Database Info

Sorry to beat a dead horse, bout to go insane

Ok, so i have had a samsung captivate since last summer. I just did the official froyo update the other day and it was successful with kies mini. I then decided to root it using super1click which also worked successfully. I have superuser, titanium backup with busybox installed, and super manager and terminal emulator. I also successfully got clockworkmod flashed and working.
My problem is that ive got the new cognition rom on my internal sd card, but when i try to flash it with cwm, i get the 3e recovery failure message. Ive been reading various sites today on how to fix this problem, but every site seems to tell me something different. I ask this question here, because it seems to be the most knowledgeable site to go to.
How do i get my rooted captivate, with all the above installed and running, to allow me to flash a new rom and possible a new kernal down the road? Im about to go insane trying to decipher through all the info all the different sites have said. Sorry to write such a novel on a tired subject, but im going crazy. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

trontheman said:
Ok, so i have had a samsung captivate since last summer. I just did the official froyo update the other day and it was successful with kies mini. I then decided to root it using super1click which also worked successfully. I have superuser, titanium backup with busybox installed, and super manager and terminal emulator. I also successfully got clockworkmod flashed and working.
My problem is that ive got the new cognition rom on my internal sd card, but when i try to flash it with cwm, i get the 3e recovery failure message. Ive been reading various sites today on how to fix this problem, but every site seems to tell me something different. I ask this question here, because it seems to be the most knowledgeable site to go to.
How do i get my rooted captivate, with all the above installed and running, to allow me to flash a new rom and possible a new kernal down the road? Im about to go insane trying to decipher through all the info all the different sites have said. Sorry to write such a novel on a tired subject, but im going crazy. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you would have done a search here then you would have found that you need to do one of 2 things.
1. Flash back to 2.1
2. Replace the 3e recovery with one that doesnt check for the sig.

I dont know how to replace the 3e recovery. I think ill go with flashing back to 2.1. Once i dl Odin and flash back to 2.1, then i can flash a new rom or a new kernel? Will it undo everything i've done so far? Thanks for the help.

trontheman said:
I dont know how to replace the 3e recovery. I think ill go with flashing back to 2.1. Once i dl Odin and flash back to 2.1, then i can flash a new rom or a new kernel? Will it undo everything i've done so far? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a link to the replacement recovery.
Make sure you have the right odin and that your 3 button works right.
Yesh doing this will wipe out everything. Make sure to back up. Do not back up system data at all as when you restore it, it can lead to major issues. Once done with a custom rom it will be wiped clean. You will have to redo contacts, email, and all other settings

Thanks. Would it be okay to just flash a new kernel like speedmod kernal and just use the stock rom? Is that possible to do while im on rooted 2.2? I like the rom just fine, i just want it faster mainly. Thanks again.

trontheman said:
Thanks. Would it be okay to just flash a new kernel like speedmod kernal and just use the stock rom? Is that possible to do while im on rooted 2.2? I like the rom just fine, i just want it faster mainly. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest I am not sure. I only had the stock on for a few hours as it was just not that great compared to the 2.2.1 rom that I have been used to running. I need BT voice dial and the added exchange options so 2.2 was not really for me. If you want a stock feel but faster then I would go with COG or one of the other roms based on the kb1 rom.

So I've come to the conclusion that I should just flash back to 2.1 and go from there. I have odin downloaded, but I'm not certain how to use it. Do you guys think I should flash a custom rom from stock, or just flash a kernel with lag fix and delete the bloatware? Thanks.

first flash 2.1 stock to get rid of the damn 3e. custom roms dont replace that always. also most custom roms dont flash with odin.
get a stock rom. read the instructions, flash

trontheman said:
So I've come to the conclusion that I should just flash back to 2.1 and go from there. I have odin downloaded, but I'm not certain how to use it. Do you guys think I should flash a custom rom from stock, or just flash a kernel with lag fix and delete the bloatware? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are getting .zip signature errors when trying to flash a rom (because you are using 3e recovery) you will not be able to flash a kernel.
Supercurio did make a KB1 kernel that is installable via Odin. If you install that, you will also get CWM recovery. Then you can flash anything you want.
Either way you will need an Odin program. Either Odin One Click to flash back to stock 2.1 or Odin v1.7 to flash the Supercurio KB1 Kernel .tar file.

trontheman said:
Thanks. Would it be okay to just flash a new kernel like speedmod kernal and just use the stock rom? Is that possible to do while im on rooted 2.2? I like the rom just fine, i just want it faster mainly. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if i'm wrong but I think the speedmod kernal is i9000 based which would cause a major headache/bootloop on the stock rom.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Johnnie5000 said:
Correct me if i'm wrong but I think the speedmod kernal is i9000 based which would cause a major headache/bootloop on the stock rom.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
....it works fine on stock 2.2, as does any other 2.2/2.2.1 kernel

Pirateghost said:
....it works fine on stock 2.2, as does any other 2.2/2.2.1 kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is, the OP has no idea what he's doing. It sounds like he's wanting to flash to 2.1, then add a I9000 kernel. Since he's all over the place, it's hard to decipher what he's thinking.
To the OP. I'd HIGHLY suggest you look for the stickied "how to" video's by Connexxion. They will tell you what you need to do and show you EXACTLY how to do it. Invaluable info for the noobs.

Here is the link your looking for, download the installer zip file at the bottom of the first post. Extract to your fancy, use the install.bat file once extracted. Be sure to have the phone connect to the pc (DO NOT MOUNT) and have USB Debugging on.
Modded 3e recovery that works like 2e
trontheman said:
Ok, so i have had a samsung captivate since last summer. I just did the official froyo update the other day and it was successful with kies mini. I then decided to root it using super1click which also worked successfully. I have superuser, titanium backup with busybox installed, and super manager and terminal emulator. I also successfully got clockworkmod flashed and working.
My problem is that ive got the new cognition rom on my internal sd card, but when i try to flash it with cwm, i get the 3e recovery failure message. Ive been reading various sites today on how to fix this problem, but every site seems to tell me something different. I ask this question here, because it seems to be the most knowledgeable site to go to.
How do i get my rooted captivate, with all the above installed and running, to allow me to flash a new rom and possible a new kernal down the road? Im about to go insane trying to decipher through all the info all the different sites have said. Sorry to write such a novel on a tired subject, but im going crazy. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I am wanting to flash back to 2.1 and go from there. I have the drivers installed and I have odin downloaded. I tried it last night, but I couldn't get it to work. I got it to download mode, but still nothing. What could the problem be? Thanks.

