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Brand New Droid Charge Rooting question.

I'm new to the whole smartphone thing but I am very interested in rooting it. Its a droid charge. I am about to download odin but my question is do I need a different memory card or different usb cord other than the one it came with. All I have is what came in the box with the phone, is this enough to root the phone safely. I have alot more research to do, but I can't find an answer to this question. I see something talking about removing the card aswell, is this the card that it came with?
Also can anyone link a legit video or guide to using odin and what is the best and safest ROM to use to date, 6/28/11. Thanks

I got my Charge yesterday and rooted/ROM'd it the same day. I used this thread as a guide and it worked perfectly: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122657
What came in the box is enough to get you going.

Thanks for the reply.
I got a few more questions now... I plan on using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122657 as a guide. But some of the words and stuff are confusing to me and I really can't afford to mess this up, literally.
1. When it says install droid drivers does that meen to the computer or phone or both?
2. Is there a way to backup all the contacts or is that all through the gmail account (pretty sure it is but just clarifying)?
Also is there a way to download the stock version with all the settings to my computer incase there is a problem? Or is the only way to download an EE4 stock version found on the internet.
3. I would like to do the voodoo lagfix as well as a root/rom. Should I do voodoo after I get the Root/rom set up? And is doing voodoo lagfix similar to doing a root with odin.
4. Last question I can think of right now is which ROM is the best to date. I only see a few and is stock EE4 deodexed just meen you can take away certain apps that you cannot if not rooted? I really want to delete some of the useless apps that are on there like some golf thing and others like it. Are there any apps that I should not touch that are vital to the phone?
-EE4 Debloated V4.2.1 (is this the same as Deodexed and what does it meen exactally)
-Gummycharged 1.5
-peanutbutta jelly time
-Altered Beast
I basically am looking for a Rom thats fast (obviously) and very customizable and reliable. So whats the best one up to date.
Thanks for anyone that reads this and gives input. Really appreciate it.
I know alot of this info is probably out there but when I search for things people use words that I am unfamiliar with because I have never had a phone that can text before let alone a smart phone.
Edit: Thought of something else. I want to have access to all of the same things I have access to app-wise on stock or more. I think that all of the ROMS should let you do that but just checking. Thanks

dapperdanman55 said:
Thanks for the reply.
I got a few more questions now... I plan on using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122657 as a guide. But some of the words and stuff are confusing to me and I really can't afford to mess this up, literally.
1. When it says install droid drivers does that meen to the computer or phone or both?
Drivers for puter
2. Is there a way to backup all the contacts or is that all through the gmail account (pretty sure it is but just clarifying)?
Also is there a way to download the stock version with all the settings to my computer incase there is a problem? Or is the only way to download an EE4 stock version found on the internet.
Google backs them up for you
3. I would like to do the voodoo lagfix as well as a root/rom. Should I do voodoo after I get the Root/rom set up? And is doing voodoo lagfix similar to doing a root with odin.
There are a few files out there that use ODIN that puts a kernel, rom and voodoo in one file using ODIN
4. Last question I can think of right now is which ROM is the best to date. I only see a few and is stock EE4 deodexed just meen you can take away certain apps that you cannot if not rooted? I really want to delete some of the useless apps that are on there like some golf thing and others like it. Are there any apps that I should not touch that are vital to the phone?
-EE4 Debloated V4.2.1 (is this the same as Deodexed and what does it meen exactally)
-Gummycharged 1.5
-peanutbutta jelly time
-Altered Beast
Use Gummy and use the files that loads everything for you in one step using ODIN
I basically am looking for a Rom thats fast (obviously) and very customizable and reliable. So whats the best one up to date.
Thanks for anyone that reads this and gives input. Really appreciate it.
I know alot of this info is probably out there but when I search for things people use words that I am unfamiliar with because I have never had a phone that can text before let alone a smart phone.
Edit: Thought of something else. I want to have access to all of the same things I have access to app-wise on stock or more. I think that all of the ROMS should let you do that but just checking. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can have access to all and MORE if you are rooted
Good Luck
my answers are in your quoted text above

