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Need info and help on Nvflash

I am to receive my replacement phone tomorrow. I had rooted the one I am sending back so I am a little familiar with that. Have not flashed CWM yet. I see that there is now a Rom manager that will allow the flash. Have read that it is a fakeflash and will only take you to custom recovery thru Rom manager. If device is powered off and you use volue down and power it will reset or wipe data on phone. Those that flashed with nvflash do not have that problem. I have read that those that used nvflash can than flash it thru rom manager and all is good. I am not sure I know what nvflash is(I thnink it is a utility from LG)or where I can obtain it to install it. Any and all help and info is greatly appreciated.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are very good instructions on the nvflash thread in the developer section.
There u will find links to download nvflash for windows or linux, along with all the other files you need, and the command you need to run.
If you're new to all this, I'd recommend you wait it out a bit (there are no custom roms yet anyway, so no immediate need to flash CWM recovery this minute). Things should get easier and clearer soon.

[Q] ClockworkMod Recovery, ROM Manager, and Nandroid confusion

So I'm trying to update my rooted 3.0.1 euro 3G xoom to the 3.2 Hammerhead ROM, and here's something that is really confusing me:
I've installed ROM Manager 4.3.3.0 from the Market. Then I downloaded and flashed ClockworkMod Recovery 3.2.0.0 R4c via this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1074979
So far so good: I can boot to recovery and it looks that everything is working nicely... with the exception of the following:
1) Even though I have CWM installed, ROM Manager won't recognize it. It keeps asking to install it. I haven't done that though because I don't want to overwrite the one I flashed... how can I get ROM Manager to recognize CWM? Or, if I install a different CWM version through the ROM Manager interface, will that overwrite the existing install, or even break something?
2) I can't find Nandroid in the recovery menu of 3.2.0.0 R4c. It says that it should be there in the Wiki (http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_backup_or_recover_via_Nandroid), but no sir. I only have the options Backup and Advanced Backup in recovery; it doesn't say Nandroid anywhere.
The thing is - I made a normal backup and it created a folder with .img files in it, along with a nandroid.md5 file. So is this a full Nandroid backup or not? And should it not be a zip file? Meaning - will I be able to revert to this backup through ROM Manager or CWM later if it's not a zip?
3) Lastly, I want to install the Tiamat 2.1 Hammerhead ROM. solarnz writes in the instructions in step 6 to "install the rom". So do I do that from recovery? Or from ROM Manager? Which brings me back to my first problem, that ROM Manager won't recognize CWM and won't let me install a ROM without it.
Also - can I install the Hammerhead ROM from my rooted 3.0.1 device at all, or should I install 3.1 first?
I know these are a lot of questions all at once, but after hours and hours of searching and reading (and learning a lot!), I still can't figure this part out.
Many thanks to anyone who can help me make sense of this!

