I successfully flashed a custom Froyo ROM on my MyTouch 3g and was quite happy. I did it by following step by step instructions, and while it worked, I didn't understand what I was doing. Now I have a Galaxy S 4g and plan on flashing Gingerbread, but before I do, I would like to understand the process.
I don't want anything specific like instructions on a particular device and ROM, just a general idea of the process, like "Flashing ROMs for Dummies". Then I can come back and re-read some of the threads and know what the posters are talking about.
Question: Where can I find a general tutorial on the process of flashing ROMs to Android devices? I'm an IT consultant so I have a fairly high tolerance for tech-speak. Thanks.
I'll be waiting for the answer to this one too.
It usually works like this:
We root our device to have full access with all priviledges and be allowed to i.e. exchange the kernel.
Now we exchange the kernel against one with an advanced recovery mode (i.e. clockwork mod recovery from cyanogenmod), it allows you to flash unsigned (not official signature) ROM files.
From the new recovery we install a ROM of our choice which can also replace the kernel again.
The recovery mode basicly executes a small script, contained in the ROM file, that copies all the files to the correct location, sets up the partitions and wipes previous data on occasion.
The other possibility would be to use a flash program like odin/heimdall and have your computer setup and write a new firmware onto the device unlike the first method where the device does the setup work.
This is a very broad explanation, i have only flashed an sgs2 and sgs1 so far, so there might be small or huge differences between devices.
Maybe you could ask a more specific question about a particular step if things are not clear.
I'm not 100% sure, if i missunderstood something myself, someone please correct me .
Thanks, Dark3n. That was a very good explanation, in layman's terms, of the process. What I am looking for is one place to learn about what is happening technically; not a developers guide but something sufficient for me to understand.
For example, I've seen threads where someone had a problem with a ROM because they didn't have the right bootloader. What is the significance of bootloaders in changing ROMs? How does the backup/recovery process work? What is the Dalvik cache and why clear it? What is Dalvik?
I found the answer to these questions by Googling them one at a time. I was just wondering if there was one place to go that covers the entire process.
I know that most of the members here are very well informed and get tired of the same questions over and over. If this is the wrong place to ask, let me know and maybe point me in the right direction. Thanks.
lewis750 said:
Thanks, Dark3n. That was a very good explanation, in layman's terms, of the process. What I am looking for is one place to learn about what is happening technically; not a developers guide but something sufficient for me to understand.
For example, I've seen threads where someone had a problem with a ROM because they didn't have the right bootloader. What is the significance of bootloaders in changing ROMs? How does the backup/recovery process work? What is the Dalvik cache and why clear it? What is Dalvik?
I found the answer to these questions by Googling them one at a time. I was just wondering if there was one place to go that covers the entire process.
I know that most of the members here are very well informed and get tired of the same questions over and over. If this is the wrong place to ask, let me know and maybe point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is such a place. But you could help out others and create a wiki page on the topic.
We have a slightly underused xda wiki
Related
If this isn't allowed here, I apologize.... but I have some questions and I couldn't ask in the proper thread- I was directed here instead. Don't know where else to go.
Anyway, so I've been doing a lot of reading on rooting my evo. Seem to be a fairly straightforward process, but there are some things that are cloudy to me still.
For the record, I am using first post here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=838448&page=216 as my reference for attempting this.
1.) How do I find out what hboot my phone is using? I see this mentioned constantly, and I haven't found out how to check this. Not even sure if it really matters, but it seems to given the various PC36IMG files.
2.) I downloaded a PC36IMG file from http://geekfor.me/evo/root/PC36IMG.zip . Will it work for my device? This is why I think the hboot may be important?
3.) When the PC36IMG gets flashed... is that my recovery ROM for my current, stock android build in case I need to restore? I've had power cycling issues like many evo owners, is why I ask that.
Thanks to those who can answer. I see the benefits in rooting, but unless I can assure myself I can fix it if I screw up, I'm not willing to risk my phone.
Hi sorry, I couldn't find where to put this but I just rooted my ASUS transformer on 3.2 - 8.6.5.19 sucessfully and now need to or want to know what to do?
1-Ive heard of overclocking but I would want to do it safely
2-Id like to make a backup before I do anything that may mess things up
3-Ive got Rom manager on it but it asks to make sure that I have clockmodwork Recovery and I can't find where to get it.
and finally
4-What can I really do with this thing now?
