I purchased a Charge today, and I'm trying to make sense of the options. I was spoiled with the ease by which one could modify my first Android phone, the Eris. I was just getting comfortable with the methods used to modify Motorola phones with my latest Droid X, and now I find myself a Samsung owner. Having spent the better part of the last two days reading threads, I'm starting to piece together the world of Charge. I'm hoping those here with more experience can validate some of my assumptions and fill in the blanks where needed on the items below.
1) How do you translate EE4, EP1W... etc? I assume these align to versions of Android, but what tells me what version (example: does EE4 = 2.2.1?)?
2) Flashing data onto the phone... I see instructions on both Odin and ClockWork Recovery (CWR). So, Odin is a PC based program which is used to flash .tar or .tar.md5 files onto the phone and CWR is initially installed via Odin. From there, one could use CWR to flash ROMs that are are stored on the flash card of your phone. Is there a version of CWR that can create a complete backup of the current status of your phone (similar to a NAND backup on the Eris)? Does the current version of CRW successfully restore these backups? I assume Odin vs. CMR is just preference, depending on how the cook wanted to create the ROM, correct? Is it possible to remove CWR once it is installed, i.e. is there a stock recovery available to be flashed via Odin?
3) Rooting... From what I can tell, rooting this phone is achieved by replacing the stock kernel with a kernel modified to grant root access, either directly or as packaged with a ROM, with either CWR or Odin, correct? I have come across previous posts speaking of "one click" methods that appear to no longer be valid, and methods only for EE4, etc. I cannot discern what is the correct method by which to obtain root access on a phone that is purchased as of today (15Oct11) (which goes to question 1, what does EE4 mean). Ideally, I would like to obtain root access without changing ROMs. Is this achieved by using Odin (or CWR) to flash a rooted kernel? Can anyone provide input here?
4) ROMs / kernels / compatibility..... The "Flashing Roms with Odin 1.82 GB 2.3.4 edition" (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1160580) and "Get a rooted version of EE4" (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14692818) threads give good descriptions of how to flash a ROM and the HOW TO thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1107797) contains links to several ROMs, but reading through the posts I've noticed little mention of weather the ROM provides root access and what else is required with the ROM (additional flash for correct kernel or radio). Is it to be assumed all of the ROMs posted include root? Do each of the ROMs require a kernel with root access be installed before or after? What are the compatibility concerns with different ROMs and different kernels? Another "New to Charge" thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285473&page=2) states that as long as the ROM is matched to the kernel (i.e. Gingerbread ROM with Gingerbread kernel) there will be no issues, but are there any other compatibility concerns?
Thanks for any help you guys can provide to help me get up to speed with the Charge.
I'll try and help you out here. You are right, EE4/EP1W/EP3 all refer to the version of Android with EP3 being the latest leaked build of version 2.3.5. As for your second question some roms are ODIN only such as the EP3 roms/radios/ect. I believe all the EE4 roms are able to be flashed just by using CWR. The GB roms require you to use odin due to the file containing a kernal and radios specific to GB. I have found that the backup and recovery functions do work in CWR but as a safety precaution I also purchased Samsung Odin Maker created by P3Droid from the market. The app allows you to create a complete odin file of all settings and info stored on your phone that you can use in case something ever goes wrong. On the note of things going potentially wrong I would also search the forums for the stock EE4 odin file as well as the PIT file. This is going to be needed in the occurance of something going wrong while flashing a rom or needing to return the phone back to stock. If I can find the links for those files I will post them here for ya.
Sent from my HUMBLE by Danalo1979 using XDA App
dandaman96 said:
I purchased a Charge today, and I'm trying to make sense of the options. I was spoiled with the ease by which one could modify my first Android phone, the Eris. I was just getting comfortable with the methods used to modify Motorola phones with my latest Droid X, and now I find myself a Samsung owner. Having spent the better part of the last two days reading threads, I'm starting to piece together the world of Charge. I'm hoping those here with more experience can validate some of my assumptions and fill in the blanks where needed on the items below.