bobblack said:
So I'm trying to update my rooted 3.0.1 euro 3G xoom to the 3.2 Hammerhead ROM, and here's something that is really confusing me:
I've installed ROM Manager 4.3.3.0 from the Market. Then I downloaded and flashed ClockworkMod Recovery 3.2.0.0 R4c via this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1074979
So far so good: I can boot to recovery and it looks that everything is working nicely... with the exception of the following:
1) Even though I have CWM installed, ROM Manager won't recognize it. It keeps asking to install it. I haven't done that though because I don't want to overwrite the one I flashed... how can I get ROM Manager to recognize CWM? Or, if I install a different CWM version through the ROM Manager interface, will that overwrite the existing install, or even break something?
2) I can't find Nandroid in the recovery menu of 3.2.0.0 R4c. It says that it should be there in the Wiki (http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_backup_or_recover_via_Nandroid), but no sir. I only have the options Backup and Advanced Backup in recovery; it doesn't say Nandroid anywhere.
The thing is - I made a normal backup and it created a folder with .img files in it, along with a nandroid.md5 file. So is this a full Nandroid backup or not? And should it not be a zip file? Meaning - will I be able to revert to this backup through ROM Manager or CWM later if it's not a zip?
3) Lastly, I want to install the Tiamat 2.1 Hammerhead ROM. solarnz writes in the instructions in step 6 to "install the rom". So do I do that from recovery? Or from ROM Manager? Which brings me back to my first problem, that ROM Manager won't recognize CWM and won't let me install a ROM without it.
Also - can I install the Hammerhead ROM from my rooted 3.0.1 device at all, or should I install 3.1 first?
I know these are a lot of questions all at once, but after hours and hours of searching and reading (and learning a lot!), I still can't figure this part out.
Many thanks to anyone who can help me make sense of this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forget about Rom Manager. You have the correct recovery installed and you have made a "nandroid" backup when you used the backup option in CWM recovery 3.2.0.0 R4c. The Rom you want to flash needs to be on your MicroSD card and that needs to be in your Xoom when you boot into recovery. It is from the CWM recovery menu that you will choose to flash the zip file that will install the Rom. You will need to be able to boot into recovery and you can do it by pressing volume up and power to get to dual core screen, then after 3 seconds, press volume down then volume up and you should be in recovery. Or you could download Quick Boot from the market and use its boot into recovery option (that's what I do).
About the version you need to be on to flash Hammerhead...what does it say? I think you may need to be on 3.1 but just read the OP on the Hammerhead thread...it will tell you the requirements.
Good luck!

Thanks a lot for explaining that okantomi, that's very helpful and reassuring!
The only thing I'm left with now is to figure out the version part... the rom OP doesn't say anything about a required version. Here's the thread btw: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1203635
I made my way through the first 18 or so pages of the 434 total pages in that thread, but still couldn't find any info on that. I'll keep looking - not giving up

Quick update... I decided to just go for it. I flashed the 3.2 ROM onto 3.0.1 - it worked perfectly without any hiccups whatsoever. I'm now running Androud 3.2 with 3G and it works beautifully. Can you see that I'm smiling?

bobblack said:
Quick update... I decided to just go for it. I flashed the 3.2 ROM onto 3.0.1 - it worked perfectly without any hiccups whatsoever. I'm now running Androud 3.2 with 3G and it works beautifully. Can you see that I'm smiling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too! ;^ )
Enjoy your shiny new Rom!

I hate me [n00b question]

So I have a I-9020A with at&t. I have rooted followed by flashing -su and roms instructions using instructions on the net. But after following that process and then going backwards (flashing stock w/ no root locking bootloader) I have realized after that I have more questions.
So first: Unlocking the Bootloader erases the phone. Unlocking the bootloader is needed to flash CWM and SU. I have read many many things about NANDROID, how is NANDROID different from CWM?
So I guess my next question is: How does one remove SU? In the process of rooting and flashing CWM and ROMs I make a backup prior to going to deep... that Backup will have SU, I have unrooted, but SU is still on the phone and I cannot seem to remove it.
Another question is: where are the data files on the phone for apps like Plants vs Zombies? I would like to move them off my phone prior to root, though I'm not sure if that is possible (is it?).
The last question is: If I wanted to muck around with ICS and the source code, is it as simple as flashing the source as explained on the google site? because they make it sound rather easy.
Thanks for any and all help,
toonhead