Please let me know thanks
Well, browsing and searching through the forums should give you enough answers... If you had any other Android device, it is all the same here.
Anyway, if you've installed ClockWorkMod Recovery (the Rom manager can usually do this, but I am not sure as I haven't tried it for this device), you can try it by switching the device off and powering up with keeping power and volume down buttons pressed. After a while you'll get a message like "press vol-up to boot recovery in 5 seconds". If you press vol-up, you'll get into the recovery.
If you did not install CWM, you can also use this tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1346180
That's what I used.
As for backup - you can do nandroid backup of your current rom from the CWM recovery (in case something goes wrong, you can easily revert to the current rom). You'll have to use one of the backup apps if you want to backup data and apps from your current rom though.
If you want to install a new rom, put it into the root of your sd card (real one, not internal storage), then do a full wipe (clear data/factory reset in CWM), then select "install zip from sd card" (don't remember the exact message), confirm, wait for it to finish, select reboot and you're done.
As for overclocking, I don't know yet, I've had this device just for a few days. Check out the available ROMs, they probably have some overclocking tools/features.
I just love this device - rooting and installing CWM without even having to connect to a PC
1- search the forum
2- search the forum
3- search the forum
4-throw it into the sea
1. Search & Read
If you ask such questions, you clearly do not have an idea what are you doing. Gain some knowledge before you harm your device
However Sigismund83's post should cover it up
ROM Manager does not work with the TF101.
Everyone always says "search" but it not always as easy as it seems when your a noob .. Although there are guides for alot of things, it isnt as noob friendly as it could be.
Some guides are out of date and throw you off in the wrong direction, and it can end up taking you a fair bit of time searching and reading old topics till you finally come across / figure out the correct process...
Heres what i would suggest (as i just did this myself)
1. Root with Razorclaw (youve already done)
2. Install the easy recovery installer Tool for flashing CWM in one click
3. Download a Rom of your choice ... Prime, Revolver, Revolution etc etc and transfer it to your microSD card
4. Boot into recovery (cwm) and flash the rom (flash update from SDcard) (this is another good quick tool Reboot to recovery App
Bobs your auntie ...
Thank you!
Danny-B- said:
Everyone always says "search" but it not always as easy as it seems when your a noob .. Although there are guides for alot of things, it isnt as noob friendly as it could be.
Some guides are out of date and throw you off in the wrong direction, and it can end up taking you a fair bit of time searching and reading old topics till you finally come across / figure out the correct process...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boy ain't THAT the truth! Searching these forums is agonizing for exactly those reasons. It would be nice if there were more people that would just answer if they know or if they don't want to help just move on. "Read and search the forums" is less than helpful.
gbweller said:
Boy ain't THAT the truth! Searching these forums is agonizing for exactly those reasons. It would be nice if there were more people that would just answer if they know or if they don't want to help just move on. "Read and search the forums" is less than helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the point everyone is saying is, he rooted his tablet and then asks, "What do I do with it," which indicates he didn't really have a reason to root it in the first place other than for the fact that he could.
He should have researched rooting, what benefits it brings, pros & cons, etc, before just rooting for the hell of it.
I'm wondering why would someone root a device and not know what to do with it. It's like getting a tattoo and then ask now what?
Danny-B- said:
Everyone always says "search" but it not always as easy as it seems when your a noob .. Although there are guides for alot of things, it isnt as noob friendly as it could be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is nothing more noob-friendly than searching IMO. Where things get hairy for noobs is when they decide to take the easy route and ask questions that have already been asked, probably 5-10 times at least before someone really starts trolling those questions..
Searching is only difficult if you have a sub-grammar-school reading level..you have to be willing to use your eyes and actually read some, even things you may not need to know, to find what you are actually looking for...you may find that learning stuff that you didn't need actually turns out to save your ass later (as has happened to me many many times).
That is why we say over and over to search, because learning to find your own answers, a crucial skill in problem solving, is much better than simply answering a single question that has been asked over and over, you aren't teaching you are doing their work for them..you know, teach a man to fish and all that jazz. Honestly, the only time searching for your answers is difficult for noobs is when their device is brand new and not undergone a lot of development. But in the case of our TF101, there are entire websites devoted to it. It has been out for nearly a year now.
No offense to any noobs who didn't want to hear it!
