I got a new LG P999 (I think that's the G2X). I'm new to Android but I'm not sure if I should root/mod or not.
Is there really any significant benefits from modding (like speed or stability) or it's just to make your Android flashier?
Also, what mod would be best to go for? And if someone could link me to a beginner tutorial on how to mod (with simpler terminology; I only found some with terminology like NANDroid, clockwork recovery, etc... which I don't really understand), that would be much appreciated.
Hope someone can help, thanks!
kefloxin said:
I got a new LG P999 (I think that's the G2X). I'm new to Android but I'm not sure if I should root/mod or not.
Is there really any significant benefits from modding (like speed or stability) or it's just to make your Android flashier?
Also, what mod would be best to go for? And if someone could link me to a beginner tutorial on how to mod (with simpler terminology; I only found some with terminology like NANDroid, clockwork recovery, etc... which I don't really understand), that would be much appreciated.
Hope someone can help, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, rooting/modding gives you every benefit out there. Battery life, speed, options, features, the list goes on. Flashing ROM's is basically 99% the reason why people root or install a custom recovery on their phones. NANdroid, Clockwork MOD, etc are basically the basis and the stuff that you need to know about rooting. Since you're new I suggest you read a lot first and get to know what those terminologies are. ClockWork is a custom recovery that enables you to flash a custom ROM onto your phone.
Here is the G2x Bible. That's a reference guide to most, if not everything, that you need to know.
Here is the NVFlash method that you need to do to install Clockwork onto your G2x. You don't really need root for the G2x, just install Clockwork via that guide and you'll be good to go.
Remember: Read, read, and read.
Thanks for your reply! Those links helped me a lot. A few questions though:
1) If I don't have an external SD card, will I be able to put an external SD card without problems later? And can I re-flash for the external SD card support if desired?
2) Once I'm in the ClockworkMod Recovery, how do I put the ROM on my phone? (Flash is the correct terminology if I'm not mistaken).
3) Which ROM or mod should I go with? From the looks of it, a lot of people use CyanogenMod, but is there one that's most stable/fast?
Thanks again for your answer.
Here's another guide on NVFlashing.
These are my 3 favorite ROM's. And I'm sure most of the G2x people would agree as well.
Eagle's Blood: Based on LG's stock 2.3.3 Gingerbread.
Weapon G2x: Again, based on LG's stock 2.3.3 Gingerbread, but with Whitehawx's many tweaks and features.
And of course, CyanogenMOD 7 Nightlies: It's based on Google's AOSP, but the CM team has added in hundreds of tweaks that makes the user experience the best you can ever get on Android.
My favorite is CM but I suggest you try all 3 to see which one you like the best.
Yes, you can slip in an SD card after you've flashed if you want. Just follow the instructions carefully on how to NVFlash, there's even a YouTube video on how to do it.
Once you're in CWM, I suggest you do a NANDroid backup to backup your current ROM. Then do the following steps.
1. Wipe Data
2. Wipe Cache
3. Wipe Dalvik Cache (within Advanced)
4. Then go into mounts and format your /system
5. Then proceed to flashing your desired ROM.
Here's a quick video on how to flash a ROM.
But note; that video is how to flash a ROM on a myTouch 4G, just ignore the ROM's I showed in that video as it's for the MT4G. But the Clockwork MOD that you see there is just like the one for the G2x, except now the letters are blue. Do as I did in that video by wiping everything. Only thing I left out is formating /system since it wasn't needed on the MT4G. So don't forget to do that on your G2x.
Also, do you have Froyo or Gingerbread right now?
If you need any help with your g2x just drop me an email at [email protected]. I will be happy to help with any questions you may have.
Sent from the fastest g2x in the world
Thanks again for your awesome reply mackster248.
To answer your question, I'm currently running Froyo and I'm not actually with T-Mobile. I'm in Quebec with Videotron but I read it's the same phone. The phone model I have is LG P999DW.
I think I'll go with CM V7.1.0.1 as my first ROM (the nightlies may not be as stable as I want them to be). Do you think that would be an okay ROM as a first?
So just to confirm, this is what I will be doing as a whole process:
First, I will follow the NVFlashing guide which will allow me to use ClockworkMod Recovery. Next, I'll do a backup with NANDroid (which I assume is an option in CWM). Following that, I follow the wiping steps you listed (same as your video). Is that correct or am I missing something?
