[Q] complete noob.please someone help me - Verizon Droid Charge

i have no idea what im doing no matter how many videos i watch and comments and forum answers.i would love nothing more than to root my samsung droid charge and im sure many users out there had to go through this painful undertaking at some point.i dont know where to begin with roms nor what to download and where to get it from or if its even right.but im so tired of watching all these pointless verizon apps and other crap lingering and running in the background of my device.please.....sumone help me.i want to learn very badly.ive seen everything from titanium backup to and certain roms but dont quite understand it all.can and will someone kindly guide me?

First off download Odin then download an Odin based rom and cwm recovery . Run Odin flashing the rom, run it once more flashing recovery and go on the market and get super user and that's it all rooted. That easy
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

Well I came from Blackberry where I learned and the best way is just read the sticky's ask some basic questions and go from there. Search the development section and read about each rom and its base. Gingerbread being the newest.
Some come with everything you need to flash your phone which makes it east while others require you to download some programs and install. Learn the basics about your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1172904
How to restore your phone to stock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1111486
How to flash Roms
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1160580
After you decide on the Rom you want and flash you may want to add a theme which each is different in what they change. Some just color , some icons, etc..
Just take your time to take it all in and read then ask question in the correct forum as you go. Jump right in as I did and have never bricked my phone and have always been able to recover or go back to stock. I know I pointed you basically to things you could have found yourself but thats what it is about. Read jump in and get your phone the way you want.
So kinda to make it simple download the basic drivers needed to access your phone.
A. Make sure you know how to get back to stock.
B. How to flash rom in Development section which will have all drivers needed to install for your phone.
B. Pick a Rom
C. Then later on maybe pick a them or read about more advanced stuff such as scripts or changing certain files. Blackberry used .cod if I remember and android uses .apk for programs.
Im still learning myself but thought I would atleast answer your post.

Related

Rooting, Flashing, Backing up And Installing New Boot Loader

Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks
i'm new to all of this too but ill try to answer some questions. Although, I think this thread should NOT be in development and should be in general. I personally have read through a lot of threads to get the answers that I was seeking for.
As far as backup goes, I think its possible through Odin via dump option? don't quote me on that, I have not had to do that before, nor have I read up on it. bootloader as far as i see, i did not need it.
there is a thread in here with virgin rom request, LOOK for it.
There is NO compiled list of apps that you can or cannot delete, but if you read, there is a dl for BLOATWARE, use that as a template to what you want deleted.
Right now, ODIN is the only way that you can flash your phone, and use the two roms listed in this development thread.
From what i read a deodexed rom just helps with file system and structure. I think?
you will always be able to go back to stock, if you have the virgin rom.
Imo, you should read up/skim through every thread in here to see what is available, problems people are having and the fixes for them. I know there is alot of information in here and it maybe overwhelming, but there were 172 views of this thread without any replies because us noobs need to READ/SEARCH. Thats the answers we'll get if we continue to make new threads. Just fyi if your new to forums.
Moved as not android development.
As newbie you should first read and use search
then if you dont see question you want, you just ask it
And about Roms , well i tried that deox v2.2 and didnt like it , switched to stock with removed bloat and love it more but thats for different thread
Well thanks for you answers and I do apologize for posting this here. I didn't know. I think i will go with what you have done. Stock ROM without bloatware. Did you flash the Stock ROM from this forum? or did you just deleted the apps one by one?
I will do the fota fix as well.
moshe22 said:
Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.
ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Really helpful. I will read into these threads and probably will wait for the clockwork to work for SGS4G.
I really don't see the advantage of flashing to Deodexed. Maybe i'm missing something?