^^ thanks alot

dapperdanman55 said:
Thanks for the reply.
I got a few more questions now... I plan on using http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122657 as a guide. But some of the words and stuff are confusing to me and I really can't afford to mess this up, literally.
1. When it says install droid drivers does that meen to the computer or phone or both?
2. Is there a way to backup all the contacts or is that all through the gmail account (pretty sure it is but just clarifying)?
Also is there a way to download the stock version with all the settings to my computer incase there is a problem? Or is the only way to download an EE4 stock version found on the internet.
3. I would like to do the voodoo lagfix as well as a root/rom. Should I do voodoo after I get the Root/rom set up? And is doing voodoo lagfix similar to doing a root with odin.
4. Last question I can think of right now is which ROM is the best to date. I only see a few and is stock EE4 deodexed just meen you can take away certain apps that you cannot if not rooted? I really want to delete some of the useless apps that are on there like some golf thing and others like it. Are there any apps that I should not touch that are vital to the phone?
-EE4 Debloated V4.2.1 (is this the same as Deodexed and what does it meen exactally)
-Gummycharged 1.5
-peanutbutta jelly time
-Altered Beast
I basically am looking for a Rom thats fast (obviously) and very customizable and reliable. So whats the best one up to date.
Thanks for anyone that reads this and gives input. Really appreciate it.
I know alot of this info is probably out there but when I search for things people use words that I am unfamiliar with because I have never had a phone that can text before let alone a smart phone.
Edit: Thought of something else. I want to have access to all of the same things I have access to app-wise on stock or more. I think that all of the ROMS should let you do that but just checking. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: There are drivers you need to download and install on your computer, you won't be touching your phone until told so in the guide (except for the part where it tells you to install zip from SD card, he never said to drag & drop your kernel/ROM onto the root of the SD card
2: Your Gmail sync will backup your contacts if you allowed it too, and there are EE1 and EE2 stock ROMs you can flash which would revert you back to stock (no root, no superuser, just.. stock) and then you can update to EE4 the same way you did when you got the phone.
3: Use the guide you were linked in the first reply, I'm a first time rooter and that guide worked flawlessly
4: Personally I find GummyCharged 1.8.5 to be the best but take a look at the new Humble ROM, it's still new (which is why I haven't flashed it yet) but Danalo is updating frequently and is currently in development of what could be the best Charge ROM to date, low power, speedy and a nice look... I'm just waiting a little bit til all the bugs and such are sorted out since, as I've said, it's still new

I already flashed the gummycharged and it worked but i would like to try humble. Do I have to wipe it and get it back to stock. I instaled cwm and pbj oc and gummy charged. Do i have to wipe everything and then redo pbj and cwm?
Thanks

No you can flash it with odin right over gummy. When it boots into recovery the first time you bot, just wipe data, cahe and dalvik cache

First time rooting...noobish questions

So yesterday, completely oblivious to the fact that this forum existed, I went ahead and googled how to root my Charge.
What I came up with is what I believe to be a Kernel (what ever the crap that means) called Voodoo.
I (and please excuse my potentially improper use of terminology here) flashed the new Kernel to my Charge using Odin.
Great, I have superuser (what ever that is) and a rooted phone.
Here's what I want to:
1) Remove most if not all of stock apps/bloatware.
2) Increase speed and efficiency of the phone.
3) Increase or have the option to increase battery life.
4) Be able to do a wireless tether (hotspot?) or just regular tether.
5) Have gingerbread if it is worth getting in your opinion(s).
How do I get from where I am now, to where I want to be?
Here's what I've come up with based on what I have read on the forums here.
1) Install Gingerbread
2) Install Humble 2.0
3) ....
4) Profit?
Thanks for helping a noob, your reward will be only in your head

I have tried the lot of the Roms for the Droid Charge. And to me IMNUTS EE4 Debloated Stock ROM works the best and runs me all day from 4am to about 8pm without needing a charge. I happen to like the puzzle lock screen so thats why i chose this one. If you want AOSP (stock Froyo) then use one of the other roms and the P&J Kernel to save battery.
BTW. If you just don't like the TWLauncher, as I don't, you can use your own. I run the ADW EX Launcher using the y0rk's black ADW Theme. All inexpensive or free ways to make your Charge look better.

dragonstalker said:
I have tried the lot of the Roms for the Droid Charge. And to me IMNUTS EE4 Debloated Stock ROM works the best and runs me all day from 4am to about 8pm without needing a charge. I happen to like the puzzle lock screen so thats why i chose this one. If you want AOSP (stock Froyo) then use one of the other roms and the P&J Kernel to save battery.
BTW. If you just don't like the TWLauncher, as I don't, you can use your own. I run the ADW EX Launcher using the y0rk's black ADW Theme. All inexpensive or free ways to make your Charge look better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! Thanks for all the info.
Can I just install IMNUTS right over my voodoo install using Odin? Will it erase the voodoo kernel? (Sorry, noob's gotta ask noob questions)
Would you suggest going to gingerbread? I mean is there any benefit yet?
What is ADW EX Launcher? Something I can get off the market, something I have to use odin for, or something else entirely?

kagaos said:
Sweet! Thanks for all the info.
Can I just install IMNUTS right over my voodoo install using Odin? Will it erase the voodoo kernel? (Sorry, noob's gotta ask noob questions)
Would you suggest going to gingerbread? I mean is there any benefit yet?
What is ADW EX Launcher? Something I can get off the market, something I have to use odin for, or something else entirely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The EE4 debloated rom is just a rom - it is installed over an existing kernel (such as the voodoo kernel you installed) and won't overwrite its work.
I would not suggest going to the GB leak as of yet - there is no voodoo lagfix for it, the display quality is compromised, and the EG2 radio is subpar compared to our current EE4. Stick to the EE4 roms, for now.
As for the launcher, that's all personal taste. I personally use LauncherPro, and many like Go Launcher. Try them all out.

I'm new to the Charge scene as well, in fact my Charge is still waiting to be shipped. I do have some experience with Odin having used a Galaxy Vibrant before.
I'd like to get an answers on the following:
1. I intend to install the GummyCharge EE4 ROM located at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1116086. Since this is a ROM flashed via CWR, do I Odin flash the Root Kernel from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1092114 and after that flash GummyCharge ROM via CWR?
2. On some of the ROMs that are flashed via Odin, can I simply Odin flash those ROMs w/o my phone being rooted first?