I rooted mine to fix the speaker balance. No reason to root other than that, and I'll probably un-do it so I can use Movie rentals from the Market.
I wanted to write it down many times, but I don't have right time to do this.
The reason why I want to write it down, because I'm a newbie, and I know what a newbie would feel when he/she wants help but no one will help or they can't help.
Because of the stunning performance from few videoes of 4.0, I wanted to flash a 4.0 rom always, but I'm afraid to briket it, and finally I started to log in forums and check someone else how to do it.
I added many people, and only one answered me, and patiently helped me to do this, do that, but failed, though, I still thank him a lot.
My steps are simple, I won't define words, explain them, and I won't write down the exact process, because there are so many posters about it.
1. HTCdev, very important, everything is invisible without this step.
2. after this, you can use ADB to flash superuser and RE, or use a tool called pioneer, which is in Chinese, just need you to press anykey of your keyboard after you unzip it, and click (执行(means execut))boot.bat, and it's done
3. Flash recovery, I flash 4ext touch version, and it's quite good.
download PG881IMG.ZIP, and babababa....
My situation was like that: do not connect computer during flash 4ext, or it won't react.
4. flash rom, and after flash rom, return to bootloader, to flash boot.img(still many poster say this), and connect to computer, flash boot.img
And after that, everything's done.
May it help.
Welcome
Nandylee said:
I wanted to write it down many times, but I don't have right time to do this.
The reason why I want to write it down, because I'm a newbie, and I know what a newbie would feel when he/she wants help but no one will help or they can't help.
Because of the stunning performance from few videoes of 4.0, I wanted to flash a 4.0 rom always, but I'm afraid to briket it, and finally I started to log in forums and check someone else how to do it.
I added many people, and only one answered me, and patiently helped me to do this, do that, but failed, though, I still thank him a lot.
My steps are simple, I won't define words, explain them, and I won't write down the exact process, because there are so many posters about it.
1. HTCdev, very important, everything is invisible without this step.
2. after this, you can use ADB to flash superuser and RE, or use a tool called pioneer, which is in Chinese, just need you to press anykey of your keyboard after you unzip it, and click (执行(means execut))boot.bat, and it's done
3. Flash recovery, I flash 4ext touch version, and it's quite good.
download PG881IMG.ZIP, and babababa....
My situation was like that: do not connect computer during flash 4ext, or it won't react.
4. flash rom, and after flash rom, return to bootloader, to flash boot.img(still many poster say this), and connect to computer, flash boot.img
And after that, everything's done.
May it help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, please don't take this personally...(you're input is appreciated)
If by adding people you mean, adding users as friends and then private messaging them, then I don't find it surprising that you didn't get many answers.
This is an open forum and it's power is that all users are able to put input into finding solutions and assisting each other as a group not as individuals.
Even though PM's have a use in efficient communication within the forum, they are not recommended for new starters with problems, that's what the Q/A section is for.
If you have an issue or a question simply post a new thread describing it, although hopefully use the search function first to see if it has been asked before, as 90% of questions have been!
Although a little reading of the available guides and Google'ing goes a long way!
adding issue
ben_pyett said:
Hello, please don't take this personally...(you're input is appreciated)
If by adding people you mean, adding users as friends and then private messaging them, then I don't find it surprising that you didn't get many answers.
This is an open forum and it's power is that all users are able to put input into finding solutions and assisting each other as a group not as individuals.
Even though PM's have a use in efficient communication within the forum, they are not recommended for new starters with problems, that's what the Q/A section is for.
If you have an issue or a question simply post a new thread describing it, although hopefully use the search function first to see if it has been asked before, as 90% of questions have been!
Although a little reading of the available guides and Google'ing goes a long way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey, dude,. what I mean adding people, is to use QQ, do you know this app?
@Nandylee
You were lost when you started and after a while it made sense to you, your guide will still just confuse people cause they won't understand it. To someone who understands they can see where its going but its flawed, to a noob its no help. Sorry.
Nandylee said:
hey, dude,. what I mean adding people, is to use QQ, do you know this app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that app, but I do now, although I still stand by what I said regarding one to one communication, it's always better to ask everyone through the forum, that's what gives it its power and then the answers are made available for others to read.
foX2delta said:
@Nandylee
You were lost when you started and after a while it made sense to you, your guide will still just confuse people cause they won't understand it. To someone who understands they can see where its going but its flawed, to a noob its no help. Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 Totally agree, the beginners need to be spoon feed with idiot proof guides, which is in no way meant as a knock, we were all there once, fortunately we're in one of the nicer forums....