toonhead85 said:
So I have a I-9020A with at&t. I have rooted followed by flashing -su and roms instructions using instructions on the net. But after following that process and then going backwards (flashing stock w/ no root locking bootloader) I have realized after that I have more questions.
So first: Unlocking the Bootloader erases the phone. This process is needed to flash CWM (but not -su?). I have read many many things about NANDROID, but I have no idea what that is except a backup of a stock rom. When I power my phone off and press Vol up and power on then go to recovery I get an Android w/ a triangle with an exclamation and cant do anything at that point.
So I guess my next question is: How does one backup a stock rom (like you would using CMW) without rooting? or is there not a way and I should just except that when I root for the first time I should expect to loose everything and take off things like pics ect before hand.
The last question is: If I wanted to muck around with ICS and the source code, is it as simple as flashing the source as explained on the google site? because they make it sound rather easy.
Thanks for any and all help,
toonhead
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you should have read more.
When you open the bootloader (the lock) it will wipe your personal data off the phone (not SD storage). This just means you get it as if you just bought it from the store. There is no way around it but happens only once and you'll never have to do it again. Unless you lock it back
Once the bootloader is unlocked you can now flash a custom recovery such as CWM which will let you manage and back up your phone with whatever ROM you want/have.
Once recovery is on your device you also have to root the phone. For this you'll need a zip flashable file with the superuser apk and SU binary files. Flash it in recovery and you should be good to go.
The last step is to install a ROM of your choice. You can just run what the phone has and it will work fine and even take updates without a problem. However, every time you want to flash something you'll need to flash CWM again because the stock image flashes the default recovery on reboot. There is a file you can delete to prevent this from happening. I forgot the path so look around. However, I would recommend you flash a stock ROM which already comes loaded with good stuff and all other things are done for you Just stop by the development section and pick a ROM you like.
Naroid is just a backup.
Oh, and BTW, mocking around with ICS... I would leave that for later. First get your head around basic flashing/rooting stuff. Changing the source code requires knowledge of code and even phone hardware. I'm guessing it's not for you just yet

obsanity said:
Sounds like you should have read more.
When you open the bootloader (the lock) it will wipe your personal data off the phone (not SD storage). This just means you get it as if you just bought it from the store. There is no way around it but happens only once and you'll never have to do it again. Unless you lock it back
Once the bootloader is unlocked you can now flash a custom recovery such as CWM which will let you manage and back up your phone with whatever ROM you want/have.
Once recovery is on your device you also have to root the phone. For this you'll need a zip flashable file with the superuser apk and SU binary files. Flash it in recovery and you should be good to go.
The last step is to install a ROM of your choice. You can just run what the phone has and it will work fine and even take updates without a problem. However, every time you want to flash something you'll need to flash CWM again because the stock image flashes the default recovery on reboot. There is a file you can delete to prevent this from happening. I forgot the path so look around. However, I would recommend you flash a stock ROM which already comes loaded with good stuff and all other things are done for you Just stop by the development section and pick a ROM you like.
Naroid is just a backup.
Oh, and BTW, mocking around with ICS... I would leave that for later. First get your head around basic flashing/rooting stuff. Changing the source code requires knowledge of code and even phone hardware. I'm guessing it's not for you just yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was going to write something similar. toonhead85 you should do a bit more research and reading before you start hacking on your phone. youve hearts in the right place, but youre not quite ready just yet. at least take small steps at first

A little more clarification or nandroid backups:
Nandroid is a specific type of backup of the phone's system files. I think that includes system rom and radio. I not sure if any data is included in the backup. You should make a nandroid backup of the stock rom bbefore you flash any custom roms. If something goes wrong with a rom flash or if you want to restore to a previous stock or custom rom, you can restore from the backups you have made. You create these nandroid backups by booting into recovery and selecting the backup option (I think maybe named backup and restore). Backups are usually found on your SD card, but you can copy them to your computer to save additional copies.
If you want to also backup apps, get a good backup program from the market. Two that I have used are Titanium Backup for Root and MyBackups for Root. They can backup and restore apps and data as well as system data.