1) How do you translate EE4, EP1W... etc? I assume these align to versions of Android, but what tells me what version (example: does EE4 = 2.2.1?)?
2) Flashing data onto the phone... I see instructions on both Odin and ClockWork Recovery (CWR). So, Odin is a PC based program which is used to flash .tar or .tar.md5 files onto the phone and CWR is initially installed via Odin. From there, one could use CWR to flash ROMs that are are stored on the flash card of your phone. Is there a version of CWR that can create a complete backup of the current status of your phone (similar to a NAND backup on the Eris)? Does the current version of CRW successfully restore these backups? I assume Odin vs. CMR is just preference, depending on how the cook wanted to create the ROM, correct? Is it possible to remove CWR once it is installed, i.e. is there a stock recovery available to be flashed via Odin?
3) Rooting... From what I can tell, rooting this phone is achieved by replacing the stock kernel with a kernel modified to grant root access, either directly or as packaged with a ROM, with either CWR or Odin, correct? I have come across previous posts speaking of "one click" methods that appear to no longer be valid, and methods only for EE4, etc. I cannot discern what is the correct method by which to obtain root access on a phone that is purchased as of today (15Oct11) (which goes to question 1, what does EE4 mean). Ideally, I would like to obtain root access without changing ROMs. Is this achieved by using Odin (or CWR) to flash a rooted kernel? Can anyone provide input here?
4) ROMs / kernels / compatibility..... The "Flashing Roms with Odin 1.82 GB 2.3.4 edition" (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1160580) and "Get a rooted version of EE4" (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=14692818) threads give good descriptions of how to flash a ROM and the HOW TO thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1107797) contains links to several ROMs, but reading through the posts I've noticed little mention of weather the ROM provides root access and what else is required with the ROM (additional flash for correct kernel or radio). Is it to be assumed all of the ROMs posted include root? Do each of the ROMs require a kernel with root access be installed before or after? What are the compatibility concerns with different ROMs and different kernels? Another "New to Charge" thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1285473&page=2) states that as long as the ROM is matched to the kernel (i.e. Gingerbread ROM with Gingerbread kernel) there will be no issues, but are there any other compatibility concerns?
Thanks for any help you guys can provide to help me get up to speed with the Charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lockett said:
I'll try and help you out here. You are right, EE4/EP1W/EP3 all refer to the version of Android with EP3 being the latest leaked build of version 2.3.5. As for your second question some roms are ODIN only such as the EP3 roms/radios/ect. I believe all the EE4 roms are able to be flashed just by using CWR. The GB roms require you to use odin due to the file containing a kernal and radios specific to GB. I have found that the backup and recovery functions do work in CWR but as a safety precaution I also purchased Samsung Odin Maker created by P3Droid from the market. The app allows you to create a complete odin file of all settings and info stored on your phone that you can use in case something ever goes wrong. On the note of things going potentially wrong I would also search the forums for the stock EE4 odin file as well as the PIT file. This is going to be needed in the occurance of something going wrong while flashing a rom or needing to return the phone back to stock. If I can find the links for those files I will post them here for ya.
Sent from my HUMBLE by Danalo1979 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well that answers 1 and 2... 3) no you do not necessarily need to flash a custom kernel or rom to gain root however you are right that the roms/kernels will root you. there are no one click root methods that work properly with the Charge, at most will give you temp root that you will lose on next bootup. If you want root but to stay stock all you need to do is Odin CWM onto your phone and flash this: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/34782489/su-2.3.6.3-efgh-signed.zip and presto when you boot your phone you'll be rooted. Also the 'EE4' they put on the box with the build date is the build thats on the phone when they ship it, I guess so they can keep track in their system or check if you return it.