JK, use a .tar to flash in ODIN. They are identified as ODIN flashes. I used AlteredBeast to gain root and get CWM. If you want a different one then AB which is an awesome rom, then use CWM to flash the .zip file that you download.

dragonstalker said:
JK, use a .tar to flash in ODIN. They are identified as ODIN flashes. I used AlteredBeast to gain root and get CWM. If you want a different one then AB which is an awesome rom, then use CWM to flash the .zip file that you download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks dragon, so it looks like if the ROM i want isn't Odin, I just flash an Odin ROM to gain root and CWM, then I can flash whatever ROM I like.
Looks like the 2.3.4 leak just came out too, time to read up on details for it. Decisions decisions.

aznxk3vi17 said:
The EE4 debloated rom is just a rom - it is installed over an existing kernel (such as the voodoo kernel you installed) and won't overwrite its work.
I would not suggest going to the GB leak as of yet - there is no voodoo lagfix for it, the display quality is compromised, and the EG2 radio is subpar compared to our current EE4. Stick to the EE4 roms, for now.
As for the launcher, that's all personal taste. I personally use LauncherPro, and many like Go Launcher. Try them all out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thank you for the informative post! You guys are incredibly helpful here
Now, back to the launcher thing, what exactly is it? What does it do, and how do I go about getting and/or installing it?

kagaos said:
Awesome, thank you for the informative post! You guys are incredibly helpful here
Now, back to the launcher thing, what exactly is it? What does it do, and how do I go about getting and/or installing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Launcher is basically the phones overlay. How the screens look and react and how the phone looks as you scroll and setup different widgets and apps. Basically when you turn your phone on. and it boots up the way explorer is to windows, is how launcher is to android.
Your phones GuI interface to put it easily. What you see is the launcher and how it works with your phone.

dragonstalker said:
Launcher is basically the phones overlay. How the screens look and react and how the phone looks as you scroll and setup different widgets and apps. Basically when you turn your phone on. and it boots up the way explorer is to windows, is how launcher is to android.
Your phones GuI interface to put it easily. What you see is the launcher and how it works with your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! Windows analogies help a lot. Kind of hard for me to take all this rooting business in, after all I hadn't heard of it before last week.
So I plan on flashing the EE4 Debloated using Odin followed by installing a launcher as well (using Odin?).
If the above looks good to you, then on to the next phase...
CWM Recovery. What is it, why do I need it and how do I get/install it?
Is there a comprehensive guide to all this rooting business? Like something that explains all the terminology and gives analogous scenarios to explain what it can do and what I can do with it?
P.S. Just let me know when I'm asking too many questions...

launchers are apps you download from the market.

Ok, I too have some NOOB questions.. I feel like I used to know a good bit about rooting etc etc... This was when I had my D1 though... Once i jumped to the d2 I got out of the scene of modding much.. I then switched to a fascinate and simply used 1 click root method (not too hard.. diff than what i was used to but not hard).. Now i'm completely lost.. I feel using Odin is what was most similar to how I rooted my d1 originally then installed the kernels or themes.. (flash a rom.. flash a kernel.. flash a theme).. Am I wrong?? I keep reading up on how to root, watching the vids.. but there seems to be a disconnect in my tiny little mind!!! lol!
From what I'm gathering when you flash one of the roms listed in other posts you gain root?... Then you can choose which kernel and theme and flash both of those as well? Or are the Roms themselves themed already?? (oh the glory days of the D1 I miss you!) I really hate myself for not keeping up with this stuff!!! My main goal here is root so that I can delete some of the preinstalled apps (just like everyone else wants to).. Of course trying to straighten out this god awful batt life (I have the charging dock with spare battery and go through both batts + some in one day) and possibly a theme (prolly at a later time unless it's easier than I think it is). Anyone care to shine some light on this for me? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

_killer_ said:
From what I'm gathering when you flash one of the roms listed in other posts you gain root?... Then you can choose which kernel and theme and flash both of those as well? Or are the Roms themselves themed already?? (oh the glory days of the D1 I miss you!) I really hate myself for not keeping up with this stuff!!! My main goal here is root so that I can delete some of the preinstalled apps (just like everyone else wants to).. Of course trying to straighten out this god awful batt life (I have the charging dock with spare battery and go through both batts + some in one day) and possibly a theme (prolly at a later time unless it's easier than I think it is). Anyone care to shine some light on this for me? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most ROMs are themed already by the author, but you can flash other themes over them. The ROMs marked debloated will have some of the preinstalled apps removed already. If that is all you want to do and you dont want the extra stuff some of the ROMs feature, look for "stock debloated" ROMs.

jkcheng122 said:
Most ROMs are themed already by the author, but you can flash other themes over them. The ROMs marked debloated will have some of the preinstalled apps removed already. If that is all you want to do and you dont want the extra stuff some of the ROMs feature, look for "stock debloated" ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that makes a bit more sense... (the fact that they are already themed)
I appreciate the quick response.. I'm assuming then my idea of "how to" is correct. Pick a rom, flash.. Pick a kernel, flash.. if you want another theme... pick it and flash!??