I tried odin one click again today, but still nothing. All i want to do is flash back to 2.1, root, then flash a rom or custom kernel. Im losing my mind, any more help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Bump. Thanks.

trontheman said:
I tried odin one click again today, but still nothing. All i want to do is flash back to 2.1, root, then flash a rom or custom kernel. Im losing my mind, any more help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok no need to flash 2.1
get neldars kernel flashing app from the market
get a kernel for froyo without 3e recovery in the dev section. this one is great
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=547852&d=1300708475
use neldars app (edit) "sgs kernel flasher" or something to that effect. to flash this kernel
then flash cognition
you can also use odin3 but not the oneclick downloader without the .pit file and flash the same kernel placed in the pda slot.

when you installed keis mini, it installed new WRONG drivers (for odin)
reinstall the original other drivers.
BUT. in your OP all you wanted was to be able to flash COG or something.
ALL you have to do is fix your 3e recovery, SEVERAL people including myself have told you how to fix it. then CWM will work! you dont need a computer to fix 3e if you have root explorer (google it $) .
if you are going to flash a custom rom anyway dont bother going back to 2.1.
if you are going to stay stock, 2.2 is better anyway. (aside from 3e but staying stock dont matter)
you can also use odin3 but not the oneclick downloader without the .pit file and the same kernel placed in the pda slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ dani - dude read the thread. odin doesn't recognize his phone.!! try to catch up before butting in...

well that doesn't make my whole post irrelivent. if he is rooted and has busy box he can use neldars kernel flasher. sorry if i over looked something.

Ok, well i got the aio toolbox, and i flashed back to stock. Now im running 2.1-update1. How do i go about rooting now? I cant seem to find a root file. Thanks.

[Q][HELP]: captivate stuck at boot after clockworkmod install

Hi all, hope you can help. I installed clockworkmod recovery onto my wife's captivate, and now it won't boot - it's stuck at the "galaxy-S" screen.....I can get it into the YELLOW TRIANGLE screen and once managed to get it into the clockworkmod menu screen.
I believe the phone has android 2.3, not 2.2 on it and this might have been my mistake. The entry point into the kernel is likely different...
how can i fix this? do i need to remove clockworkmod and go back to the stock bootloader? The phone is not rooted, yet (that was the next step).
I haven't been able to find anything in the forums about people that have done (the stupid thing that I did) and installed clockworkmod on a 2.3 phone.
Thanks.

How exactly did you flash cwm? You shouldn't even be able to cause if 3e recovery signature verification?

If you can get to the yellow android screen, that's download mode. You're actually in a good place right now.
To fix where you are, take a look at the development section - there's a post about One-click stock packages. If you're sure she was on Gingerbread, grab one of the non-bootloader Gingerbread stock packages and flash that from download mode.
If you're not sure, I would suggest grabbing one of the Gingerbread stock packages with bootloaders (just to make sure).
In either case, see if you can find a one-click package with ClockworkMod Recovery baked into the kernel (it should say on the post which ones have it). That way you can flash what you want right out of the gate.

thanks. i am quite sure it has gingerbread. the person i bought it from said they did a kies update to 2.3.
i was following the instructions from the cyanogenmod wiki for the captivate: hxxp://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Samsung_Captivate:_Full_Update_Guide
after it finished installing the "clockworkmod recovery" i got into this bind. are those instructions for froyo only?

If you followed the instructions about flashing the speedmod kernel, that's where it's hanging. You've got a froyo kernel with a GB rom. Not a big deal, but Android isn't happy about it. Flash a stock GB package, or find a GB kernel with CWM (like boog's) and flash that and you should be ok.

thanks. do i do this using ODIN or heimdall? I installed CWM using heimdall, and in my frantic reading i thought i saw something about installing stock bootloader/rom packages with ODIN after installing CWM could brick it? Or did I misread that?

dolhop said:
thanks. do i do this using ODIN or heimdall? I installed CWM using heimdall, and in my frantic reading i thought i saw something about installing stock bootloader/rom packages with ODIN after installing CWM could brick it? Or did I misread that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using heimdall is fine (it's also my personal preference between the two, but either will work).
With where you're at, you really shouldn't need to flash any bootloaders. That's pretty much the only area where there is a real risk of hard bricking the phone.
Since Heimdall worked for you once, I'd suggest grabbing the Heimdall one-click I made that's in my signature. You don't need to open it in Heimdall - just download, double-click it, and let it get ready to run. Then connect the phone in download mode and click "flash". You'll have the stock GB rom, with Boog's kernel and CWM all ready to go. You can then flash CM7 from recovery there (you'll probably have to flash it twice, though).
On a side note - flashing stock will wipe your apps. I'm assuming you backed everything up before this. If not, you might need to try and just flash a kernel first, do your backups, then go from there.
(Should you want to do that, go here, grab the one from the "Here is the odin flashable version flash it first if your on stock: Link Mirror" set of links, and then flash that in Heimdall.)

wow, thanks guys, i can breathe easier now. jmtheiss, i got it reflashed to UCKH3 using your one-click package (though now it is AT&T rather than rogers, but i really don't care as long as it works!).
does the one-click root application work with 2.3.4? or is there a more-preferred way to root it now?
Again, thanks so much for the assistance people!

In theory, you should already be rooted (I believe boog's kernel, which was in my one-click, is rooted). If not, go to the bottom of boog's 1st post, and grab the KH3 zip file. Flash that in CWM, and you'll have root permissions.
Or, if you're flashing to CM7, you can just do it from recovery as you are right now. I know from personal experience it works.

thanks everyone. it all worked, and all is good. wife is not an angrybird anymore

dolhop said:
thanks everyone. it all worked, and all is good. wife is not an angrybird anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear that she's not flying over your house shooting explosive eggs. Always a turn for the better.