4) those are good threads with reliable steps on how to flash though the rom/kernel links in them may be a little dated, I would look at the individual rom thread in the Development section for the most up to date. As stated before most if not all roms and kernels will root you when flashed or Odined, but if not (and it happens occasionally) just flash that superuser I linked in CWM and it'll root you. No the roms do not require a kernel to be installed first, as a matter of fact most rom packages will contain a kernel that will install itself with the rom. For the most part kernels and roms are independent as long as the android version is the same, for example only GB kernels can be flashed with GB roms and Froyo kernels with Froyo roms etc. You can read up in the kernel threads on any issues with compatibility.
Hope this helps
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Related
Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks
i'm new to all of this too but ill try to answer some questions. Although, I think this thread should NOT be in development and should be in general. I personally have read through a lot of threads to get the answers that I was seeking for.
As far as backup goes, I think its possible through Odin via dump option? don't quote me on that, I have not had to do that before, nor have I read up on it. bootloader as far as i see, i did not need it.
there is a thread in here with virgin rom request, LOOK for it.
There is NO compiled list of apps that you can or cannot delete, but if you read, there is a dl for BLOATWARE, use that as a template to what you want deleted.
Right now, ODIN is the only way that you can flash your phone, and use the two roms listed in this development thread.
From what i read a deodexed rom just helps with file system and structure. I think?
you will always be able to go back to stock, if you have the virgin rom.
Imo, you should read up/skim through every thread in here to see what is available, problems people are having and the fixes for them. I know there is alot of information in here and it maybe overwhelming, but there were 172 views of this thread without any replies because us noobs need to READ/SEARCH. Thats the answers we'll get if we continue to make new threads. Just fyi if your new to forums.
Moved as not android development.
As newbie you should first read and use search
then if you dont see question you want, you just ask it
And about Roms , well i tried that deox v2.2 and didnt like it , switched to stock with removed bloat and love it more but thats for different thread
Well thanks for you answers and I do apologize for posting this here. I didn't know. I think i will go with what you have done. Stock ROM without bloatware. Did you flash the Stock ROM from this forum? or did you just deleted the apps one by one?
I will do the fota fix as well.
moshe22 said:
Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.
ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Really helpful. I will read into these threads and probably will wait for the clockwork to work for SGS4G.
I really don't see the advantage of flashing to Deodexed. Maybe i'm missing something?
Hi all, new to posting but a long time lurker. I have read nearly every post and am left with some basic questions regarding the Charge. I have successfully rooted/rom'ed/kernel'ed a G1 and a G Tab in the past, and I feel like I had some idea of what was going on with those devices and corresponding processes.
With the Charge, not so much. I feel like I am missing one tiny bit of information that will make this whole thing click. My end goal is to get to a rooted, ED2, debloated, deodexed, Voodoo'ed rom. I don't care for the color scheme, but I can live with it. I like some of the Altered Beast mod screenshots, but overall prefer a fast, optimized and as close as a phone can be to AOSP build at this point.
So how to go about that? (my guesses follow):
Step 1: Make a backup (with what?)
Step 2: Gingerbreak
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103361
Step 3: ??????
Step 4: Flash Imnuts 5-27-11 Debloated v4 rom (with what do I flash?) CWM? ODIN? Heimdall?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1094304
Step 5: Flash jt1134's Root Voodoo Lagfix CWM recovery
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1092114
It seems like I am adding perm root in step 2, step 4, and step 5. I am adding a non-stock recovery in Step 5.
Do I have the order essentially correct? Does it matter that I am rooting it more than once?
Once I have gotten to this voodoo'ed, rooted, ed2, CWM state, how do I get back to my backup made in step 1? Can I get back to this point without a brick/bootloop? I know there is something in the forum about RFS to EXT4 and back again. Maybe I need to return the device. Maybe I want an OTA Gingerbread in the future (ha, yeah). Regardless, I would like to know if there is a known way to get back to stock regardless of the ODINs, Heimdalls, CWMs used to get away from it. (I know this is a contentious issue right now and may not be fully addressed at this point.)
