Check by taking a friend's Sim card using a different network than you and popping it into your phone; if you have service/ can make and receive calls, the phone is NOT locked. There are probably more sophisticated ways of checking if your phone is network locked, but above is probably the most straightforward.
There are some methods of unlocking your phone for free, but if you have a newer phone it may not work. Plenty of online sites that sell you unlock codes for between $7-$25, and send the code over email either instantly or a day at most after you buy it. Definitely worth it in my opinion; one site I've used a bunch is http://www.cellunlocker.net/
NOTE: if you have your phone on a contract, you are still obligated to pay your carrier throughout the time of your contract, else you pay some cancellation fee. So be aware of that.

Step 0.5 DECIDING YOU WANT TO ROOT YOUR DEVICE!/ Put a custom operating system (ROM)
SO, now let's say you've network unlocked your awesome GSM android smartphone, and you want to travel with it to another country, like for example, India. Because you unlocked it, you can buy a cheap local Sim card and use it in your phone, fully enjoying mobile 4g data (well, more like 3.5G, using HSPA+, not so much 4G LTE in India yet, but I digress). OR, you can use a $45 a month prepaid plan where you get unlimted everything and have no contract, instead of paying $80 a month or some garbage. AWESOME!
However, let's say you got a Tmobile phone and want to use the phone's capability of being a portable wifi hotspot, broadcasting the mobile data it's getting to your computer...turns out you can't do that in India (or on cheap prepaid plans in US, for that matter). I discovered that since I was using a Tmobile branded phone, the Tmobile "stock" operating system of the phone won't let you use the wifi hotspot unless you have Tmobile's special "hotspot plan"...it also hard codes a bunch of shi**y bloatware apps on your phone that suck. Some BULLS**T, eh?
Luckily, there are plenty of free and easy ways to "root" (gain root acccess) to your phone (and plenty of resources telling you how to do so!), and install custom android operating systems on your phone, which
1.) don't have any stupid bloatware apps
2.) let you use all the hardware features of your phone regardless of carrier
The result is a more powerful phone that runs faster, uses less battery life, and is generally just way more badass. Probably the best resource for how to do all of this is the xda-developers forums (http://forum.xda-developers.com/ ) Very vibrant community, and lots of people will help...just follow the rules though, explained tongue and cheeck in the following video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmvCpR45LKA ). The main site for xda-developers is www.xda-developers.com, they also do cool vides and stuff on what's up with phone stuff. HOWEVER, if you are not careful you can mess up your phone, so that it's about as good as a paperweight (called "bricking" your phone). So just read all the instructions before you do stuff, yeah?
The following is more or less the beginning steps I did to root and install a custom ROM on a friend's Galaxy S4, which is an international model and so not network locked. The same general process could be applied to your phone as well, but again--this is only a general guide--your phone can (and probably will) have it's own exceptions to the general process. LOOK THEM UP!