Thanks again!
EDIT: So I followed the NVFlash steps and it worked fine until I tried to boot in Recover by holding Vol Down + Power, but it doesn't seem to do anything... I can boot up the phone fine normally by holding the power button though. Is there a reason booting into recovery wouldn't work?
EDIT 2: Ah, nevermind. It works after I took out the battery and tried again.
EDIT 3: I haven't wiped my data yet in the recovery, but it seems I need an SD card so I can load the zip of the ROM I want. Is there a way to load the ROM from my computer or will I need to get an SD card first? Also, I would like to know if I should root as well? Does it make a difference? If not, why do people root before flashing?
Do you mind making a video of all the steps you did in exact order? also people root because most phones just use ROM manager to flash clockworkmod right from ROM Manger, but we are using NVFlash so we dont technically need it. Also new to the G2x, from (wind Mobile, i believe its the same one as the videotron P999-DW)
but im so scared to flash lol i had a vibrant i9000-m die on me before :3
Well, I can't make a video of what I did since I don't have a spare camera. All I did up until now is follow the NVFlashing guide to get ClockworkMod Recovery. It's not very hard to do actually.
I'm apparently supposed to wipe data, etc. now but I don't want to do that because steps later say that I need to flash from the SD card which I don't have. So I need to know now whether I need an SD card to flash a ROM on the phone? I've ordered an SD card which might take a while to get but after I get it, I also would like to know whether I need to root to flash? (since ROM manager says I need to root to use it, maybe I need to root to flash a ROM via CWM as well?)
I downloaded ROM manager and it says I need to root my phone for it to function. I also tried "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery" via the ROM manager which gives me an error as well.
So if someone could let me know whether 1) I can flash without an SD card and 2) whether I need to root to flash via CWM, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!
The newest version of CWM Recovery requires a physical SD to put the rom backups on. Go get yourself one. The smaller capacities are very inexpensive now, but it is nice to have a larger one if you can afford it. Each backup is very large, so a small card would run out of space quickly if you don't offload them to your computer or another storage medium. If you want to backup to the internal sd then install the older version (4.0.1.5) of CWM that support internal sd only, then you don't need a physical sd card. That is why TGA_Gunnman put that version back into his flasher.
With the latest CWM and a g2x and NO sd card, I was able to root, and flash roms. Just select the flash zip from internal SD option in CWM. I did not backup though.
hesher said:
With the latest CWM and a g2x and NO sd card, I was able to root, and flash roms. Just select the flash zip from internal SD option in CWM. I did not backup though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't the flash zip be deleted after you wipe the data, etc.?
Also, do I need to root for flash via CWM to work?
No just place it in the root.
kefloxin said:
Wouldn't the flash zip be deleted after you wipe the data, etc.?
Also, do I need to root for flash via CWM to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying that if I place the ROM on the root of the phone, it won't be deleted once I wipe data, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache and format my /system?
I would just like to make sure as I don't want to be stuck without a phone until I get an SD card and no backup.
Thanks
kefloxin said:
So you're saying that if I place the ROM on the root of the phone, it won't be deleted once I wipe data, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache and format my /system?
I would just like to make sure as I don't want to be stuck without a phone until I get an SD card and no backup.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were factory resetting a Samsung the internal SD is also wiped; but thankfully, LG does not do that. When you do a factory reset on the P999 all it does is wipe the data and cache partitions. The internal sd is left alone. So yes you can place the zip package on the internal sd, reset and then flash it. It also doesn't have to be on the root. In CWM if you select install zip from sd card, you can then choose external or internal sd and navigate to any folder and zip file you want to flash. Have fun!
I was able to install the old CWM with internal SD card support and I used that to make a backup and flash the ROM successfully. Everything seems to be awesome so far except that I can't use USB mass storage from the O/S. I turn on USB mass storage and my computer doesn't detect it. The only way to make it work is going to CWM and mounting the USB. Anyone know how I would be able to make it work through the O/S again?
I also can't install Swype without an external SD card, but I'll have one soon so that's not a big worry.
Aside from those things, I think it's pretty cool.
Thanks to everyone who helped.
Have fun bud. No phone is perfect, but the G2x is pretty awesome.
Powered by a G2x
Yeah, it's awesome. But anyone know why USB mass storage doesn't show the removable drive on my computer? I have to go into CWM and mount it to make it work, but I would prefer to be able to do it via the O/S.