I am trying to go back through all of the threads one at a time and would like to eventually put together a FAQ pointing to specific thread responses for answers. Any interest? Keep in mind that I would only be organizing what has already been put down "on paper" in the forum, not attempting to answer things. Given my questions above, that would not turn out well...
Thanks all for any replies.
You need to get rooted first to backup anything. There is already a copy of a Stock Rooted ED1 downgrade from ED2 here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1085190 so unless you must have your own backup then its good to go. If you want your own, you need to root ED1 and back it up. Update to ED2, apply jt1134's root/kernel/cwm then flash imnuts debloated ED2 V4. At least that is what I think you need to do.
I already have the stock rooted ED1 file saved, now I just need to flash jt1134's file then decide on which ROM or remove the bloat myself.
I believe Step 3 should be update to ED2.
Step 4 is flashed, if i remember correctly I used odin. Gonna have to back-step myself and remember for a sec...
And i believe I did Step 5 at step 4 and step 4 at step 5.
Yeah, odin is used to flash for windows. I'd have to use heimdall if you are on OS X.
Sent from my Samsung Droid Charge using Tapatalk
I just got a new Droid Charge today. It has the factory stock EE4, and I would like to root it. I have been reading and research this forum, and I am looking for some additional info.
Is there a way to root directly from factory EE4, or is it even possible from this point to go to stock ED1 root using Odin and update update update to ED4 from there?
Eager to get my root on!
Thanks.
Install one of the Voodoo kernels from the development section... they automatically root you on boot.
If you don't want the Voodoo file system converts ions, be due to read the instructions inch how to disable it.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk
If you don't want Voodoo, install my novoodoo kernel.
Try this. Should have all the links you need right now. I won't be able to keep it up to date because it's locked, but it's still valid today
distortedloop said:
Install one of the Voodoo kernels from the development section... they automatically root you on boot.
If you don't want the Voodoo file system converts ions, be due to read the instructions inch how to disable it.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a complete noob to Android before Friday. Didn't know a thing. Got all the OTA updates and was at stock EE4. I basically spent several days reading the forums and trying to understand everything. After doing so I was successful!
So, this is what I did. You need to use something that can be flashed with Odin first.
1. Flash JTs kernel (only) not one of the EE4 ROMs. I found that trying to flash an entire ROM didn't work in Odin because it couldn't find a PIT file even though I wasn't telling it to re-partition.
2. Then I flashed the entire EE4 deodexed with JT's kernel (posted by DroidXIcon) which included a working CWM.
3. Once you can recovery boot to CWM you're golden.
4. I went ahead and flashed the GummyCharged (and its awesome!)
5. I'm about to flash the PBJ kernel after seeing the speed improvements posted here in the forum.
One thing I found was that SuperUser wasn't working quite right from the ROM so I went to the market and updated it, which when I re-ran Superuser asked if I wanted to install an update at which point it requested root access and I was able to grant it. From then on, any application (titantium backup) that requested root, the notification appeared properly.
Cheers and Best of Luck!
I'm finally free of my Verizon/HTC Thunderbolt and I just ordered a used Skyrocket (using StraightTalk) and am trying to sort out the best route to get rooted/updated/etc/etc. Can someone correct me if I am planning on doing something wrong or out of suggested order?
Here goes...
1. Update with the latest OTA ICS update
2. Install custom recovery
--is CWM recommended?
--Can I just install it directly from the Rom Manager app? I keep hearing about ODIN in a lot of the guides, but that seems like an outdated method?
3. Root
-- It appears that the easiest method to do this is to just flash a superuser zip file from recovery.... I found one in a guide named icsSuperuser-3.0.7-efghi-signed.zip for example
4. Update radios? Should I leave these alone if I am already updated to the latest OTA ICS?
5. Update kernel. What is the recommended custom kernel?
6. Update ROM
-- I may just debloat the stock rom myself, but what ROMS are you guys running out there? I would like to overclock/undervolt and I do value good battery time so a kernel/rom combo that will allow me to do this is ideal.