UH OH...I had an accident!
I don't know how the crap this happened, but I had installed a few launchers to try them out. Then I was going to do a CWM backup...so I did. In the process of backing up my phone just randomly restarts and gets stuck at the Samsung logo.
What the crap happened!? Did I brick it? Can I fix it?
Freakin out here...

kagaos said:
UH OH...I had an accident!
I don't know how the crap this happened, but I had installed a few launchers to try them out. Then I was going to do a CWM backup...so I did. In the process of backing up my phone just randomly restarts and gets stuck at the Samsung logo.
What the crap happened!? Did I brick it? Can I fix it?
Freakin out here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are fine. Take the battery out. open odin, plug usb cable into phone, Hold Vol Dn button and plug your usb cable into your pc. Reflash rom that you used to root with. Not sure how you were doin a CWM backup since it does not come with that feature.

dragonstalker said:
You are fine. Take the battery out. open odin, plug usb cable into phone, Hold Vol Dn button and plug your usb cable into your pc. Reflash rom that you used to root with. Not sure how you were doin a CWM backup since it does not come with that feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you beat me to it! I was thinking more along the lines of using an odin restore file though... Wasn't sure which the better option was.

dragonstalker said:
You are fine. Take the battery out. open odin, plug usb cable into phone, Hold Vol Dn button and plug your usb cable into your pc. Reflash rom that you used to root with. Not sure how you were doin a CWM backup since it does not come with that feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
question for you.. I'm still missing something here.. Are all the roms listed in the "development" area odin friendly.. OR does it have to have [odin] next to it in order to be flashed with odin?
I'm currently completely stock and looking for the easiest way to root/flash rom.

dragonstalker said:
You are fine. Take the battery out. open odin, plug usb cable into phone, Hold Vol Dn button and plug your usb cable into your pc. Reflash rom that you used to root with. Not sure how you were doin a CWM backup since it does not come with that feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as the CWM is concerned...I downloaded it off the app market after I rooted my phone.
But the only thing I did to my phone thus far was root it and added Voodoo Kernel. Should I flash it with that?

_killer_ said:
Pick a rom, flash.. Pick a kernel, flash.. if you want another theme... pick it and flash!??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most ROMs have their own kernels, if you intend to use the same kernel that comes with the ROM, you can skip the flash kernel part after flashing the ROM.
Your statement should be more like this, "Pick a rom, flash... if you want another kernel and/or theme... pick them/it and flash!??"

[Q] At&t Samsung Infuse 4g, Gingerbread 2.3.6, Wont Root, SuperOneClick 2.3.3.0

Hello,
I recently upgraded my AT&T Samsung SGH-I997 (Infuse 4g) to the new GINGERBREAD.UCKL2 (2.3.6) version using Kies-Mini.
Now...
I got SuperOneClick v.2.3.3.0 to root the phone, just as I had done before with Froyo.
I made sure USB Debugging was on.
I started SuperOneClick and clicked ROOT
I plugged my phone into USB (Did not click to connect)
SuperOneClick freezes on Step 7.
I have tried every method out there to get around this.
Ideas? Thanks.

kylepurdon said:
Hello,
I recently upgraded my AT&T Samsung SGH-I997 (Infuse 4g) to the new GINGERBREAD.UCKL2 (2.3.6) version using Kies-Mini.
Now...
I got SuperOneClick v.2.3.3.0 to root the phone, just as I had done before with Froyo.
I made sure USB Debugging was on.
I started SuperOneClick and clicked ROOT
I plugged my phone into USB (Did not click to connect)
SuperOneClick freezes on Step 7.
I have tried every method out there to get around this.
Ideas? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SOC has not been reported to be a good tool for root.
I recalled 1 user reported success with repeat attempts.
You can try:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582
Try a few times...see if there is a zerg rush option also.
Let us know.
edit...nvm...doesn't work...only up to 2.3.5

qkster said:
SOC has not been reported to be a good tool for root.
I recalled 1 user reported success with repeat attempts.
You can try:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582
Try a few times...see if there is a zerg rush option also.
Let us know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried the method linked to above twice to no avail. Each time the process is apparently run without a hitch -- and the phone automatically reboots. But there is no root access when I check using root check or trying to run Titanium BU. If anyone has any other ideas, I'm all ears. I'd like to get rooted....

yes please be a guinni pig. but i dont have high hopes for rooting without a non secure kernel.
now that the bulk of users arent scare of gb since it became official it would be nice to see if anything will root it other than a kernel (the kernel swap is fool proof but annoying with all the lagfix and sdcard mounting weirdness that we have right now, need sources and devs... lol)

Dani897 said:
yes please be a guinni pig. but i dont have high hopes for rooting without a non secure kernel.
now that the bulk of users arent scare of gb since it became official it would be nice to see if anything will root it other than a kernel (the kernel swap is fool proof but annoying with all the lagfix and sdcard mounting weirdness that we have right now, need sources and devs... lol)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is where I saw this claim:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1308607&page=2
a few post down...

yeah but that says 2.3.5 from samfirmwares. 2.3.5 was rootable with any tool that used zergrush. it is the 2.3.6 builds that are an issue..