Thanks for all your help though guys, you guys are awesome
kefloxin said:
Yeah, it's awesome. But anyone know why USB mass storage doesn't show the removable drive on my computer? I have to go into CWM and mount it to make it work, but I would prefer to be able to do it via the O/S.
Thanks for all your help though guys, you guys are awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install the LG Gingerbread drivers. Let me find a link.
Edit: I had the same problem as you, but this fixed that.
http://www.lg-phones.org/t-mobile-g2x-usb-driver.html
Powered by a G2x
It doesn't seem to work. I installed the drivers via the download link in the link you provided. Didn't work, then I tried to update following the instructions using the LG mobile support tool, and it still doesn't work either. (I've tried on 2 computers btw.)
I'm not sure why it only works via CWM, any other suggestions?
kefloxin said:
It doesn't seem to work. I installed the drivers via the download link in the link you provided. Didn't work, then I tried to update following the instructions using the LG mobile support tool, and it still doesn't work either. (I've tried on 2 computers btw.)
I'm not sure why it only works via CWM, any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be USB connection type is set wrong internally. See if there is some setting in CM7 for it. On a stock rom you can go into LG Hidden menu and set USB to automatic.
Hello
i have updatet CWM to newer version and after update I'm unable to load Zip filers (ROM's etc) from SD card in the recovery mode HELP in previes version everything was warking OK
How to fix IT?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1213723
That's the way it is.
Go back to the one you had before if you want to flash from microSD.
OK but how can I do it?
I have the old CWM recovery file file but I'm unable to load it from SD card Also i can not run file manager to move files to internal storage
Transfer it from your computer to your TF's internal storage?
OK thenk you It worked
I had a problem with conecting my Trasformer with PC using USB but BT did the job BTW witch ROM would you sugest to use with my TF101G I want to use my 3G card. Right now i use Revolution HD but 3G is not working
horndroid said:
That's the way it is.
Go back to the one you had before if you want to flash from microSD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have q question.. can we use new CWM and flash ROMs using internal memory, i.e. can i place ROM on internal memory and then flash it using CWM, because i was flashing using Micro SD till now...
udupa82 said:
I do have q question.. can we use new CWM and flash ROMs using internal memory, i.e. can i place ROM on internal memory and then flash it using CWM, because i was flashing using Micro SD till now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the 5.5.0.4 and 5.8.1.8 flash file from the internal storage.
It work great, just keep in mind NOT to use something like the Superwipe script
as it will wipe everything from the internal storage, leaving you with nothing to flash and no OS.
Hi guys, first post from me. I wish i could post this in the proper thread, but since i am new i am not allowed, so excuse me for the inconvenience.
I want to use custom roms to enhance my phone, i've been reading up in this forum and some video's on youtube. I've already rooted my phone before, so that part is out of the way.
Now here is my phone setup:
- Samsung Galaxy S Plus
fw= 2.3.5
baseband= I9001BOKP1
kernel= [email protected]#1
build= GINGERBREAD.BOK4
carrier= T-Mobile
- External SD Card, 486 MB
I just used the SD Card from my old Samsung phone (G-600)
The thing is, i have used Apps2SD to set apps to my SD card (the external one)
1.A: So if i am going to backup will that also be stored back to my SD after i format it?
1.B: Or is external SD card formatting not required for a fresh clean install?
The ROM i want to use is Cranium RC9
As i understand this ROM comes with a kernel as well, so..
2: should i do anything kernel related? (since it's my first time to install a ROM and all)
And finally..
3: What is the correct method for a 1st time/clean ROM installation?
If i look at the 1st post of the Cranium ROM thread, then i see install methods if you already have RC8. And the other method is for installing RC4. Please don't tell me i have to go through all the RC's to get to RC9 o_0
Thanks for at least reading this and hopefully some one can help me further on this
1.A When you backup, choose internal SD since backup has about 1GB of size if you have lots of apps. Go to feamod recovery 1.4, backup and restore then backup to internal sd card. When you finish ROM flashing restore your apps only in advanced restore.
1.B I don't think you have to format external sd, anyway you can back it up too.
2. I don't think so. The rom comes with a kernel..
3. For fresh ROM installation, Format system, data, and cache. You can also wipe dalvik cache. Then flash using ODIN or CWM, depending on the file. Reboot system and you can restore data only after going to cwm again.