Had the same problem once before, odin fixed it aswell

A Few Things I've Learned After Ripping my Hair Out!!

So because I'm on a mac, i've gotta work 3 times as hard to get anything done..
but now with paralells running, things might get easier.
i tried to get my phone (froyo) onto gingerbread.. and it was working but glitchy.. then it stopped altogether.. i figured out the only way to get it unbricked was to go back to what it was originally via odin.
I'd like to get back to gb and check out all the roms, but dont want to waste more time..
so what i want to know is:
1. Custom roms are to be installed either (as in only) Odin or CWM?
2. If the Rom is GB, can it be installed on a phone thats running on Froyo (and vice versa)?
3. If #2 is true, I have to install GB before I do anything...?
4. Can I install GB it via Odin?
so before anyone jumps down my throat, A THOUSAND APOLOGIES for THIS NOOBISH BEHAVIOUR!!!
ok..
thanks!

umlaaat said:
So because I'm on a mac, i've gotta work 3 times as hard to get anything done..
but now with paralells running, things might get easier.
i tried to get my phone (froyo) onto gingerbread.. and it was working but glitchy.. then it stopped altogether.. i figured out the only way to get it unbricked was to go back to what it was originally via odin.
I'd like to get back to gb and check out all the roms, but dont want to waste more time..
so what i want to know is:
1. Custom roms are to be installed either (as in only) Odin or CWM?
2. If the Rom is GB, can it be installed on a phone thats running on Froyo (and vice versa)?
3. If #2 is true, I have to install GB before I do anything...?
4. Can I install GB it via Odin?
so before anyone jumps down my throat, A THOUSAND APOLOGIES for THIS NOOBISH BEHAVIOUR!!!
ok..
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to this thread :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16762954
follow the directions exactly, then I would suggest flashing Valhalla Final Rom by Whitehawx. IMO it is the best for the SGS4G by far. Good luck.

umlaaat said:
So because I'm on a mac, i've gotta work 3 times as hard to get anything done..
but now with paralells running, things might get easier.
i tried to get my phone (froyo) onto gingerbread.. and it was working but glitchy.. then it stopped altogether.. i figured out the only way to get it unbricked was to go back to what it was originally via odin.
I'd like to get back to gb and check out all the roms, but dont want to waste more time..
so what i want to know is:
1. Custom roms are to be installed either (as in only) Odin or CWM?
2. If the Rom is GB, can it be installed on a phone thats running on Froyo (and vice versa)?
3. If #2 is true, I have to install GB before I do anything...?
4. Can I install GB it via Odin?
so before anyone jumps down my throat, A THOUSAND APOLOGIES for THIS NOOBISH BEHAVIOUR!!!
ok..
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it were me I'd use the 1-click method
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=19601787
There is a Mac version of that program.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium

umlaaat said:
1. Custom roms are to be installed either (as in only) Odin or CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Custom ROMs can also be installed via Heimdall.
umlaaat said:
2. If the Rom is GB, can it be installed on a phone thats running on Froyo (and vice versa)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it can. The catch is that the ROM you install must have the proper GB boot loaders, else you'll end up with the "rainbow" screen or boot looping. Ditto for downgrading from GB to Froyo; you want to make sure the ROM has the right boot loaders.
umlaaat said:
3. If #2 is true, I have to install GB before I do anything...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily, but possibly. If your custom ROM has the right boot loaders (only important when going from Froyo to GB and the other way around - going from one GB ROM to another doesn't matter) then you don't need to flash a stock GB ROM first. I'm a fan of flashing stock, wiping all of the caches (cache partition and Davlik cache), then flashing a custom ROM. That might be extraneous but I feel it gives me a cleaner slate from which to start.
umlaaat said:
4. Can I install GB it via Odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surely, as long as it has the right boot loaders or if you're already on GB.
umlaaat said:
so before anyone jumps down my throat, A THOUSAND APOLOGIES for THIS NOOBISH BEHAVIOUR!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, no jumping down your throat. Your questions are quite valid.
umlaaat said:
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite welcome. Like one of the other posters said, the one-click methods are great for flashing. They utilize Heimdall, which is an open-source alternative to ODIN. They also only require you have Java installed to use them as they come packaged with Heimdall. Heimdall is cross-platform and is available for Windows, MAC, and Linux.
Best of luck.

well let me just say this before someone decides to flame you. I haven't seen any "CUSTOM" rom for our device that requires heimdall to flash. all are flashed via CwM.
to the op, I highly suggest using the search feature before posting. read the bible thread and also the starter for flashing from froyo to gingerbread or the one click method for kj6.
and trust me when I say this, once you go to gingerbread, you most likely won't wanna go back to froyo. since this device received the OTA for gingerbread, most of the issues we had with the leaks are gone. just my 2 cents worth though.
sent from within pure darkness.

droidmyst said:
well let me just say this before someone decides to flame you. I haven't seen any "CUSTOM" rom for our device that requires heimdall to flash. all are flashed via CwM.
to the op, I highly suggest using the search feature before posting. read the bible thread and also the starter for flashing from froyo to gingerbread or the one click method for kj6.
and trust me when I say this, once you go to gingerbread, you most likely won't wanna go back to froyo. since this device received the OTA for gingerbread, most of the issues we had with the leaks are gone. just my 2 cents worth though.
sent from within pure darkness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on your definition of custom, I guess. Custom to me is non-stock, not necessarily tweaked for performance or anything. Bryan's one-clicks are custom ROMs, as they have modded kernels, cwm, root, etc.