Im new to all of this :-(

hello everyone
im in need of help of installing a new rom on my mytouch 3g 32b. im trying to install the ginger yoshi rom properly however i don't know were to start. Im pretty much lost in what is the first step to install this rom. no i don't have the phone "rooted" in fact what is this rooting mean anyways? the radio and SPL are up-to-date, can someone help me get start in this? thanks
1st root the phone that is get access to the phone's system files
2nd install custom recovery
3rd download rom file
4th flash zip from the option of custom recovery
DONT DO IT IF U WANT TO USE UR PHONE FOR SOMETIME!!! COZ AFTER USING A ROM PEOPLE FACE LOT OF PROBLEMS.. OR PROBABLY BRICK UR PHONE, IN WHICH ITS BETTER TO THROW UR PHONE OUT THE WINDOW INSTEAD OF TAKING IT TO THE VENDOR COZ U WILL VOID THE TOTAL WARRANTY.. TRY AT UR OWN RISK!
try checking other topics or search within this website. i bet you'll find answers to those questions you are looking for right now.
zeemar007 said:
DONT DO IT IF U WANT TO USE UR PHONE FOR SOMETIME!!! COZ AFTER USING A ROM PEOPLE FACE LOT OF PROBLEMS.. OR PROBABLY BRICK UR PHONE, IN WHICH ITS BETTER TO THROW UR PHONE OUT THE WINDOW INSTEAD OF TAKING IT TO THE VENDOR COZ U WILL VOID THE TOTAL WARRANTY.. TRY AT UR OWN RISK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, not to be rude, but this is way off. The ALL CAPS really helps though.
Rooting my phone took only a few minutes. Backing up my current rom + flashing a new one = 15 minutes, tops. Plus, I couldn't imagine being back on the stock rom. My phone runs smoother, looks better, and does more than it could out of the box.
That being said, I'm not familiar with your phone, so the rooting process could be more difficult & lengthy. There are automatic root apps, but there are manual methods as well. Auto-root methods take less time & work, but when something goes wrong, it can be difficult to troubleshoot as you're not fully aware of what's happening. Manual methods require more work, and when something goes wrong there are more solutions because you're fully aware of the state of your phone. Another plus to doing it manually - you learn something.
For the record, rooting your phone is technically gaining access to system files. This includes the apps that come preinstalled, the framework, the entire operating system. There are many benefits to rooting, however you do void your warranty. You can return your phone to it's stock, non-rooted state if you need to take it in.
Before doing anything, I would read as much as possible. Read the stickies in the forum related to your phone, read any noob guides you can find, and be certain you know what you're doing before you do it. Also know why you're rooting - don't just do it because it's something that seems "cool".
Once you've read & found a method you're comfortable with, go ahead and root. Be sure to do a backup in recovery, and if you want to save your apps + data, back that up with Titanium Backup. Then download and flash the rom in recovery.
If you need anything else or have any questions (be sure to read first!) ask here or send me a pm & I'll be glad to help out.
Good luck!