Steps 1,2,3: find device model, research how to gain root, ROOT!
Step1: figure out what your device is- specific phone and model
ans: for example, my friend's phone I am setting up for him is the Samsung Galaxy S4 model i9500
**************************************************
Step2: figure out how to root (gain root access to) your device
ans: Off all the devices on xda forums (http://forum.xda-developers.com/index.php?tab=top), found my device ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4) , found the proper forum (http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/help) , then searched in that specific forum to find the proper thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2419762 , see Q4
**************************************************
Step3: Follow instructions, root device
ans: Instructions are at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292615
NOTE: You must have the proper USB drivers installed, meaning either installing the sdk (software developer kit) from google and getting adb (android debugging bridge) set up (this is the best way to do it, really, especially if you want to mess around with phones more...tutorial on how to setup adb here http://androidcentral.us/2013/08/how-to-install-android-adb-and-fastboot-on-windows/ ) . If you can already transfer music and stuff from your computer, it may work without adb. Be sure your USB cable is not too beat up, and if possible, is the one that came with the device.
adb is very useful for communicating between pretty much any android phone and your computer. You can use it to push files on the computer through the terminal interface, even if the phone's file system doesn't show up for whatever reason on the computer when you connect it via USB ( more on that here http://log.amitshah.net/2012/05/using-adb-to-copy-files-to-from-your-android-device/ ), and a cool little program to send files from your computer to the device in a slightly more straightforward way, if you already have adb installed (http://www.xda-developers.com/android/push-files-to-your-device-with-quick-adb-pusher/)
Also, make sure you have USB debugging enabled. It should be in the Develpors options, which you may have to "activate" to see...see here http://gs4.wonderhowto.com/how-to/enable-hidden-developer-options-your-samsung-galaxy-s4-0146687/
If you are rooting a samsung device, you will probably have to use a program called ODIN. Other android devices allow you to do root through a method called flashboot. In general there are tons of ways to root devices, just make sure the one you are using has been tested and you follow the instructions exactly.
CONGRATS! you are rooted. That's half the battle. Rooting the phone will add a "Super User" app of some kind, which will basically controll which apps have access to the internal files of the phone (located on the "root" of the phone's flash drive). Some apps that are very useful for flashing custom ROMS (like ROM manager) and backing up your apps and their associated data (like Titanium backup) require root access, so you'll need to have rooted your phone first, and then when you open those apps for the first time, tap "allow" when it asks about granting root access.
some cool apps can only be downloaded if your phone has Root, like this gameboy emulator: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.codlab.src.game&hl=en
and here are some good Root apps to have, apparently
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX4ir9r84YA

Step4: backup all your apps and app data
When you do eventually install a custom ROM on onto your phone, it will start out with little to no apps. The best way to get up and running again as quick as possible is to back up all your apps and data with Titanium Backup (mentioned above), which requires root access. Here's a great video on How to use the free version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQWoWfTA88k ....the video makes a good point in that if you are backing up your apps for a new ROM you are about to flash, you should only backup the User apps. Backing up and restoring the system data as well might cause some problems in the new ROM
While you don't need to to buy the pro version, I would recommend it--7 bucks, but it allows you to restore all the apps you've backed up much faster by letting you back them up into a zip file that you'll later be able to flash on your phone. Very useful, more on that in a bit...video talking about that here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRR5FONGJUA

Step5: Install a custom recovery either ClockWorkRecovery (CWR) or Team Win Recovery
By "custom recovery", i mean a custom version of the boot/ recovery interface, which lets you do a lot more with your device besides just restore it to factory settings. These custom recoveries will let you do a full backup of your device (often called a "nandroid backup"--this should be the first thing you do after you root your device!), as well as flash custom phone operating systems (ROMS) onto your phone; useful if you want to fully use all the hardware features of your phone, and not have the bloatware apps from the manufacurers hard-coded into your phone.
It's worth noting here that it's VERY important to install the correct version of CWR or TWRP. Usually to download CWR for your device, you can just download an app called ROM manager (again, after you've rooted your phone), which will recognize your device and then install the proper CWR version on it.
NOTE: If you have a more esoteric model of phone (like I do--the Samsung Galaxy S3 T999L, an LTE version of the S3 that came out in 2013, a while after the initial S3 launch), you may have to flash a custom recovery of a similar and more popular phone model to flash some custom ROMS (in my case, I had to flash the the Galaxy S3 model T999 version of CWR). For weird esoteric cases like this, it may be worth it to buy a useful app, ROMToolbox pro, which will let you flash a custom recovery for a userdefined device onto your phone in the paid version (it's like $5). Most times you shouldn't have to worry about this stuff, but just make sure you read any instrutions on XDA forums carefully before doing stuff.
As mentioned before, before messing around with your phone anymore, do a nandroid backup--super easy and essential if you make a mistake installing the wrong ROM or Recovery. Doing a nandroid backup will create a .zip file that contains a full "image" of your phone--all your data, apps, settings, a snapshot of your phone exactly the way it was when you took it. In creating this backup you can save it to your phone's micro SD card, or the phones internal memory. Regardless, always a good idea to save a copy on your computer too when you are done.
For the Samsung galaxy S4 i9500, looks like TWRP is the recovery to flash: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2361122