Thanks in advance! Did I miss anything?!
rossbeck said:
I'm finally free of my Verizon/HTC Thunderbolt and I just ordered a used Skyrocket (using StraightTalk) and am trying to sort out the best route to get rooted/updated/etc/etc. Can someone correct me if I am planning on doing something wrong or out of suggested order?
Here goes...
1. Update with the latest OTA ICS update
2. Install custom recovery
--is CWM recommended?
--Can I just install it directly from the Rom Manager app? I keep hearing about ODIN in a lot of the guides, but that seems like an outdated method?
3. Root
-- It appears that the easiest method to do this is to just flash a superuser zip file from recovery.... I found one in a guide named icsSuperuser-3.0.7-efghi-signed.zip for example
4. Update radios? Should I leave these alone if I am already updated to the latest OTA ICS?
5. Update kernel. What is the recommended custom kernel?
6. Update ROM
-- I may just debloat the stock rom myself, but what ROMS are you guys running out there? I would like to overclock/undervolt and I do value good battery time so a kernel/rom combo that will allow me to do this is ideal.
Thanks in advance! Did I miss anything?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, CWM is recommended.
I used ODIN to flash it and currently run the latest Sky-ICS with UCLF6 radio and kernel. Don't use ROM Manager.
You need to visit each area of the Skyrocket sub-forums and read the stickies. In particular the ones by vincom in the development and Q&A areas since those are the most recent info.
The key to using odin is getting everything right on your PC, drivers, etc.
Many people find that using a different radio improves their reception. The usual advice if you are not satisfied with the radio on your phone is to try them one at a time to see what works best for you.
If you want to overclock and under-volt, IIRC, you will have to use the cymbaline kernel.
Which ROM to use is a personal choice. Read the threads in the dev area to get an idea of what each offers.
Hope you enjoy the phone.
Rooting, etc...
Read here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1652398
This is the best place to find the answer you seek. Listening to various answers is not something you should try if you are new to this sort of thing.
Vin has an excellent source for you that gives step-by-step directions!
Good luck with it!
I've been sitting on my stock Rogers Infuse 4G since I got it, hoping that they would at the very least release an update to ICS. I've pretty much given up all hope, especially now since the Infuse was listed as one of the "violators" in the recent lawsuit. So, in giving up there, I've started to try and get up to speed with what's available in terms of custom ROMs for the Infuse, etc...
I previously had a Captivate (seems like I pick the wrong phones) and have kept that one stock as well (now my wife's phone) aside from the official 2.3.3 update Samsung came out with for it. I checked in here once in a while to try and keep track of some of the updates as I thought about going for a custom rom, but I never had the balls to try anything (I've only ever flashed one phone in my life, and it was bought 2nd hand for $20 ) since I actually *must have* a working phone due to having a kid (daycare calls are kind of important!). However checking today, it seems like I am totally out of the loop and I just don't have the time to try and wade through thousands of pages on various threads to find out what the current "ways" are and such... but I know what I want to achieve so I'm hoping you folks are nice enough to at the very least give me a "search you noob" and point me to some threads :silly:
Since I'm totally stock, from what I'm gathering I think I need (and really I more of need a complete checklist of things to do rather than a "do it for me" kind of thing) to do is:
1) jot down my modem and apn settings and such (already done)
2) back up everything i need, pop out sd card (know how to do this)
3) wipe/clear to factory default (... and this)
4) back up the current rom - everything in case I want to return back to exactly the way the phone is stock
5) figure out what i need to do to flash CWM or something so I have the necessary recovery mode options?
6) flash to ICS (since from what I gather, I need to do that if I want to go to JB)?
7) follow instructions I found on the unnoficial CM10 JB thread to flash to JB
?) flash a new kernel? (is this done already during a rom flash; are there any new kernels?)