[Q] Need Noob Help Samsung Galaxy S2 skyrocket Android ATT

I am a noob I don't even know what to call my phone shezz. Alright I am going to keep this simple. I am very very new to this smart phone thing. I have never had one. I know computers very well and have lots of exp with them but none with a smart phone. I have had a lot of trouble getting the right info on my phone. I have read a bit about everything but some things apply to my phone some to others some don't make sense. So some basic stuff.
I tried to flash my phone using odin. I did it right but it didn't seem to work. I installed super user, and I clockwork. My questions are this.
Is it possible I changed system systems on my phone when I flashed it. I put superuser on it, and box system and clockwork and I tried using odin (I might have) im not sure. I don't know if I changed the rom.
Why changed the rom? Like... my phone has all the programs on it I want and it looks and feels how I want. I have changed it a lot before I rooted it. So whats the point of a new rom which im not sure if I have or not? What else can I change with flashing? I tried installing some stuff I just don't know if I did.
I can change the rom for sure I Know but what else? Kernal? The built?
At this point should I clean the phone wipe it? Then reinstall my apps? I heard when flashing the rom you wipe the storage so do I need to do this?
Also I am using 1.2gigs of system memory then there is usb storage then sd storage then external sd storage. This confuses me? Did I break my phone arr.
I don't get how moving apps to the SD card helps? I tried but the Sd card is still blank. Am I confusing the things? I do have a extra sd card in it.
OK. What I want is speed better wifi these things. So Should I flash my rom? is there a good stable rom for my phone? What else is worth changing? I don't mind doing it I just need make sure I can get all my apps back and that I do it right.
OK last questions. If I change my mind and don't want a rooted phone can I put it back easy? I have read how to unroot but can't I just reinstall factory defaults or is that not a option to unroot it? I have backed up deleted back up deleted and so forth I really just want to stream line everything get the best programs for rooting, rom, backup, accces, yada yada. I tried looking in forums but I get such mixed info and random posts I don't understand.
So again.
Please feel free to link good threads or forums with the info I need. I am so lost right now.
I don't mind rooting my phone but I want to do it right for the best results. Please help me do that.
I want to make sure if I don't decide to flash it with new rom or whatever that I can just undo everything go back to the orignal phone and just take more care installing my apps again to not get to much crap that I know is slowing it down.
I also want info on getting rid of bloatware I don't need.
PLEASE HELP GOD!! I just want to do this right I feel like I overclocked my cpu but I have to low of ram and its overheating. I feel just like I have this great possible thing in front of me and im messing it up.
Thank you. Basic info.
Want to clean flash it get it going kick ass. Help me!
xxsicknessxx said:
Alright I am going to keep this simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And yet you post a book's worth of reading.
I'll try to read it all when my attention span is behaving properly. Usually after I eat a full meal.
xxsicknessxx said:
I am a noob I don't even know what to call my phone shezz. Alright I am going to keep this simple. I am very very new to this smart phone thing. I have never had one. I know computers very well and have lots of exp with them but none with a smart phone. I have had a lot of trouble getting the right info on my phone. I have read a bit about everything but some things apply to my phone some to others some don't make sense. So some basic stuff.
I tried to flash my phone using odin. I did it right but it didn't seem to work. I installed super user, and I clockwork. My questions are this.
Is it possible I changed system systems on my phone when I flashed it. I put superuser on it, and box system and clockwork and I tried using odin (I might have) im not sure. I don't know if I changed the rom.
Why changed the rom? Like... my phone has all the programs on it I want and it looks and feels how I want. I have changed it a lot before I rooted it. So whats the point of a new rom which im not sure if I have or not? What else can I change with flashing? I tried installing some stuff I just don't know if I did.
I can change the rom for sure I Know but what else? Kernal? The built?
At this point should I clean the phone wipe it? Then reinstall my apps? I heard when flashing the rom you wipe the storage so do I need to do this?
Also I am using 1.2gigs of system memory then there is usb storage then sd storage then external sd storage. This confuses me? Did I break my phone arr.
I don't get how moving apps to the SD card helps? I tried but the Sd card is still blank. Am I confusing the things? I do have a extra sd card in it.
OK. What I want is speed better wifi these things. So Should I flash my rom? is there a good stable rom for my phone? What else is worth changing? I don't mind doing it I just need make sure I can get all my apps back and that I do it right.
OK last questions. If I change my mind and don't want a rooted phone can I put it back easy? I have read how to unroot but can't I just reinstall factory defaults or is that not a option to unroot it? I have backed up deleted back up deleted and so forth I really just want to stream line everything get the best programs for rooting, rom, backup, accces, yada yada. I tried looking in forums but I get such mixed info and random posts I don't understand.
So again.
Please feel free to link good threads or forums with the info I need. I am so lost right now.
I don't mind rooting my phone but I want to do it right for the best results. Please help me do that.
I want to make sure if I don't decide to flash it with new rom or whatever that I can just undo everything go back to the orignal phone and just take more care installing my apps again to not get to much crap that I know is slowing it down.
I also want info on getting rid of bloatware I don't need.