Thanks for all of the amazing replys. I do know that I am not at the point where I wanna muck around in the system to much as this is my one and only phone. But I would like to at some point.
But something I wanna know is this: If in flash CWM, can I use it without root? Say to make a backup of the stock rom before flashing SU? I only ask because I am currently at work and can't test the idea.
Another question is this: I know how to get to the stock recovery, but from what I read you use the VOL UP to get the "Menu". When I push any (hardware) button I get nothing and the image being displayed is an Android with a triangle and there is an exclimation point in it. Any thoughts?

a nandroid saves everything in your phone, just how it is at that moment. and when you restore it, your phone goes back to that very moment you made that nandroid backup. all your data remain. everything. its like you didnt do anything in between backing up and restoring

simms22 said:
a nandroid saves everything in your phone, just how it is at that moment. and when you restore it, your phone goes back to that very moment you made that nandroid backup. all your data remain. everything. its like you didnt do anything in between backing up and restoring
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and you need root to use NANDROID? Or just an unlocked bootloader and to flash it over?

toonhead85 said:
and you need root to use NANDROID? Or just an unlocked bootloader and to flash it over?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocked bootloader

FANTASTIC!!! Thank you all so very much!!

simms22 said:
unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And CWM recovery.
You don't need root to backup but remember that when you reboot it will flash back to stock recovery (the triangle). You can simply repeat the adb command to flash CWM again.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G

And CWM recovery.
You don't need root to backup but remember that when you reboot it will flash back to stock recovery (the triangle). You can simply repeat the adb command to flash CWM again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I could flash unlock my bootloader > flash CWM > Make a backup and save it to my computer then when i reboot my phone it would automatically reflash the stock recovery? and if this is correct, then all i would need to do is flash CWM to restore the saved backup?
So here's a question, is it the action of flashing SU that keeps the phone from removing CWM and reinstalling stock recovery?

You must rename the /system/etc/install-recovery.sh file or it will keep replacing the stock recovery. See this post, item 2.

Install Custom Rom!

Just a quick question to double check.. I rooted my atrix 2 and installed CWM and took backup of my phone thru it. So two questions:
1.} Now to install custom rom, what should i do? directly now download and install thru cwm or need to flash any other thing?
2.} I accedently changed my stock battery icon thru rom toolbox pro and when i restore my stock rom thru cwm it says md5 check failed.. What should i do?

To install a Custom Rom only need access to CWM Recovery, and follow the installation steps of the Rom you choose, as there are two forms, one is restored and the other is flashing, so you should read the instructions.

thanks buddy!
I did not use rsd or did not flash fast bootfiles, are these necessary for installing custom rom? I guess not i am trying custom roms now..
And what abt the second question?

Sedariya11 said:
thanks buddy!
I did not use rsd or did not flash fast bootfiles, are these necessary for installing custom rom? I guess not i am trying custom roms now..
And what abt the second question?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No rsd and fastboot files are for flashing back to stock in the case of u messing up your phone (soft brick or bootloop)

Sedariya11 said:
thanks buddy!
I did not use rsd or did not flash fast bootfiles, are these necessary for installing custom rom? I guess not i am trying custom roms now..
And what abt the second question?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for restoring. do a few things. first, make a backup right now and try to restore it right away. If that works, something went wrong with your old one. you can open up the nandroid.md5 file within the backup folder and delete everything, that will make it restore, but it could cause some issues if it really was broken. Or it could not even boot, but that is what the fxz is for.
If it also fails, most likely there is something wrong with your sdcard. that happened to me. try formatting it WITH THE PHONE (backup anything that you need to since it will be wiped). if it fails both times the backups are most likely fine, so just delete everything in the nandroid.md5 file and do it. Keep in mind it may still have issues so be familiar with the stock restoring process just in case.
As always, i don't take responsibility for anything that happens.

[Q] First Time Root Help Please?