As commented, I can figure out 1-3 since I'm not stupid, but I have no idea what is even needed to do 4, nor do I know exactly all the tiny, necessary, steps to do the rest after that... especially since reading some things it seems like most of this is for AT&T users and since I'm on Rogers with a I997R (I assume the R means Rogers), I don't want to mess up my modem or other things to prevent the phone working for me... and these are the steps I'm hoping people can help me with.
So far, in prep, I've noted my phone info (basically everything in Phone settings) and I can back up all my apps and such that I care about, and I've downloaded the unofficial CM10 JB download and the Google apps apk as well, and on the same thread was a link to a 1-click ICS flash or something... so I got that too. Since I want to end up with JB, I'm not too concerned (or should I be?) with it being AT&T stuff to get to ICS, since it's the JB flash that I'd really want to ensure works for me.
Is anyone willing to help me out? I really wish I didn't have to be the "next loser" to make a thread like this but I just haven't had the time to be able to keep up with all the info going around (voodoo mods and whatever else?!) to be able to make sense of all this myself!
Thank you!
This looks like a good place for you to start
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1197248&highlight=how+to+root+rogers
First thing to do of course is read, read, read. Understanding what you are doing and why you are doing it is the most valuable resource you can have.
The gist of it is though: to install the custom updated roms, you need root. For Rogers infuse users that is very easy to do; all you have to do is install a rooted kernel in odin. After you do that you make a nandroid (and/or EFS) backup, and install whatever rom you want. CM9 and CM10 have their own kernel, so don't worry about that.
adfurgerson posted the step-by-step guide above me, although the links in the OP may be down. I have the mirrors here: http://minus.com/moAvVibed/
the 3 files in there are:
Odin_Infused_Gingerbread_Kernel_v1.zip - This is the rooted kernel you are flashing
Odin_Stock_Rogers_UXKG3_Kernel.zip - This is the stock rogers unrooted kernel if you want to unroot and go COMPLETELY stock for whatever reason (I doubt you will ever need to use this tbh)
Odin_UXKG3_rooted_no_bootloaders_v2.zip - The stock Rogers FIRMWARE. If you ever mess up you use this to "start from scratch". You will still be rooted though if you don't use the stock kernel above.
So yeah, just flash the kernel in odin as described in the above thread and you will have root + cwm.
From there you reboot into cwm (turn off, turn on holding vol+ and vol- buttons) and make a nandroid backup of your stock rogers rom (or an EFS backup with the infuse toolkit: click here), flash CM9 as per the instructions in the OP, and finally CM10 as per the instructions in the OP.
Also remember:
1. The infuse is almost impossible to hard brick. The only real way to do so is to improperly flash bootloaders, which a rogers infuse user will never have to do. Only AT&T users coming from Froyo have to do it. So keep that in mind.
2. On the chance that you get soft-bricked (screen won't go past samsung logo for example) you can always go back to flashing the stock rom/rooted kernel again in odin and start all over again.
The only thing that I can add to Threi's excellent reply is to mention the one click to ICS. It is in the first post of Scott's CM10 thread,it should give you the ICS recovery that is needed to flash JB without flashing a full ICS ROM.
I suppose I should have mentioned that I also have rooted my phone already (used SuperOneClick, worked fine). Is there any reason why I would use that "rooted kernel" versus just having root on my phone (ie, having su installed... dunno what else it did, I don't think it did anything to my kernel)?
I guess my biggest unknown is all the backup processes that can be done and how to do them? Is "nandroid" a one stop shop for doing backups of everything? Although there's the complete stock Rogers rom linked above (which I'll nab anyways!), I was thinking I would try to make a complete copy of my own phone (just in case)... I guess next step is to search for "nanroid"
Are there any other backup tools I could use/check out (not apk backup tools... those are easily located in the app store, or performed with adb myself).
j.smith said:
I suppose I should have mentioned that I also have rooted my phone already (used SuperOneClick, worked fine). Is there any reason why I would use that "rooted kernel" versus just having root on my phone (ie, having su installed... dunno what else it did, I don't think it did anything to my kernel)?