PLEASE HELP GOD!! I just want to do this right I feel like I overclocked my cpu but I have to low of ram and its overheating. I feel just like I have this great possible thing in front of me and im messing it up.
Thank you. Basic info.
Want to clean flash it get it going kick ass. Help me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL to much to read will have to take a.d.d. meds first which I don't know n e one with any so....it wont happen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Have you ever flashed a rom? Or overclocked before?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
you didnt keep that simple AT ALL.
why do you think you need to do anything at all if you have no idea what it is you are even talking about?
leave it stock. keep reading. dont do anything to change your phone/rom until you UNDERSTAND that you are not playing with a childs toy.
if you dont know what anything is called, and you dont know if you actually rooted or not, or flashed a rom or not, PROVES you have no business doing anything yet.
SLOW DOWN AND READ. LEARN and stop trying to jump into whatever video or tutorial you find on the internet.
I have overclocked my computers before ,water cooled, flashed bios. yad yada..
First smart phone. ever. My last phone was 20 bucks and I tossed it when I was done. that was 5 years ago. I am just getting into smart phones.
Really what I want is this.
I want a streamlined phone minus the stuff I don't need. To increase my bat. life. increase my productivity, increase my wifi if possible in crease my speed. More bank for my buck. But not knowing much about smart phones I would rather just do as little as possible and then not touch it again. Like flash it (whatever that entails) with a new rom then push the optimize button then be happy. Get what I mean? I Don't mind overclocking but I want this thing stable. I would rather it be last fast then have to tweak it every few days ok? Is there a rom with tweaks already installed? Do I have to format my phone first?
I have clockwork, busybox, superuser.
For sure I rooted my phone for sure I have clockwork installed. I rooted it.
Now what? I like messing with programs and such and themes and stuff but I don't want to tweak it a lot. I want it to be tweaked. get it?
Any info by great. A website with a stable tweaked rom. a link to a how to on how to install that rom. and just be kind. I don't know smart phones. Thank you so much for any help. Sorry I know it wasn't simple. Because I want only a basic thing. A faster phone. But I have tons of questions. Thanks.
Also be nice to know what I did to it already? I mean could I of changed to rom on accident? I used odin? I don't know what that is but I follwed the directions but it didn't root after I followed the instuctions so I turned to clockwork and then it worked. I was following rooting websites one made me think I have a new rom. But i never flashed it. thanks for the info.
If you did anything your on stock rooted rom. You would know if you flashd a rom u cant accidently or unknowingly flash a rom. Cwm is for flashing roms you download a rom put the zip on your sd card boot into cwm wipe data and cache and install zip from sd card. If u download a rom not intended for your phone say goodbye to your phone. You sound in a big hurry to flash flash flash. But i do not think u realize how very easy it is to break you phone doing this. Read read read read read read trust everyone telling you this read what rooting is what roms are what kernel's are and read how too root how to install roms and the differencrs op's have in there roms as to which wil best suit your needs. Do yourself a big favor dont flash or attempt to until u have done a good deal of reading up. If u dont think this is the case browse around on xda and look how many please help? Brickd my phone? Please help tried to root and...... threads you find
---------- Post added at 11:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 PM ----------
Having said that if you still wish too preceed go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1383 it is where the roms for ournphone are posted.....
And if u run into issues go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1342348
Its how to reaturn to stock and fix a soft brick. I would bookmark this link because it can solve almost all problems you may possibly have aside from a physical hardware failure
This is why i don't root other people phones anymore. If you dont know what it is and what its for then you don't need it. I no longer root friends because it turns me into there own personal tech support. READ SOME FREAKEN FORUMS FOR GOD SAKES!
Amen to that. I have rooted 3 of my girlfriends phones and my old roomates and i had to constantly fix there phones for them after they soft brickd them
your right after reading a lot more Im not ready to flash. I got some questions readings are not answering for me.
I have the firmware gingerbread I believe. and its uckj2 ver kernil 2.6.35.11
does the gingerbread uckj2 mean anything? I don't get the updating you don't have to format. Because I hate the idea of getting my apps back unless I can just use TIT recover once I get my new rom.
I know im going to do this but one more question. When they release a new system on my phone how do I update? Or do I not.
I just.. want to get this right. I know your right. I just... don't get how I find the right rom for my phone. right ver. right kernl. right firmware.
I also don't get why I have to clean my phone first. And how to make sure I can just get my apps right back.
What about all my settings? and my programs to GO launcher and stuff. I got my phone all nifty and pretty but I Really really really want to start with a fresh rom I would feel better. I want to do this . thanks
tommynosedigger said:
This is why i don't root other people phones anymore. If you dont know what it is and what its for then you don't need it. I no longer root friends because it turns me into there own personal tech support. READ SOME FREAKEN FORUMS FOR GOD SAKES!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm you got 3 posts.... I don't think im going to take any of your advise. I bet you don't root your friends phone because you have know friends. Just my guess. What was the point of posting that? I clearly posted that I am reading forums. I just am having trouble getting to the info I need to read in the 100's of phone forums out there. Its confusing me with ver. kernal. Operating system, apps, firmware, built, just little words that I don't know where they fit in on the smart phone. There are a lot of abbreviation.