Step6: Choose which ROM or multiple ROMS you want to try out, and dl zipfile to phone
Now comes the fun part. Do some research on what custom ROM you'll want to try out. Some basic principles about ROMS:
Roms based on the Stock OS: These ROMS are based on the manufacturer firmware/ OS that the phone shipped with. So for Samsung devices, for example, these types of ROMS are Touchwiz based (because "TouchWiz" is the name Samsung has given to it's proprietary software that is responsible for a lot of the bell and whistle tricks you see in Galaxy S4 commercials, for example) These Roms are usually about 700 MB in size, and may still have some of the samsung apps installed if you do like to use them.
AOSP or AOKP ROMS:
AOSP (Android Open Source Project) ROMS are those that ship with "vanilla" android, meaning they don't have any manufacturer bloatware--they come with more or less the bare bones apps required to run the system. These ROMS will be much smaller, around 100-150 MB in size. The most popular of these is CyanogenMod, which is often referred to as just CM (for example, CM11.0.1 stands for CyanogenMod version 11.0.1). The guy who made clockworkrecovery, Koush (a legendary android developer of sorts, it seems), now works for the CyanogenMod development team ( think)
AOKP is the name of another popular AOSP based ROM. AOKP stands for Android Open Kang Project, Kanging being some jargon for stealing code and messing with it or something. Apparently it was used as a joke and then stuck, in the same sense that their mascot being a unicorn stuck (which I think is awesome haha).
IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT AOSP ROMS:
If you flash an AOSP Rom, the google play store will NOT be installed by default. In order to fix that, you'll need to flash another zip file containing the play store app as well as other basic google apps (gapps for short) as soon as you flash the Rom itself. You can find the proper gapps zips that go with the proper AOSP roms here: http://goo.im/gapps
There are couple apps that will let you download the ROM files directly to your interal storage from the app itself, like Rom Manager. However, to make sure you have the most up to date version of the ROM, you should visit the ROM's website directly.
Custom ROMS will often have a most recent stable build, and a most recent "nightly" build. The nightly builds may have some new experimental features, but may be a little buggy.

Step 7: flash the ROM and restore your apps!
So here's a pretty good short video walking through how to flash a ROM, although uses a different recovery interface besides CWR or TWRP : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxTwGwtUBbk ....this does a good job of explaining the basic idea, however--
A.)you get the zip file of the ROM you want to flash on your internal or removable SD card
B.) reboot into recovery mode (often by holding down the volume down key and power button at the same time when your power is off, but you should look up what it is for your specific device)
C.) do a Wipe or Factory Reset. THis should not wipe the data on your SD card or phone's Internal SD card
D.) Wipe the Cache or the Dalvik Cache, whatever it is called (though on TWRP, the wipe feature does both a factory reset and cache wipe at once)
E.) install from SD card the zip file containing the ROM you are going to flash
F.) If the Rom is an AOSP based ROM, install the zip file containing the proper package of google apps
G.) reboot system
Again, the above are just general steps. If you want to see someone flashing a ROM with the recovery you are using (and I would recommend CWR or TWRP), just search for it on Youtube.
Now, if you plan on restoring your apps by flashing a Titanium Backup zip file, you first want to reboot into the new ROM, and skip the part when it asks you if you want to restore your phone using your google account (you can do that later). Then reboot into recovery and flash the Titanium backup zip file. got this info here: http://www.s3forums.com/forum/galax...backup-pros-update-zip-restore-your-apps.html
And that's about it! let me know if I got anything wrong. If you do have questions, I'll try my best to answer them, but again, I've just learned all this stuff as well, so I may not know.