Dani897 said:
yeah but that says 2.3.5 from samfirmwares. 2.3.5 was rootable with any tool that used zergrush. it is the 2.3.6 builds that are an issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I tried it on my newly updated (to 2.3.6 build) Infuse about half dozen times (via SOC), to no avail. Gave psneuter exploit a couple tries too. Oh well.

Dani897 said:
yeah but that says 2.3.5 from samfirmwares. 2.3.5 was rootable with any tool that used zergrush. it is the 2.3.6 builds that are an issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're right. up to uckj4 was possible.
I wasn't paying attention to the last .5 to .6 change after uckj4

I am in the same boat. I didn't do the research about the ease of rooting prior to moving to gingerbread. I have been waiting intently and checking often for this official gingerbread release.
So far I am noticing tremendously increased battery life. I could normally run 8-10 hours and with the same usage I am getting 14-16.
I miss my root terribly- I use it to Wifi Tether for my laptop among many things.
I am willing to be a tester, I have no experience with rooting or flashing beyond SOC. I am an old-school blackrain/redsnow guy from my iphone days so I get nervous with all this "flashing kernels" talk.
Any advice for a novice wanting to enjoy some gingerbread goodness without sacrificing root?
Any recommended kernels to flash to for the infuse? I want it to be as close to stock as possible without losing features or my newfound battery.
Root FTW!

Lordkuruku7 said:
I am in the same boat. I didn't do the research about the ease of rooting prior to moving to gingerbread. I have been waiting intently and checking often for this official gingerbread release.
So far I am noticing tremendously increased battery life. I could normally run 8-10 hours and with the same usage I am getting 14-16.
I miss my root terribly- I use it to Wifi Tether for my laptop among many things.
I am willing to be a tester, I have no experience with rooting or flashing beyond SOC. I am an old-school blackrain/redsnow guy from my iphone days so I get nervous with all this "flashing kernels" talk.
Any advice for a novice wanting to enjoy some gingerbread goodness without sacrificing root?
Any recommended kernels to flash to for the infuse? I want it to be as close to stock as possible without losing features or my newfound battery.
Root FTW!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Zeus Build 5.2 stock or Victory or Leak Uckl2 rooted. There are all uckl2 based. As Close to stock as possible.

I wonder if downgrading to older rooted firmware and then using CWM, applying a zip format of the UCKL2 rooted ROM would work? Just a thought...

I don't know if this method works.
Flash a custom kernel with root on it. Then flash back to stock kernel. Worked when leak came out, so I don't see why it won't work with this since they're identical.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997

Lordkuruku7 said:
So far I am noticing tremendously increased battery life. I could normally run 8-10 hours and with the same usage I am getting 14-16.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's strange you say that... My battery life was excellent (before update) and is now dreadful. I'd love to go back to stock Froyo if I knew how...

joseph_madre said:
I wonder if downgrading to older rooted firmware and then using CWM, applying a zip format of the UCKL2 rooted ROM would work? Just a thought...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes that would work. but you could also flash the rooted leak with a flashtool like odin or swap kernels around with a flash tool like odin or heimdall since you will need it to flash stock anyhow....
im working on it, seems answering the question isnt enough, i have to make it simple and all parts in one place with a unified instruction set and a large banner that says "root gingerbread update!"

That sounds awesome Dani. I don't mind the idea of trying out something like Zeus or Odin. I love Greek and Norse mythology so these names really hit home. I guess I just need the proper files and a "hold my hand and walk me through" for the exact scenario I'm in. Thanks in advance for all the replies and suggestions.

Lordkuruku7 said:
That sounds awesome Dani. I don't mind the idea of trying out something like Zeus or Odin. I love Greek and Norse mythology so these names really hit home. I guess I just need the proper files and a "hold my hand and walk me through" for the exact scenario I'm in. Thanks in advance for all the replies and suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Zeus is a great ROM stable and with many extras themes, check it out, I run the NumasX 1.1 here is the Zeus.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1412957

bigjoe2675 said:
Zeus is a great ROM stable and with many extras themes, check it out, I run the NumasX 1.1 here is the Zeus.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1412957
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is true but some people prefer stock (odexed and all) and its not totally unreasonable. I'm running Zeus myself. and it is quicker than other kl2 builds I used. I have all the stuff I want to put together but I'm juggling time with watching my nephews, fixing my car and later the big game and I have to test every thing in there too. I'm a bit slow but ill get everything together before tomorrow I'm sure.