I guess my biggest unknown is all the backup processes that can be done and how to do them? Is "nandroid" a one stop shop for doing backups of everything? Although there's the complete stock Rogers rom linked above (which I'll nab anyways!), I was thinking I would try to make a complete copy of my own phone (just in case)... I guess next step is to search for "nanroid"
Are there any other backup tools I could use/check out (not apk backup tools... those are easily located in the app store, or performed with adb myself).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a kernel is how you obtain cwm which allows you to flash custom ROMs(cwm is clockwork mod recovery). A nandroid is a backup you create in cwm that is copy of your phone that will return your phone to the exact state it was at the time backup was made.
adfurgerson said:
Flashing a kernel is how you obtain cwm which allows you to flash custom ROMs(cwm is clockwork mod recovery). A nandroid is a backup you create in cwm that is copy of your phone that will return your phone to the exact state it was at the time backup was made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aha, perfect description. I didn't realize I had to get a new kernel to have CWM... and I'm guessing because of signing and such, that a custom kernel (with CWM) is required in order to flash a non-signed rom, which is why you couldn't just do it on stock, right?
Ok, so now armed with that info that clears up a lot, I guess I have just one question left (which I can probably find the answer to with some searching). I have read what that voodoo lagfix is and is this something that is standard now on all kernels (because if it can cause issues, I'd rather just have a kernel without it)? Are there any "rooted" kernels without the lagfix built in so I don't have to remember about disabling the lagfix? ...or is there a way to install CWM on to my current kernel?
*edit* Ok, I realize I might be a bit too picky about the voodoo lagfix thing. I found two good threads on dealing with Rogers specifically, so I'll read over those (and suck it up about voodoo) and see how it goes. Since my vacation got unfortunately cancelled due to a sick kid, I have some time to experiment this weekend... hopefully ending up with JB on my phone!
Glad to see your on you're on the way to JB. After you install a custom kernel be sure to make a nandroid in the backup and restore option of CWM before you flash a ROM. That is like your safety net, if you wiped everything and had a bad download that wouldn't install, you will have a nandroid to restore.
adfurgerson said:
Glad to see your on you're on the way to JB. After you install a custom kernel be sure to make a nandroid in the backup and restore option of CWM before you flash a ROM. That is like your safety net, if you wiped everything and had a bad download that wouldn't install, you will have a nandroid to restore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just flashed the rooted cwm kernel and performed a backup. I read somewhere that you can/should back up your efs in case you lose your imei... so I'm just going to quickly look in to that, then i wipe and do some flashes to jb... shouldn't take long hopefully!
Ok, I seem to be stuck at trying to get the one-click ICS install to work. I've got the EZUpdater package to ensure I have the right drivers, yet everything I try with the one-click seems to tell me that the drivers aren't installed and then launches an installer which also doesn't seem to detect the phone... yet EZUpdater will run fine, etc...
I'm just about to reboot and launch device driver in a mode to list all hidden/previously installed devices and nuke them from history to hopefully purge my system of all traces of any drivers and install EZUpdater one more time to get the drivers installed.
Any reason why my phone wouldn't show up in this one-click (it uses heimdall or whatever) program, but seems to work in most everything else (adb even runs fine)?
*edit*
Got it all working! I couldn't get the one-click ICS to work for the life of me... it just didn't see the drivers even though they were there and working. I guessed maybe it had to do with me running Windows 7 x64 and having x64 drivers, but the one-click maybe being 32bit. I even tried installing the x64 Java JRE but didn't seem to make any difference.
I ended up having to flash CM9 which worked fine, then going to CM10. Had no issues doing that... wish I had just tried that before since that one-click wasted hours of my day and got me somewhat frustrated!