I'm a Mac. I have OS X Lion. I do everything from that.

stephen_w said:
No. Custom ROMs can also be installed via Heimdall.
Yes, it can. The catch is that the ROM you install must have the proper GB boot loaders, else you'll end up with the "rainbow" screen or boot looping. Ditto for downgrading from GB to Froyo; you want to make sure the ROM has the right boot loaders.
Not necessarily, but possibly. If your custom ROM has the right boot loaders (only important when going from Froyo to GB and the other way around - going from one GB ROM to another doesn't matter) then you don't need to flash a stock GB ROM first. I'm a fan of flashing stock, wiping all of the caches (cache partition and Davlik cache), then flashing a custom ROM. That might be extraneous but I feel it gives me a cleaner slate from which to start.
Surely, as long as it has the right boot loaders or if you're already on GB.
Nah, no jumping down your throat. Your questions are quite valid.
Quite welcome. Like one of the other posters said, the one-click methods are great for flashing. They utilize Heimdall, which is an open-source alternative to ODIN. They also only require you have Java installed to use them as they come packaged with Heimdall. Heimdall is cross-platform and is available for Windows, MAC, and Linux.
Best of luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firstly, you guys f-ing rock..
ok. so the problems i had yesterday were due to Heimdall. The GUI is def easier and better looking but for some reason could not load the PIT file. If you were to flash without bootloaders, it would be ok (though only after a while), and even then only for the first flash..
And it did work the first time because I trashed the .kext in the system>ext folder.
Outside of being able to go into download mode, my phone was completely bricked.. nada. just the 4 lights (for the icons) would light.
So after HOURS of trying to google what the hell is a PIT file and how can i get Heimdall to install, I got ODIN to work on Parallels.
THIS unbricked my phone and i am now back to where I started.
I am PETRIFIED of this happening again but still want to go custom ROM...
So, in my limited experience with all things Android, I've found:
I can only flash with Heimdall if bootloaders box is unchecked
This is what "About Phone" says:
firmware: 2.2.1
Kernel: 2.6.32.9
Build: FROYO.VUVKD1
1. Can I install GB with ODIN?
2. Whats the difference btw using ODIN and Heimdall?
3. Are odin, heimdall and clockwork mod the same thing (ie they are all used to flash roms)?
4. Just to be on the safe side, i should install GB first before flashing any ROMS otherwise i go into "Rainbow Brite" mode?
5. Once i goto GB and once the phone is rooted, I'm pretty much good to go as far as flashing different ROMs?
6. Is the difference btw FROYO and GB the same as Windows XP and 2000 (OS 10.3 vs. 10.6 for my Mac ppl)?
btw, I'm asking these question bc i got HAMMERED (not in the alcoholic sense but like i've been beaten up by 4 large men) last night and was up till 6 trying to unbrick my ish... And YES I googled the HELL out of this site and the internet at large for these answers.. keep in mind there are like 144 pages per thread topic and maybe 3 posts are MAC related.
thanks and once again you guys f-ing ROCK!

umlaaat said:
firstly, you guys f-ing rock..
ok. so the problems i had yesterday were due to Heimdall. The GUI is def easier and better looking but for some reason could not load the PIT file. If you were to flash without bootloaders, it would be ok (though only after a while), and even then only for the first flash..
And it did work the first time because I trashed the .kext in the system>ext folder.
Outside of being able to go into download mode, my phone was completely bricked.. nada. just the 4 lights (for the icons) would light.
So after HOURS of trying to google what the hell is a PIT file and how can i get Heimdall to install, I got ODIN to work on Parallels.
THIS unbricked my phone and i am now back to where I started.
I am PETRIFIED of this happening again but still want to go custom ROM...
So, in my limited experience with all things Android, I've found:
I can only flash with Heimdall if bootloaders box is unchecked
This is what "About Phone" says:
firmware: 2.2.1
Kernel: 2.6.32.9
Build: FROYO.VUVKD1
1. Can I install GB with ODIN?
2. Whats the difference btw using ODIN and Heimdall?
3. Are odin, heimdall and clockwork mod the same thing (ie they are all used to flash roms)?
4. Just to be on the safe side, i should install GB first before flashing any ROMS otherwise i go into "Rainbow Brite" mode?
5. Once i goto GB and once the phone is rooted, I'm pretty much good to go as far as flashing different ROMs?
6. Is the difference btw FROYO and GB the same as Windows XP and 2000 (OS 10.3 vs. 10.6 for my Mac ppl)?
btw, I'm asking these question bc i got HAMMERED (not in the alcoholic sense but like i've been beaten up by 4 large men) last night and was up till 6 trying to unbrick my ish... And YES I googled the HELL out of this site and the internet at large for these answers.. keep in mind there are like 144 pages per thread topic and maybe 3 posts are MAC related.
thanks and once again you guys f-ing ROCK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best advice I can give you is to use the GB Ext4 Starter Pack I mentioned in a earlier post. It will provide you everything you need to upgrade to Gingerbread. If you follow the directions in that thread you can't go wrong. Also as I said in my earlier post, if you want a Rom that is bug free and that everything works fine try Valhalla Final. Ive tried most of the GB Roms but I always wind up going back to it. No offence to the other Devs.

umlaaat said:
1. Can I install GB with ODIN?
2. Whats the difference btw using ODIN and Heimdall?
3. Are odin, heimdall and clockwork mod the same thing (ie they are all used to flash roms)?
4. Just to be on the safe side, i should install GB first before flashing any ROMS otherwise i go into "Rainbow Brite" mode?
5. Once i goto GB and once the phone is rooted, I'm pretty much good to go as far as flashing different ROMs?
6. Is the difference btw FROYO and GB the same as Windows XP and 2000 (OS 10.3 vs. 10.6 for my Mac ppl)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes. although personally I would still use heimdall even if you have to run a parallel
2. Personal preference. I find heimdall easier. I give my other opinions on the subject in my guide. reference post 2.
3. in the sense you are asking yes.
4. You should ensure froyo boot loaders for froyo ROMs and GB boot loaders for GB ROMs. We have both.
5. you can flash a ROM via heimdall or Odin no matter the state of your device as long as you can bout to download mode. To flash with cwm you must have cwm recovery installed. In the case of this device it it's included in custom kernels.
6. Although this is not entirely true, for most that is a good comparison yes.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