You can also read fabsau's starter guide in our forum(i9001)..
In my opinion, try broodROM, comes with skyhigh kernel, ICS theme, beats audio, smoother scrolling and more..
If this helped press THANKS
Sent from my S+
Thanks this was helpful to me
I have seemingly successfully installed CM10. However, all of the internal SD folders from my prior stock 4.0.4 install are still there. I want a nice, clean and fresh install and want all junk from the previous stock version gone, but I don't know what's new and what's old. If there is a way to formate/wipe everything, then it seems that that would also delete the new system files as well as as the CM10 Rom zip, thereby making it impossible to reinstall.
Insights and suggestions on this matter greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Make sure you format /system as well as cache and factory reset. Do it twice if it will make you feel better.
You most likely just did a factory reset which leaves a bunch of trash behind.
Format all of that
Flash cm10
Flash gapps
Prcls77 said:
I have seemingly successfully installed CM10. However, all of the internal SD folders from my prior stock 4.0.4 install are still there. I want a nice, clean and fresh install and want all junk from the previous stock version gone, but I don't know what's new and what's old. If there is a way to formate/wipe everything, then it seems that that would also delete the new system files as well as as the CM10 Rom zip, thereby making it impossible to reinstall.
Insights and suggestions on this matter greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:crying:
I seem to have answered the last part of my of my inquiry. In CWM 5.5.0.4, I formatted data, system, cache, emmc, sd card. I can now only access recovery mode or download mode. In recovery mode, I obviously can't flash CM10 from the internal SD because I formatted/deleted it! When I get home, I'll try flashing CWM 6.0.1.0 in Odin and then flashing CM10 through the external SD card. If that doesn't work, then I'll have to flash the stock ROM.
Prcls77 said:
:crying:
I seem to have answered the last part of my of my inquiry. In CWM 5.5.0.4, I formatted data, system, cache, emmc, sd card. I can now only access recovery mode or download mode. In recovery mode, I obviously can't flash CM10 from the internal SD because I formatted/deleted it! When I get home, I'll try flashing CWM 6.0.1.0 in Odin and then flashing CM10 through the external SD card. If that doesn't work, then I'll have to flash the stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it the way outlined above and I now have a nice, clean install CM10!
Next time don't format emmc and sdcard.
For me i delete the files manually using Astro file manager or using a computer and use free app called (sd maid) in google play to remove more and do more cleaning of internal sd card it searches for app remains and empty directories etc all that after flashing the rom immediately before restoring my apps
Not bad but if anybody could find a better solution post it
Sent from my GT-P5100 using xda app-developers app
Hi,
I'm running an Transformer TF101 with Clockwork Mod Recovery v5.8.3.4.
However some time ago I removed the zip file with the ROM from within the SD Card memory space - that of course being actually the internal 16GB of storage and not a MicroSD.
Since I cannot boot into any ROM and I haven't got a zip file with my ROM on my Internal Storage, what do I have to do to install a ROM back onto my transformer. It seems that unless I boot into the ROM itself (which by the looks of things has been wiped) I cannot access the internal memory storage.
Please help. How do I fix this and make it running again?
I have a very similar issue. I can boot to the ROM but there doesn't seem to be a launcher so throws up a load of errors.
Essentially I cannot access any external memory in the ROM or recovery so need the same instructions.
Cheers
Sent from my GT-i9100 using xda premium
mikber18 said:
Hi,
I'm running an Transformer TF101 with Clockwork Mod Recovery v5.8.3.4.
However some time ago I removed the zip file with the ROM from within the SD Card memory space - that of course being actually the internal 16GB of storage and not a MicroSD.
Since I cannot boot into any ROM and I haven't got a zip file with my ROM on my Internal Storage, what do I have to do to install a ROM back onto my transformer. It seems that unless I boot into the ROM itself (which by the looks of things has been wiped) I cannot access the internal memory storage.
Please help. How do I fix this and make it running again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688012 Follow the instructions in this thread. This will completely wipe your device and bring it back to stock no matter what SBK version of TF you have. You can then also choose to install a custom recovery as well as root it all from right here. Then you can install a custom rom back on. I also recommend using a recovery that uses the internal storage or external as it is much safer. You can always take out the SD, put a rom on it, replace it and boot into recovery. Much easier than using Easy Flash.