Hello everyone,
I just bought a Verizon Galaxy S3 and I am in the process of rooting it. Im kinda freaking out because things really arent going that well for me. So far what I've done is root and unlock bootloader. Here is where the problem starts. When I try to reboot into CWM recovery it just boots me into the normal android recovery. Is this normal? every video I have watched shows people manually rebooting straight into CWM. The only way I can get it to work is if I go into EZ recovery and press "Flash" then "Reboot Into Recovery" buttons.
My second area of confusion is regarding the IMEI backup. Is this something everyone does when flashing roms on this phone? I am very confused as to what I'm supposed to do. Do I use the adb or download a terminal app from the play store? If someone could clarify that would be great !
Sorry if these questions are pathetic but this is my first time doing this and it's a learning experience I geuss. Here are the links to the guides I used for what I have done so far.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
Thanks

I recently saw someone have a problem getting custom recovery persist, and another member pointed out a step you needed to do to get it to stick. I'll see if I can locate that post and add it to this post.
As far as IMEI goes, you only need to back it up once, and then you are good to go. Perform step a followed by step b in the backup thread.

apacseven said:
I recently saw someone have a problem getting custom recovery persist, and another member pointed out a step you needed to do to get it to stick. I'll see if I can locate that post and add it to this post.
As far as IMEI goes, you only need to back it up once, and then you are good to go. Perform step a followed by step b in the backup thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright thanks, so for most people once they flash it once it should stay every time they reboot into recovery? I have probably the noobiest question of all time, what does flashing CWM recovery even do? is it like flashing a rom where it just gets baked in to the OS permanently? Or does it actually provide a backup of data because I thought thats what nandroids were for.

Havent found exactly what I was recalling as far as the recovery problem, but I found something in a thread below this that makes me think maybe your bootloader wasnt unlocked properly. What version (if any) of ez recovery did you use?
Also, flashing CWM (ideally, at least) replaces the stock recovery with the clockworkmod recovery. Then, when you boot into CWM, that is where you make a backup (nandroid) of your current ROM. Once you have backups made you can quickly switch between ROMs by restoring the nandroids.
I hope I understood your question correctly and also answered it properly.

apacseven said:
Havent found exactly what I was recalling as far as the recovery problem, but I found something in a thread below this that makes me think maybe your bootloader wasnt unlocked properly. What version (if any) of ez recovery did you use?
Also, flashing CWM (ideally, at least) replaces the stock recovery with the clockworkmod recovery. Then, when you boot into CWM, that is where you make a backup (nandroid) of your current ROM. Once you have backups made you can quickly switch between ROMs by restoring the nandroids.
I hope I understood your question correctly and also answered it properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you did, thank you so much. In the tutorial I used it was saying that the newer versions of EZ unlock were having problems so I downloaded version 1.2. How do I proceed if my bootloader was unlocked improperly? Also, I went in to EZ recovery and flashed CWM and made a nandroid backup if this matters.
Thanks so much for your help.

If you used version 1.2 then my point was moot. So you can only get into CWM if you install CWM from ez recovery and then hit reboot into recovery? If you do the hold vol up + home button while powering on it always takes you to stock recovery?

Yep its very weird. Not sure what to do.

Someone else will likely be able to chime in on how to correct this, unfortunately (or fortunately? lol) it hasnt happened to me so I havent had to deal with it. Its not a huge deal so I wouldnt worry about it.
Personally I use TWRP recovery. You can try that and see if it will stick, you can always go back to CWM later. Try it in ez recovery, or Goo manager from the play store (I use goo manager). If you want to try installing it from goo manager, install the app, hit menu, then select install open recovery script.

K cool. So would it hurt me if I just used ez recovery to flash and reboot everytime I need to get into CWM? Also for goo manager does that install the one you were talking about or CWM?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Goo manager is only for TWRP recovery. And as long as the backups are being stored and you can access them the next time you get into CWM, it doesnt matter. Like I said, hopefully someone will be able to tell you how to correct this issue and we will both learn a thing or two from it.

Did you follow Step 12 in Section 2 in the first link you posted?
You have to make sure to go to CWM v6.0.1 in the drop down and install that version of Clockwork Mod Recovery.
I'm not sure if that's the cause of your issue, but you may want to check into that

Yep i did that
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Can someone please help D:
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app