Bassmanjames said:
1. Yes. although personally I would still use heimdall even if you have to run a parallel
2. Personal preference. I find heimdall easier. I give my other opinions on the subject in my guide. reference post 2.
3. in the sense you are asking yes.
4. You should ensure froyo boot loaders for froyo ROMs and GB boot loaders for GB ROMs. We have both.
5. you can flash a ROM via heimdall or Odin no matter the state of your device as long as you can bout to download mode. To flash with cwm you must have cwm recovery installed. In the case of this device it it's included in custom kernels.
6. Although this is not entirely true, for most that is a good comparison yes.
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok. so i'm downloading heimdall suite 1.3.1 for WINDOWS (dear god...) and will follow its rather extremely long and convoluted directions...
but hold on.. I was reading the directions for Valhalla Final and it says you must have pre installed kernel with clockwork recovery.. does Heimdall have/do this?
If so, I guess (according to the instructions) I can just reboot back into clockwork recovery...
Please correct if i'm wrong:
To flash via Heimdall or ODIN you have to use a Mac/PC. To flash via CWM, you just have to restart via recovery mode and CWM does the rest?
Heimdall 1.3.1 (the file you download from http://www.glassechidna.com.au/products/heimdall/) is an application that installs the DRIVERS into your phone so that you can flash custom ROMS?
Does Heimdall install GB or FROYO bootloaders? - How can you tell?
Is bootloaders the same as drivers?
The terminology is confusing, and (i think) i'm starting to understand:
In the Heindall instructions, it says "If the ROM is not a Heimdall Firmware Package it may instead be provided as multiple archives"
So "Heimdall Firmware Packages" is the same thing as a Custom ROM?
Once again thanks!!!

umlaaat said:
ok. so i'm downloading heimdall suite 1.3.1 for WINDOWS (dear god...) and will follow its rather extremely long and convoluted directions...
but hold on.. I was reading the directions for Valhalla Final and it says you must have pre installed kernel with clockwork recovery.. does Heimdall have/do this?
If so, I guess (according to the instructions) I can just reboot back into clockwork recovery...
Please correct if i'm wrong:
To flash via Heimdall or ODIN you have to use a Mac/PC. To flash via CWM, you just have to restart via recovery mode and CWM does the rest?
Heimdall 1.3.1 (the file you download from http://www.glassechidna.com.au/products/heimdall/) is an application that installs the DRIVERS into your phone so that you can flash custom ROMS?
Does Heimdall install GB or FROYO bootloaders? - How can you tell?
Is bootloaders the same as drivers?
The terminology is confusing, and (i think) i'm starting to understand:
In the Heindall instructions, it says "If the ROM is not a Heimdall Firmware Package it may instead be provided as multiple archives"
So "Heimdall Firmware Packages" is the same thing as a Custom ROM?
Once again thanks!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one click setup is pre programmed to flash as the packager intended. Heimdall front end can be difficult to learn. Use the kj6 beta 2d file as I recommended before (cwm included). It looks like you understand the rest. Sad to see this be so difficult for Mac users
Btw not aimed at you directly
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

Bassmanjames said:
The one click setup is pre programmed to flash as the packager intended. Heimdall front end can be difficult to learn. Use the kj6 beta 2d file as I recommended before (cwm included). It looks like you understand the rest. Sad to see this be so difficult for Mac users
Btw not aimed at you directly
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok. so I will use the kj6 beta 2d file (that i download thru Heimdall) but the WINDOWS version.
I will then download a custom ROM (onto the parallels window)
and then flash it thru Heimdall
then it will work.
right?

omg.. wait a second..
so do i have to flash the kj6 beta 2d file via heimdall 1.3.1??
Is kj6 beta 2d file a ROM?
Because I've been trying to open this and use THIS as the app to flash a ROM that I found looks cool..
If so, why do I need to flash with kj6 beta 2d file first?

wow.. ok
so whenever I try to load a ROM via Heimdall frontend, I get "Tar header contained an invalid file size"...
!!!!!!!!!!!!

umlaaat said:
wow.. ok
so whenever I try to load a ROM via Heimdall frontend, I get "Tar header contained an invalid file size"...
!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're trying to load a .jar file into heimdall. The .jar files are "executables" that open with java. If you read the op for the one-click file you're most likely trying to use you'll get instructions as to how to make it work.
Basically you need to install java. Google "download java" and install it onto windows then you can run the one click file on windows.

FBis251 said:
You're trying to load a .jar file into heimdall. The .jar files are "executables" that open with java. If you read the op for the one-click file you're most likely trying to use you'll get instructions as to how to make it work.
Basically you need to install java. Google "download java" and install it onto windows then you can run the one click file on windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, same thing. I loaded heimdall frontend, clicked on "heimdall firmware package" selected, first: "SMS-KJ6-beta2d_Stock-Rom_with_Bootloaders-One-Click" got the same Tar error message, then selected "sgs4g-OfficalGB2.3.6-NOCIQ-Octane v3.0" (another ROM i downloaded) - same Tar error message.
Googled and found JAVA, installed it, cant verify that I have it because I have to configure the net to with my version of windows (thru parallels), but when i tried installing it again, it said it was already installed so i'm guessing its working.
Rebooted, tried the whole process again, same damn thing,
Tried ODIN (I'm using ODIN3 1.85), and clicked on PDA, selected a ROM, some activity, but then nothing happens... Theres nothing in the ID:COM column, auto reboot and f. reset time is CHECKED
If it makes any difference i'm on Windows XP Pro SP3

umlaaat said:
no, same thing. I loaded heimdall frontend, clicked on "heimdall firmware package" selected, first: "SMS-KJ6-beta2d_Stock-Rom_with_Bootloaders-One-Click" got the same Tar error message, then selected "sgs4g-OfficalGB2.3.6-NOCIQ-Octane v3.0" (another ROM i downloaded) - same Tar error message.
Googled and found JAVA, installed it, cant verify that I have it because I have to configure the net to with my version of windows (thru parallels), but when i tried installing it again, it said it was already installed so i'm guessing its working.
Rebooted, tried the whole process again, same damn thing,
Tried ODIN (I'm using ODIN3 1.85), and clicked on PDA, selected a ROM, some activity, but then nothing happens... Theres nothing in the ID:COM column, auto reboot and f. reset time is CHECKED
If it makes any difference i'm on Windows XP Pro SP3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude it's the same as the first time you flashed it. Exit heimdall front end! run the file (beta 2d) you downloaded. flash, leave the one click open, reboot to download mode flash again with boot loaders box check. Enjoy ginger bread stock with root and cwm recovery.
Be respectful
Always click thanks
Post logs not complaints