Hello I'm fairly new to this mod stuff. I had a Captivate and used SOC without a hitch. Never had to flash anything well not that I know of. I'd like to root my Infuse to really get rid of all the bloatware and put on an ad blocker. Can someone run down the steps of how to flash my phone or point me to a good link? Much appreciated

Hat Trick said:
Hello I'm fairly new to this mod stuff. I had a Captivate and used SOC without a hitch. Never had to flash anything well not that I know of. I'd like to root my Infuse to really get rid of all the bloatware and put on an ad blocker. Can someone run down the steps of how to flash my phone or point me to a good link? Much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hang on. they pulled the update and will release another one.
bassicaly you can flash a Rogers based custom kernel for root but the sdcard mounting and video and wifi is all different and depending on the kernel you flash may not work. the more recent version of these kernels have workarounds in the boot scripts and will fix the sdcard and wifi, the video is a fix you gotta do yourself and the Rogers phone doesn't support HDMI so that is lost. the best thing to do is flash a custom kernel for one boot and flash back to stock. I was making a cwm package to flash the kernel to stock but had errors in my updater script. I can fix it but I'm waiting on the next update because I don't feel like doing it twice. I figure if someone truely needs root they should be able to follow the Rogers root thread an get through it.
if you want to do it manually you will need the stock kernel and a custom kernel like the Rogers root kernel. and you will want the ultimate unbrick package (just in case) and a copy of Odin3 v1.7 or v1.82 or heimdall. there is an Odin flashable copy of the kl2 kernel floating around somewhere. maybe in the numas rom or Caty rom thread but if not it can be extracted from the package from prezkret and zip'd and flashed with sgs kernel flasher.
when. you have all the parts, open odin and load the custom kernel into the PDA slot. the kernel must be in a tarball. that's an archive with a ".tar" extension. it may also be in a ".tar.md5" put the phone in download mode (shut down the phone and hold volume+ and volume- and insert the USB cable) when you see the android with a shovel start the flash.
reboot the phone, then flash the stock kl2 kernel. (don't flash the kg3 kernel from the Rogers thread or a froyo kernel) if you have the stock kernel in a .tar or .tar.md5 flash it the same way as before. if you have a zImage only then zip it and flash it through sgs kernel flasher from the market.

Any luck how to root 2.3.6 ?

Stock GB Rogers to JB questions

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!

[Q] Rooting FROYO.VUVKD1 with Superoneclick

My T-Mobile phone is this one:
model number: SGH-T959V
firmware: 2.2.1
kernel version 2.6.32.9
build number: FROYO.VUVKD1
My T959V is already unlocked but not rooted. Can I use superoneclick to root it? Everything I have read on this forum refers to FROYO.UVKJ6 - not my version. I want to start slowly with modding, and learn to walk before I run. Assumptions can prove dangerous when modding these Androids. Thanks in advance!
sveris

Yes, you can root with super one click.
Or, you could flash a new kernel that would root for you & give you cwm.
Don't use rom manager on this model.
There was a kernel named bali that gave you overclocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1080871

champ1919 said:
Yes, you can root with super one click.
Or, you could flash a new kernel that would root for you & give you cwm.
Don't use rom manager on this model.
There was a kernel named bali that gave you overclocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1080871
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for the prompt reply, and the suggestion, too. I'm surprised at how fast someone answered my question, considering the T959V is an older phone. I think I will hold off on the custom kernel with overclocking for right now.
My plan was to first root the phone, get rid of some of the applications that I never use, and proceed from there. I do want to retain a few applications which came with the phone, e.g., basic ones like the browser, news & weather, maps, voice dialer, etc. - just because I am familiar with them. I know I can always replace these with others from the Android Market, but don't want to cripple myself too much immediately.
Can you also recommend a bloatware removal tool that allows me to remove apps one at a time?
Now that I think about it a bit more, will I lose these apps anyway when upgrading to a newer/higher OS? Is there any advantage to trying an older/lower one like Gingerbread first before going to ICS, or should I simply jump over the middle ones and go right to KitKat?
I will search the forum for a thread or guide which compares the features of each OS.

I use titanium backup. The free version would work (pro version is worth it).
Here's an old thread about safe to remove.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044011
Have fun with trying all the different roms.

Definitely have fun with things. It's a great like phone and nearly impossible to brick permanently. The various "reviews" will always be in reference to what else was out there at the time. Titanium Backup and keeping backups current is a great idea as you get different ROMs.
A lot of the older ROMs were hosted on servers now shut down, but if there is something you're looking for, ask, as someone may have a backup floating around.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today

jeffsf said:
Definitely have fun with things. It's a great like phone and nearly impossible to brick permanently. The various "reviews" will always be in reference to what else was out there at the time. Titanium Backup and keeping backups current is a great idea as you get different ROMs.
A lot of the older ROMs were hosted on servers now shut down, but if there is something you're looking for, ask, as someone may have a backup floating around.
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input, Jeff. I did some limited modding with a Motorola phone years ago, but this stuff seems a bit more complex and perhaps more unforgiving re: mistakes.
I definitely see the wisdom to backing up one's phone before beginning, but that alone seems like a daunting task. At least as outlined in some of the guides on this forum. The other thing I've noticed is that while the instructions can be step-by-step and quite complete, the first few steps can create problems.
For example, having the correct Samsung USB drivers installed is emphasized. But, even though I've searched and searched the forums for instructions on how to verify that I have the correct drivers installed, I can't find a thing. My T959V has always worked flawlessly re: its USB connection to my Dell notebook, but I never gave much thought to whether or not the correct Samsung 32-bit drivers were installed. And, does that mean installed on my phone or my notebook - or both? Perhaps I' getting bogged down with the details, but I don't want to end up with a brick!
I'll keep reading all the great info on the forum pages and proceed from there. From my limited info gathering, it would seem that some of the Vibrant ROMs will also work on the T959V. Is that true? I know the two models are actually a bit different.