Idiotproof guide in 1 2 3
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525100
Its 2 threads above yours, and very well written. But, i would still recommend to S-off your phone, because of warranty and easy flashing (rom manager)
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA
First off love the N00b video at sign up that was hysterical, nice work to whoever made it.
Ok on to what I need to know:
I understand HOW TO root/flash a rom, my issue is kind of different than most peoples. I have scoured the web and this site for the files I need to accomplish this with my GT-P3113 build ending in LG5 however I am confused to hell.
1 place will say that CWM 6.0.1 is not usable on my device, another will say that it works fine and another will say to use TWRP (which might I add looks cool to use). Some will say that I need the expresso_wifi file to root my device, others will say use update.zip, and others will say a totally different file all together.
I know what ROM to get, I understand the steps:
Download drivers
Boot to download
use odin to install CWM
back up everything with CWM (which goes to the MicroSD I am guessing? since I wipe the device in a later step)
wipe the device
wipe the cache
wipe the Dalvik cache
flash the rom
flash the root
is all that correct? (just to make sure I got it right) so my biggest question is, which files do I really use? There is a thread from back in June before the 4.0.4 update OTA came through) saying to use instead of that if you have LG3 or etc.
Help would be greatly appreciated, I am a smart guy, just want to have my facts straight before I make this happen.
PS sorry if this is in the wrong place, figured this was the best place for it.
Please be sure and thank the person who decides to do your homework for you.
:laugh:
FlynnErik said:
First off love the N00b video at sign up that was hysterical, nice work to whoever made it.
Ok on to what I need to know:
I understand HOW TO root/flash a rom, my issue is kind of different than most peoples. I have scoured the web and this site for the files I need to accomplish this with my GT-P3113 build ending in LG5 however I am confused to hell.
1 place will say that CWM 6.0.1 is not usable on my device, another will say that it works fine and another will say to use TWRP (which might I add looks cool to use). Some will say that I need the expresso_wifi file to root my device, others will say use update.zip, and others will say a totally different file all together.
I know what ROM to get, I understand the steps:
Download drivers
Boot to download
use odin to install CWM
back up everything with CWM (which goes to the MicroSD I am guessing? since I wipe the device in a later step)
wipe the device
wipe the cache
wipe the Dalvik cache
flash the rom
flash the root
is all that correct? (just to make sure I got it right) so my biggest question is, which files do I really use? There is a thread from back in June before the 4.0.4 update OTA came through) saying to use instead of that if you have LG3 or etc.
Help would be greatly appreciated, I am a smart guy, just want to have my facts straight before I make this happen.
PS sorry if this is in the wrong place, figured this was the best place for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From someone relatively new to this as well, this is basically correct. Here are some tips from someone who has recently done it.
Make a backup.
Research the files you intend to flash, make sure they are right for your device
Verify the guide you are using has been tested and known to work.
This may seem elementary, but I didn't follow #3 and it cost me a lot of headache un-bricking my SGT 2.
ryphil said:
From someone relatively new to this as well, this is basically correct. Here are some tips from someone who has recently done it.
Make a backup.
Research the files you intend to flash, make sure they are right for your device
Verify the guide you are using has been tested and known to work.
This may seem elementary, but I didn't follow #3 and it cost me a lot of headache un-bricking my SGT 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fully agreed! That's why I came to the experts. I have done my homework but the thing is my homework leads me to several different files from before the ICS update. There has only been 1 thread on 1 forum that has been post ICS update, and no real feedback on it. I think I even found one that uses ADB (I understand that concept, but would prefer not to use it since I don't know Linux well enough).
I would love to know what files to use, which ones to stay away from. As I said I have the concepts, I have the understanding, its the actual files that I want to verify, I can rattle off tons of files from tons of sites, but they may or may not be correct (and may have the same name as a correct one but still be incorrect, ie "update.zip" appears a few times on different threads from different time frames).
There is only post in the teamhacksung CM10 wiki that was last edited 8/12/2012, but that could have been anything that was updated, not the files/links to be used.
So I thank you in advance for your help, and you will certainly get a thank you in the forum for help you are providing, I always give credit where credit is due.