Don't know the mac side of this... but after reading the thread I haven't seen anybody clearly say...
Flash the custom rom with CWM after you do what james just said.
You need to get gb with CWM through Heimdall first and only (SMS-KJ6-beta2d_Stock-Rom_with_Bootloaders-One-Click).
After you successfully do that forget Heimdall, have whatever custom rom you want on root of your sd card, reboot into cwm recovery and install custom rom along with whatever other instructions the op of the custom rom states (i.e. clear cache, mounts, etc).
Add: And no beta kj6 beta 2d isn't a rom. It is a kernal. The kj6 beta 2d is the custom kernal that gives you CWM to flash the custom roms. "SMS-KJ6-beta2d_Stock-Rom_with_Bootloaders-One-Click" is a rom with the kj6 beta 2d kernal.
Sent from my SGH-T959V

Your Help
Heimdall or ODIN are programs used to flash Samsung made roms that have 6 basic files. Kernel(zImage), /System(Factoryfs.rfs), /data(data.rfs), Modem(Modem.bin), Primary Bootloader(boot.bin), and Secondary Bootloader(sbl.bin).
Custom roms are made by us. We take their files, hack and mod them to our liking, add root(the ability to change the system while using the phone), and flash them.
In order to flash the custom roms, we either repack the modded files into the factoryfs.rfs to flash via ODIN or Heimdall, or we do the easy one we flash via CWM which doesn't need a computer.
CWM is a type of android recovery. Recovery is used for stock android (AOSP) phones to be given updates. Samsung doesn't do so, they make us use Kies. The reason samsung still has recovery is because android requires it for booting, also if you need to wipe data or etc. Recovery is the only way to do so.
The purpose of CWM is tor replace the stock recovery with one that can flash custom made zip files that aren't signed by Samsung, as well as do additional features.
The android recovery on this device is embedded into the kernel. That is why CWM requires us to flash a different kernel.
I hope you learn from this.

help pls! can i flash clockworkmod recovery files with odin??

ok so long story short i tried to flash my samsung infuse 4g with a rom from this website (ROM][Jellybean] CNA 3.5.0 for Samsung Infuse [PORT] ) i used to have froyo 2.2. all was well and then my phone just stopped working and wouldnt pass boot screen. but i saved my old rom's data with clockworkmod on my sd card. the thing is there are like 5 .tar files and i want to know if i can recover my old rom using odin since i cant even get passed the boot screen??? pls someone help me i'm freaking out, ive been googleing all night and i'm totally burnt out. the files i have are .android_secure.vfat.tar, cache.rfs.tar, data.rfs.tar, efs.rfs.tar, nandroid.md5 and system.rfs.tar...... pls someone show me how to fix my phone
thanks in advance

Don't think you can flash those files, but you should be able to go back to stock.
Sent from my sweet & buttery Infuse

Follow these instructions. I would use the zip that takes you back to stock with root.
Keep one thing in mind.....you CANNOT go from Froyo to JB.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27286083#post27286083
I keep this thread bookmarked. I have soft bricked my phone so many times, it's not funny!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1700416

Lack of reading/research caused your error :/
Anyways go back to stock with heimdall.or Odin, get red cwm again and you should be able to restore your backups
If you want to go to jb in the future....then you must first follow go to ics, then jb...you have to have ics before you can flash gb
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

thanks again to all the comments, yes this was a big Noob mistake, i guess i was just way to excited to jump on the JB wagon. i have since returned to stock froyo using one of the kernals from this site (Stock_Root-Mod3e-UCKD5_Odin), so this is what i have now... although a little phased i still want to give this a second attemp. the rom i wanted to flash was [ROM][JellyBean] CNA 3.5.0 / Nightly 9/20 for Samsung Infuse [PORT]....
just to get things straight so i don't mess up again, i have to flash froyo with ics (is there a specific ics version i should get? on a how to guide on flashing jb i found this info: Entropy512's CM9 Kernel / Blue CWM Recovery 2012.05.02-ODIN-Entropy-CM9-zImage.rar) can i use this one, i prefer odin b/c i've never used heimdall. then after i flash ics then i can flash to jb.... but reading some threads i saw that....
"Currently on stock Froyo:
1) Use Heimdall or Odin to flash stock UCLB3 (GB)
*Reccomendation: Also flash GB bootloaders. See first post for links and warnings.*
2) Flash Entropy's DD kernel to obtain root and red CWM recovery.
Currently on stock GB:
1) Flash Entropy's DD kernel to obtain root and red CWM recovery."
do i have to do this step or can i go forward with the current Stock_Root-Mod3e-UCKD5_Odin that i now have installed....?
secondly, after i install ics, right before i flash jb it states i have to do an aroma prep....then flash jb.....
all flashes are done with clockworkmod and i wipe only cache and dalvik? or is there anything else i have to wipe?
sorry for all the questions, i have read and researched many threads but they are all pretty overwhelmingly full of lots of info.....just wanna get it in order....
thanks again
from froyo to ics i use odin, from odin to jb i use cwm, correct?