Backup, for me, means recovery backups and Titanium Backup backups, both copied to another device (in case I wipe my microSD). Not so bad.
USB drives are a PITA under Windows. There isn't a sure-fire way to get the right one installed for Odin / heimdall, which is different than the one for adb on this build, which is different than the one for that build,... I try them out until I get one that works when I have to, but do everything I can on Linux or Mac.
Vibrant ROMs are basically not compatible with the T959V. The hardware is different enough in key places.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today

champ1919 said:
I use titanium backup. The free version would work (pro version is worth it).
Here's an old thread about safe to remove.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044011
Have fun with trying all the different roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm almost ready to root and upgrade FROYO.VUVKD1 to stock GB 2.3.6, using Superoneclick, but I'm wondering about two things.
One guide method suggests using:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Another method begins by rooting the phone, then upgrading to stock GB 2.3.6 and offers more than one method to do the upgrade.
Seems I recall reading about disadvantages to using the Samsung Kies mini software, but I don't recall the specifics. So, should I avoid using Kies mini and should I upgrade first or root first? Thanks in advance for any input.

jeffsf said:
Backup, for me, means recovery backups and Titanium Backup backups, both copied to another device (in case I wipe my microSD). Not so bad.
USB drives are a PITA under Windows. There isn't a sure-fire way to get the right one installed for Odin / heimdall, which is different than the one for adb on this build, which is different than the one for that build,... I try them out until I get one that works when I have to, but do everything I can on Linux or Mac.
Vibrant ROMs are basically not compatible with the T959V. The hardware is different enough in key places.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the caution re: using Vibrant ROMs. I was a bit surprised to see posts in the T959V specific forum about it sometimes being okay to use them. I guess it's like Caveat Emptor, eh? Sometimes they work, but not necessarily on every T959V - even when starting from scratch with a stock ROM backup.

sveris said:
I think I'm almost ready to root and upgrade FROYO.VUVKD1 to stock GB 2.3.6, using Superoneclick, but I'm wondering about two things.
One guide method suggests using:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Another method begins by rooting the phone, then upgrading to stock GB 2.3.6 and offers more than one method to do the upgrade.
Seems I recall reading about disadvantages to using the Samsung Kies mini software, but I don't recall the specifics. So, should I avoid using Kies mini and should I upgrade first or root first? Thanks in advance for any input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3.6, you should give lumin's guide a shot since that's the best method to use in case you soft-brick your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1470716
That will get you a completely stock 2.3.6 rom. I don't recall if you can successfully root 2.3.6 with superone click though, but there are a lot more rooted gingerbread kernels out there that will be useful to you.
I recommend the blastoff kernel by @bhundven since he knows his stuff. I'm not biased 'cause we were both in Team Acid
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828171

FBis251 said:
If you're going to upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3.6, you should give lumin's guide a shot since that's the best method to use in case you soft-brick your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1470716
That will get you a completely stock 2.3.6 rom. I don't recall if you can successfully root 2.3.6 with superone click though, but there are a lot more rooted gingerbread kernels out there that will be useful to you.
I recommend the blastoff kernel by @bhundven since he knows his stuff. I'm not biased 'cause we were both in Team Acid
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828171
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, lumin's guide is the one I was referencing when I posted those instructions. But, he didn't mention any issue about using Kies mini or that its use might limit future modding. I guess I'll keep searching the forums for more advice or a definitive answer. And I'll take a look at the description of the blastoff kernel you recommended.
Thanks again for taking the time.

Heimdall (the one clicks) and odin (kies) drivers will clash. You'll need to decide which method you will want to use (or use different usb ports for each method). Being new, I would suggest the one clicks for you.
Unless you wish to have the official, official release, there isn't really a need to go kies route imo. The one clicks are the same.

champ1919 said:
Heimdall (the one clicks) and odin (kies) drivers will clash. You'll need to decide which method you will want to use (or use different usb ports for each method). Being new, I would suggest the one clicks for you.
Unless you wish to have the official, official release, there isn't really a need to go kies route imo. The one clicks are the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reminding me about the clash potential. But now I'm getting confused again. Lumin's guide suggested the following:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Would this be mixing and matching like you said, or am I missing something?