Anyways. Thanks for the helpful posts. Like I said I know a lot about computers im good with them but I have never had anything like a smart phone in my life. Its so new. Even though I have caught on very fast and already managed to root my phone in about 15min of searching. Im just confused about really the words. I don't understand a lot of the short hand im seeing in these forums. So its hard understand 100percent whats being said. Anyways.. Again thanks for trying to help.
that was uncalled for, saying he had no friends. however rude you think it was, its called brutal honesty.
you seem so hellbent on 'making your phone cool' (which by the way, is NOT the intent of this website), that you seem to be foregoing the basic rule of LEARNING. i understand that all this is new terminology to you, so i implore you, to STOP. stick to XDA forums and go through the basics of LEARNING what everything is.
we all started out as noobs, and we all had to go through the paces of LEARNING what everything meant. Nobody here came to the website already knowing everything there is to know, and all the info you need is already in the forums. stop asking for a handholding session and teach yourself something worthwhile. if you dont have time for it, then you have no business hacking on your phone.
heres some basics for you:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1093062
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1343619
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13109282#post13109282
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1282679
stick to the galaxy s2 skyrocket forums mostly and you will find a lot of the info you need regarding YOUR phone. dont go wandering off looking at roms for another phone, even if its the regular galaxy s2.
EDIT:
i think this post sums up XDA in a nutshell:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2031989&postcount=45
Ok for starters here is the easiest way to root http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=13407
Next i would suggest go on android market and download the app.called.rom manager
Install rom manager
Open rom manager and grant it super user permission choose to install cwm recovery for the tmobile galaxy s2 ( yes you have an att phone but just do that it works its the same phone)
Now u have a rooted stock rom with cwm recovery.
For now i woukd just run that until developer support picks up and more roms are developed
Download an app on the android market called titanium back up
Open it grant super user permission.. click menu then batch then find back up all user apps. Now u have all your apps backd up. When u find a rom u like . Download it place it on you sd card. Open rom manager choose install rom from sd card. Check wipe data and wipe cache.
It will reboot into cwm and install the rom for you. When finished choose reboot system now. The volume up and volume down keys is how u change your selection in cwm. The power key is like enter/select.
After your rebooted on the new rom get on the android market download titanium back up and open it click menu batch restore your apps.
This is just suming up alot of what u need to know to flash roms and restore apps. Which u will learn by reading
Once you understand those basics then its time to start flashing and make sure u have odin and the .tar file u need handy. Because restoring apps with system data can cause force closes. I just restore apps not data. And you will at some point soft brick your phone or have a failure that u need odin to save u. Its happend to all of us
You can also make a backup in cwm incase of a bad flash its called a nandroid back up.
I have all the basic programs needed including odin. I understand the risks for sure. A soft brick is? hmm. I backed up my files already however I dons't know if there on the exSD card. I see USB memory, Sd memory, and ex Sd memory and that in its self is confusing me. I will be upset if I backed up my files with Titanium back up and it put it on the part of the phone that will be flashed clean lol.
Guess im not nice *shrug* I don't need sarcastic answers. I asked for help. I admit I am a noob at this. I expect a little slack if im acting anxious to get into this. I tend to like to understand things right away and to get things perfect. I don't like my phone being clumsy. Like I said to make it clear I want to control my phone and stream line it to the way I will be using it. Sorry if I sounded noob in how I worded this at first.
Some good info and good links. I am reading. I guess I was hoping for some basic info so I would understand what im reading a bit better. The terminology is confusing me. Thank you for the help.
I am taking my time, I am reading as much as I can. Its just ..... taking me awhile to get everything strait. Need cliff notes or something for this.
Im not rushing to brick my phone. I have burnt cpus before overclocking and understand the need to know what your doing. I just am impatient.
Thanks again for the +helpful posts. I appreciate it.
I think the problem is that you've come here looking for the easy way out, the 'quick fix' and there isn't one. These people aren't telling you to read the forums just because they don't feel like helping you. They are telling you to read because they can't help you until you do. While your questions in your opening post may seem simple to you, they would likely require half a book to explain if you have no foundation to work from.
If you're having trouble with terminology, google terms you don't understand. The best piece of advice I can give you is DON'T RUSH. It's the surest way to screw up your phone and likely turn you off of android altogether.
thank you. I understand
THANK YOU. There is a galaxy s2 and a galaxy skyrocket s2
DOH! I thought s2 was skyrocket2 no wonder Im having issues. Im reading info on two phones. Dang. That helps so muchhhhhh.
Thank you lol I do need to do some research.
I should of read your links before I posted my question. (sorry)
I will do my best to understand what im even asking next time.
Thank you.
See you later when I have done a bit more research.
Must clean the noob off *scrubs*
Sorry for any rudeness