marielacvn said:
thanks again to all the comments, yes this was a big Noob mistake, i guess i was just way to excited to jump on the JB wagon. i have since returned to stock froyo using one of the kernals from this site (Stock_Root-Mod3e-UCKD5_Odin), so this is what i have now... although a little phased i still want to give this a second attemp. the rom i wanted to flash was [ROM][JellyBean] CNA 3.5.0 / Nightly 9/20 for Samsung Infuse [PORT]....
just to get things straight so i don't mess up again, i have to flash froyo with ics (is there a specific ics version i should get? on a how to guide on flashing jb i found this info: Entropy512's CM9 Kernel / Blue CWM Recovery 2012.05.02-ODIN-Entropy-CM9-zImage.rar) can i use this one, i prefer odin b/c i've never used heimdall. then after i flash ics then i can flash to jb.... but reading some threads i saw that....
"Currently on stock Froyo:
1) Use Heimdall or Odin to flash stock UCLB3 (GB)
*Reccomendation: Also flash GB bootloaders. See first post for links and warnings.*
2) Flash Entropy's DD kernel to obtain root and red CWM recovery.
Currently on stock GB:
1) Flash Entropy's DD kernel to obtain root and red CWM recovery."
do i have to do this step or can i go forward with the current Stock_Root-Mod3e-UCKD5_Odin that i now have installed....?
secondly, after i install ics, right before i flash jb it states i have to do an aroma prep....then flash jb.....
all flashes are done with clockworkmod and i wipe only cache and dalvik? or is there anything else i have to wipe?
sorry for all the questions, i have read and researched many threads but they are all pretty overwhelmingly full of lots of info.....just wanna get it in order....
thanks again
from froyo to ics i use odin, from odin to jb i use cwm, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow all steps, don't skip a thing. As for wiping, wipe Cache, Data, Dalvik, and format /System when going from GB to ICS and ICS to JB. That UCLB3 file is Gingerbread stock and you have to go to gingerbread before you go to ICS.
Also, if you are confident that your phone won't get disconnected from Odin while flashing the UCLB3 file, flash the GB bootloaders while you're at it. If the flash fails while flashing bootloaders then your device is bricked so be sure about Odin before you flash them.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app

Since you have already used Odin, I would use option "C". The best thing you can do is read everything two or three times. There are also many vids on YouTube that are helpful.
Once you are on GB.....just pick out any ICS ROM an flash it. Once it installs, I wouldn't even bother sitting it up and then you can go to JB.
Th3Bill uses an Aroma installer in his ROMs and the first time you use it, you will have to flash his aroma-prep first.
Hang in there....go slowly...and read. This gets easier and easier the more you do it. I always just d/l the zips to my phone and never even have to mess with the PC.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1613523
Edit: All of his ROMs for the Infuse can be found and d/l at Jokersax.com
Edit: I just reread your post......once you are on GB, you won't use Odin again. You will use whatever ICS zip to flash your ROM using CWM. Same thing with JB.

Shawn said:
Follow all steps, don't skip a thing. As for wiping, wipe Cache, Data, Dalvik, and format /System when going from GB to ICS and ICS to JB. That UCLB3 file is Gingerbread stock and you have to go to gingerbread before you go to ICS.
Also, if you are confident that your phone won't get disconnected from Odin while flashing the UCLB3 file, flash the GB bootloaders while you're at it. If the flash fails while flashing bootloaders then your device is bricked so be sure about Odin before you flash them.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay i think i understand....never has my phone disconnected during a flash with odin, ive always gotten a straight pass...exactly how important are the bootloaders anyways? if failures happen b/c of faulty usb cords, then im good...if bricking happens b/c of "unlucky chance" then id rather avoid it.... either way ill start the whole process tonight after i put the kiddos away so i can concentrate 100%.
thanks again for the tips

dparrothead1 said:
Since you have already used Odin, I would use option "C". The best thing you can do is read everything two or three times. There are also many vids on YouTube that are helpful.
Once you are on GB.....just pick out any ICS ROM an flash it. Once it installs, I wouldn't even bother sitting it up and then you can go to JB.
Th3Bill uses an Aroma installer in his ROMs and the first time you use it, you will have to flash his aroma-prep first.
Hang in there....go slowly...and read. This gets easier and easier the more you do it. I always just d/l the zips to my phone and never even have to mess with the PC.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1613523
Edit: All of his ROMs for the Infuse can be found and d/l at Jokersax.com
Edit: I just reread your post......once you are on GB, you won't use Odin again. You will use whatever ICS zip to flash your ROM using CWM. Same thing with JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay, ill take ur advice and use option c. froyo to gb using odin and possibly bootloaders, then from gb to ics, ics to jb using cwm
wish me luck!

Bootloaders prevent Rainbow fault I guess you could call it in ICS. You don't have to flash them but its recommended. If you have any problems, post and you'll get help pretty quick.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app

Shawn said:
Bootloaders prevent Rainbow fault I guess you could call it in ICS. You don't have to flash them but its recommended. If you have any problems, post and you'll get help pretty quick.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so far so good, it seems i need to do the gb bootloader after all...got the rainbow screen....i have my gbbootloader file ready to go....only thing is i want to confirm where i put the file, i've searched and i can only find a procedure for heimdall not odin...do i put the md5 file in PDA or bootloaders?? also it says in heimdall to tick bootloaders, do i do the same in odin??? it also says to flash twice....?? ok im really not risking a hard brick, i'll be patient and wait
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1878458
i'll wait for your answer before i proceed....after this i'll continue to flash ics and then jb...
btw, am i supposed to flash ics twice?? that's what the [GUIDE] How To Flash JB says,
"9. Flash ICS Rom, then ICS Gapps"
but when i tried to flash ics a second time i couldn't (because of rainbow screen, and because it didn't show up in my directory....and where does ICS Gapps show up?
thanks again

If you downloaded the bootloaders linked in the guide, then yes, they go on the pda slot. You only have to flash once.
Heimdall-one click is the one you must flash once before it allows you to flash the bootloaders too.
Edit: to fully install ics you must flash twice, because I believe that what it does when coming from GB is that it just flashes the ics kernel on the first flash, requiring you to run it a second time after rebooting for it to install the complete rom.
Ics gapps are often linked in the rom OPs, although you don't need to flash them if you are headed to JB.
Sent from my sweet & buttery Infuse

andros11 said:
If you downloaded the bootloaders linked in the guide, then yes, they go on the pda slot. You only have to flash once.
Heimdall-one click is the one you must flash once before it allows you to flash the bootloaders too.
Sent from my sweet & buttery Infuse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd, I flashed GB bootloaders in Odin from a rooted stock GB. But andros is right about going in the PDA slot. Maybe its just me that didn't have to flash with heimdall first.
Sent from my JellyBeaned Infuse, unofficial cm10