sveris said:
Thanks for reminding me about the clash potential. But now I'm getting confused again. Lumin's guide suggested the following:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Would this be mixing and matching like you said, or am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "problem" is that you want Froyo. You'll be stuck with basically three-year old tools. Froyo was incredibly painful to use, even compared with Gingerbread. There wasn't much of a demand to "go back to Froyo" once the stock Gingerbread upgrades hit people's phones. Edit -- Looks like there is a heimdall one-click for Froyo, thanks to @FBis251 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50931923&postcount=10
In my opinion, just go straight to stock Gingerbread. It shipped that way or OTA upgraded to it for most of the phone's life (until Apple sued Samsung and got it pulled from retail).
This is the thread you should be following for Gingerbread or later: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21953878&postcount=2

jeffsf said:
The "problem" is that you want Froyo. You'll be stuck with basically three-year old tools. Froyo was incredibly painful to use, even compared with Gingerbread. There wasn't much of a demand to "go back to Froyo" once the stock Gingerbread upgrades hit people's phones. Edit -- Looks like there is a heimdall one-click for Froyo, thanks to @FBis251 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50931923&postcount=10
In my opinion, just go straight to stock Gingerbread. It shipped that way or OTA upgraded to it for most of the phone's life (until Apple sued Samsung and got it pulled from retail).
This is the thread you should be following for Gingerbread or later: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21953878&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you may have convinced me to upgrade directly to GB 2.6.3. Just a couple more questions and I'll be ready to take the plunge.
Will the upgrade lock my unlocked phone - back to T-Mobile? I'm on another carrier now. Other than that, I think I'm prepared.
I installed Supermanager and made a backup copy of the efs folder on my T959V, then copied it to the SD card and also to my PC. But, just when I decided to upgrade using Kies mini, I believe I found another contradiction.
In lumin’s guide, he says to do the following:
• - Download Kies mini if you do not already have it. When you follow this link you will see two tabs - 'Manuals' and 'Software ' - click [Software] and download.
• - Make sure your phone is charged.
• - Double check that USB Debugging is not enabled. Go to [Settings] > [Applications] > [Development] and UN-Check [USB debugging].
• - Start Kies mini on the computer.
• - Make sure phone is not connected to computer yet.
• - In USB Settings on my phone I select [Kies (Firmware update)] if it is not set to ask every time.
• - Plugged in phone, let device drivers install on computer. You will see a notification on your computer when complete.
• - Then Kies mini will recognize the phone.
• - Hit [upgrade] and wait.
• - Phone will eventually reboot. Check your IMEI.
I interpret that to mean – according to lumin’s guide - that USB debugging should NOT be enabled.
However, from the T-Mobile Support website, this link, http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1810 it says:
Prepare the Samsung Galaxy S 4G
1. From the Android home screen, press the Menu key and tap Settings.
2. Tap Applications.
3. Tap USB settings.
4. Tap Ask on connection.
5. Tap the Escape key once to go back to the Applications menu.
6. Tap Development.
7. Tap USB Debugging.
8. Tap the Home key to exit the settings menu.
9. Insert the USB data cable into the phone and then into an available port on the computer.
10. Select Samsung Kies at the phone prompt. The PC should recognize several devices and begin installation. This is normal and may take a few minutes. Unplug the data cable when completed.
I interpret that to mean – at least according to T-Mobile Support for the T959V - that USB debugging SHOULD be enabled.
So, which is correc: enable or disable USB debugging modet? Do I need a remedial reading course? Or, is lumin saying the same thing as T-Mobile, but in a different order? After reviewing both sets of instructions several times, this is what I think is the situation. Lumin first turns off USB debugging and instead of selecting Ask on connect for basic USB settings, he then selects the Kies firmware update option. However, T-Mobile Support instructs the user to select the Ask on connection option, first, followed by ENABLING the USB debugging function.
Does that mean either method works, just getting from point A to point B by taking different paths?

OK, heimdall will basically reset your phone to stock if you mess up.
Once a phone is carrier unlocked, it is carried unlocked (unless you restore a pre-unlock efs, which isn't something that is likely to happen inadvertently).
That said, you either should try something or decide that you are too risk-adverse for flashing and especially rooting a phone.
Again, heimdall one-click is probably the most robust way to get there
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Posted from whatever phone booted today

Decided to follow the instructions in lumin's guide to do the GB upgrade - rather than the ones from T-Mobile Support. It worked like a charm. All is well for now. Will check everything for a few days before rooting and removing bloatware. Thanks again to all for advice, recommendations, links, and guidance.

Glad you're able to enjoy an upgraded phone!
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Posted from whatever phone booted today

sveris said:
Decided to follow the instructions in lumin's guide to do the GB upgrade - rather than the ones from T-Mobile Support. It worked like a charm. All is well for now. Will check everything for a few days before rooting and removing bloatware. Thanks again to all for advice, recommendations, links, and guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you'd like to debloat your phone, I made a site that lets you download a zip file that will do the debloating for you. All you need to do is pick which apps you'd like removed, then flash the zip.
http://teamacid.sourceforge.net/debloater/
Enjoy!
PS: You'll need a custom kernel and recovery to flash the zip.

I'll keep that in mind. Still want to check out everything for a few days, since I've noticed a few minor differences after the upgrade.
I just made another backup copy of the efs folder, and noticed something I did not expect. The copy I made when the phone was on Froyo looks empty, while the one for GB 2.6.3 is definitely not empty.
Froyo efs - 0 files - folders
GB 2.6.3 efs - updated file system plus 3 folders - root, .android, and imei
Did I do something wrong the first time I backed up the efs folder while running Froyo? Does it matter, now that the phone is running GB 2.6.3?