Well here goes nothing, going to reboot (to ensure the Kies drivers are installed and loaded into the system 100%), and try the instructions from this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1788625
It seems to work for most, the only concern I have is that I have a different end to the build than most others do (and I am not sure why?)
Did I screw myself?
I rooted, and have CWM installed.
Is it to late to create a ROM backup of my device for when i go to install CM10 (I need a drink for now, so I might install it tomorrow night lol).
That link I posted in the last post is good to go if anyone else needs a safe bet set of directions.
Seriously though, I didn't do a backup, am I screwed now?
EDIT: I just did a back up and it said no sdcard/.android secure found, skipping of backup of apps
and
no sd-ext found skipping backup of that.
is that normal? Did it backup to my microSD?
Still hope I didn't screw myself by backing it up after rooting.
I bootloader on my moto g XT1031 BOOST MOBILE
i accidently deleted something wrong obviously when trying to delete bloatware
i have been trying to access a link for the STOCK settings... Unfortunately my backups were erased/never saved/non existent.
I am completely frustrated and would really appreciate someones help.
I am currently able to use the mobile device but with no wifi, no data connection, no apps on the phone. I am unable to do anything data/wireless on my handset.
Here is My situation as is....
I have windows computer, i have power cord for phone ( USB?) i can not access the ever popular link that says is currently unavailable, and thats it. PLEASE take me through every step assuming that i know absolutely nothing because i DO NOT. I cant afford a new phone. I need all WORKING links and to be taken through every single little step. I am on day two of trying to do this myself and have given up. Please help me before i lose my mind.
p.s I do have internet acces via my Windows computer.
Assuming you have a custom recovery already installed, simply download a custom ROM via PC, drag and drop it on to the SDcard of your phone where you can easily find it via recovery.. Boot to custom recovery, do a wipe and flash the ROM./Gapps. There are several basically stock ROMs with slight tweaks in the Dev section. There also may be stock flashables. This will at least get your phone back operational until you can do the research in to recovering stock firmware.
There are many helpful people here, but for the most part you are encouraged to do your research and know how to recover from situations such as this without asking questions. All the info can be found on these forums with a few mins of research. I don't mean to come off as rude... But if you're dabbling into the world of BL unlock, rooting,flashing, modding, things happen and you will need to know your way around your device.
mbj731 said:
Assuming you have a custom recovery already installed, simply download a custom ROM via PC, drag and drop it on to the SDcard of your phone where you can easily find it via recovery.. Boot to custom recovery, do a wipe and flash the ROM./Gapps. There are several basically stock ROMs with slight tweaks in the Dev section. There also may be stock flashables. This will at least get your phone back operational until you can do the research in to recovering stock firmware.
There are many helpful people here, but for the most part you are encouraged to do your research and know how to recover from situations such as this without asking questions. All the info can be found on these forums with a few mins of research. I don't mean to come off as rude... But if you're dabbling into the world of BL unlock, rooting,flashing, modding, things happen and you will need to know your way around your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like i said i have been trying to accomplish this for two days now. I really feel like there is nothing i can do. I just simply dont understand what im doing given my current level of knowledge pertaining to the aforementioned query. I do not think you are coming off as rude and i appreciate you taking the time to share you imput with me. Its just that when you say "flashables" and "Boot to custom recovery" i become confused as to what that means. sigh
as i have previously mention my level of patience has grown thin which in turn has raised my level of frustration. If you wouldnt mind taking the time to point me in the right direction it would very much be appreciated.
thank you very much
-DR
1.) Follow this guide to unlock bootloader/flash a custom recovery via PC: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2684234
2.) Here is a link to obtain a STOCK flashable zip for the Boost Mobile XT1031, along with a "optimized" version which has already been debloated. Whichever you choose. Download the ROM and move it to your phones SD. Boot into the custom recovery (above guide tells how). Once in recovery, do a wipe or factory reset. Install/flash the .zip you put on your SD:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-g/development/rom-stock-motorola-rom-collection-t2854688
Hopefully this helps and you can also learn along the way. All of the information you need is on this forum. It can all be confusing and frustrating at first, but once you get the hang of it there's really not much to it.
There may be a better way of going about this, but these steps will get you back to stock in the easiest way I can think of with little to no knowledge of customizations. Once you get more familiar with everything and do your research on whatever result you're trying to obtain, it will get easier and easier to understand and do.