Shawn what I meant is that heimdall one-click wont allow you to flash bootloaders the 1st time, so you must run it once and then a 2nd time but with "flash bootloaders" ticked on.
There's no need to use heimdall before flashing them with Odin.
Sent from my sweet & buttery Infuse

Oh, I see what you mean. My mistake.
Sent from my JellyBeaned Infuse, unofficial cm10

Alright guys, I'm officially a jelly beaner!! Thanks again to all who replied and helped me out, couldn't have done it without your help everything seems to we working fine (with the exception of a few apps that aren't compatible, but they weren't that important ) only issue I have now is that I can't use my data plan and surf the web I configured everything just as I had it before according to my carrier and nothing ...... could it have something to do with the change in modem? When I scan for available network operators I get two options one says :NICMS and the other is just a number 71021... any ideas?
Also, when installing jb in the initial setup it asked which would be the defualt location to save I think I chose the sdcard instead of the emmc directory. ..can I change that setting?

I'm pretty sure you can change the setting, but not sure how. Also, your APNs might be messed up. There's a thread with working APNs. One sec and I'll link it.
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1791526
Sent from my JellyBeaned Infuse, unofficial cm10

Shawn said:
I'm pretty sure you can change the setting, but not sure how. Also, your APNs might be messed up. There's a thread with working APNs. One sec and I'll link it.
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1791526
Sent from my JellyBeaned Infuse, unofficial cm10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link Shawn, I looked it over, not sure it could apply since I don't live in the states.. but I'll use it as a start.

marielacvn said:
Thanks for the link Shawn, I looked it over, not sure it could apply since I don't live in the states.. but I'll use it as a start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It probably won't but you never know.

how is [ROM][JellyBean][4.1.1]Unofficial CM10 - Updated CM10 9/14 Butter - MTD - OC Kernel working out? since ive gotten cna nightly my camera and video are extremly buggy, more than id like...what works and doesnt work in unofficial cm10

Flashing back to stock with cwm?

I am currently on CleanRom 2.1 with the G7 radio. I'm looking to flash to CleanRom 2.5 and I want to start off with a G7 base.
I am planning on flashing back to stock using Adam Lange's linked rom here,
Can I flash using cwm (his instructions link to odin)?
I plan on the following
1) re-lock the bootloader
2) Boot to cwm and wipe/clear caches
3) flash the kernel he links to
4) flash the rom he links to
5) flash the G1 radio.
At that point I presume I am back in a condition to take the OTA.
I also see another set of back to stock instructions from droidstyle here. He has a different link to the stock rom (also odin instructions). I presume his method includes the kernel with the rom.
I've gotten by without odin to this point and would like to keep it that way (one less program / interface to deal with.)

It's been rebuilt already on the G7 base as of 9/25. Flash away.......
Sent from my VZW GS3 running Synergy/Trinity/Dark Horse Rises

No those are odin packages. Also those are the F2 bases which was used when the phone was first sold. Follow droidstyles instructions as he explains it very easy. Short as i can be, lock the bootloader, shutdown and then start up in download mode, open odin and plug your phone into your computer, click on pda and browse to the stock file you downloaded and click start. Then do a factory wipe and do a update once you boot into your phone to upgrade to the current G7.
You are fine doing a OTA from the F2 base so flashing to a G1 modem do a OTA isnt needed
In short no you will have to use odin. You will not be able to use CWM to flash those img files
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

annoyingduck said:
It's been rebuilt already on the G7 base as of 9/25. Flash away.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though it isn't necessary, Scott and one other poster are making a case for getting the G7 base with the OTA before flashing. I would much rather just go from 2.1 to 2.5 without the hassle of going via the OTA.
If I skip the OTA, I'll just have to come to peace with that nagging ... "would my performance / battery life really be better if..."
x714x said:
No those are odin packages. Also those are the F2 bases which was used when the phone was first sold. Follow droidstyles instructions as he explains it very easy. Short as i can be, lock the bootloader, shutdown and then start up in download mode, open odin and plug your phone into your computer, click on pda and browse to the stock file you downloaded and click start. Then do a factory wipe and do a update once you boot into your phone to upgrade to the current G7.
You are fine doing a OTA from the F2 base so flashing to a G1 modem do a OTA isnt needed
In short no you will have to use odin. You will not be able to use CWM to flash those img files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation on odin - I was afraid of that. I surprised someone hasn't made a stock image to use with cwm. And thanks for clarity on not having to go to the G1 modem.

Odin isnt hard at all to use and doesnt take all that long, roughly 8 mins for me. Do you have to use odin?, no. You can just flash a stock kernel then just use cwm to install 2.5. But the lastest G7 kernel isnt available to flash as i remember yet. I would recommend you odin to stock then take the ota, root, unlock, flash recovery, flash 2.5
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

x714x said:
Odin isnt hard at all to use and doesnt take all that long, roughly 8 mins for me. Do you have to use odin?, no. You can just flash a stock kernel then just use cwm to install 2.5. But the lastest G7 kernel isnt available to flash as i remember yet. I would recommend you odin to stock then take the ota, root, unlock, flash recovery, flash 2.5
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is my plan. The time consuming part is just downloading all the components (slow connection) and getting familiar with Odin. But that is just a one time thing. I've managed to avoid it this far... but now I am familiar enough with all the steps that it's no big deal. I might even have to stop calling myself a noob.

x714x said:
Odin isnt hard at all to use and doesnt take all that long, roughly 8 mins for me. Do you have to use odin?, no. You can just flash a stock kernel then just use cwm to install 2.5. But the lastest G7 kernel isnt available to flash as i remember yet. I would recommend you odin to stock then take the ota, root, unlock, flash recovery, flash 2.5
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This!