Followed video tut for rooting, now i'm lost. What's a ROM, and where do I start?

Hello, XDA! and, even though we haven't met yet, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE STUFF ON MY PHONE!!!!!! This is my first, and dreaded post.
I'm new to smartphones. My first was an iSUCK 3g. Now, I have the SGS4G! I'm totally new to this wprld, and every day, I'm being blown away by something new. Anyways, I have read two guides on this site already, but I'm still suffering from a little confusion. I think my problem comes from when I first rooted my phone. I was in a hurry to root it, because I needed to unlock the carrier permissions, so I could use my ATT sim. I hadn't found this site yet, sadly. I had tried a few things, to no avail, until I came across a you-tube video with some kid showing me how it's done, and other littler kids screaming in the background. Following the video step, by step, got it done, but he failed to go over, and explain what we were actually doing. Now, I don't know what ROM I have, or what kernel. It's not a big issue, because this phone now totally blows me away, especially the launchers.
I really enjoy this phone over the iSucks, becuase I like computers, and I'm more tech savvy than most. Perhaps that's where more of my confusion comes from... the terminology. So, on to the issue:
My RAM seems to run unusually high! with the GOtskmanager, it's always clocking between %72 - %79. I got RAM Manager Pro, which sometimes brings me down to %65 - %69, but it usually doesn't last long. I think I have it nailed down. I think it comes from certain apps that seem to run themselves. I have auto sync off, and I've DONE MY RESEARCH (some of which, I've yet to comprehend) I know not to use a task killer to routinely kill apps, and I know how the OS works, and allocates its RAM. So, I won't even worry about it if someone says these levels are normal.
Any tips on what I should do with my new phone? I saw a video that I can't find again, where this guy had his homescreen set up in such away, that the apps made this 3d cube of tiny boxes (apps) that moved like a rubik's cube. HOW DO I DO THAT!? It's not in any of the launchers I've tried. Anyways, thank you once again, XDA, you guys are awesome. I'm just a newb. Thank you to the users who made the guides!!
Ram is at 84% right now, NOT DOING ANYTHING!
Look at my guide that i have linked in my sig and read through the second post to find a custom rom that you like (i suggest Valhalla Black) and my guide tells you how to flash it. If you have questions, feel free to ask in the guide thread or pm me
And I believe the 3d cubes are part of SPB Shell launcher
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium
Thank you Julz! I have read your guide thoroughly. I know to search, and research before asking questions. Like I said, I'm just slightly still confused. Did I not put a custom ROM on my phone when I rooted it?
Do I have to factory restore, or uninstall the current ROM in some way before getting another?
Also, I think I fixed the RAM issue. What is normal levels for my device? I can't find normal RAM levels listed anywhere on the net for my device.
Read the first link in my signature as an addition to Juls' guide. After rooting GB you need a custom kernel. Look for SGS Kernel Flasher in either guide to take your next step.
I think you should research more. But to help you a bit...
How you rooted your phone? You know about ClockWorkMod Recovery? Know about Odin or Heimdall?
Also, there is a section in Setting that tells a lot of your phone that is called About Phone.
chris31jct said:
I think you should research more. But to help you a bit...
How you rooted your phone? You know about ClockWorkMod Recovery? Know about Odin or Heimdall?
Also, there is a section in Setting that tells a lot of your phone that is called About Phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware: 2.3.6
Baseband: TE59VUVKJ6
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-sms-kj6-vo.1.0+
Build: GINGERBREAD.VUVKJ6
I used Heimdall to do this, as per the video guide I followed. I just downloaded Odin, for future tasks. I love the Norse theme to this stuff, I know the Eddas practically by heart, as well as the elder Futhark, and actual history of the ancient Scandanavian Vikings.
Be sure to keep your ODIN and Heimdall ports seperate. You can get by with CWM for custom ROM's now except to recover or clean your phone up. Read the Gremlin Remover thread to consider using after a custom ROM flash or two. Your other option is KJ6 Heimdall One-Click.
lumin30 said:
Be sure to keep your ODIN and Heimdall ports seperate. You can get by with CWM for custom ROM's now except to recover or clean your phone up. Read the Gremlin Remover thread to consider using after a custom ROM flash or two. Your other option is KJ6 Heimdall One-Click.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the tip. Advice heeded! Now, do you know anything about my ram? Why my Go Task mnger is always reading that my RAM is almost always above 70% used?
Read the guide I mentioned above. Get on a custom ROM. Then look at RAM. You are on stock bloated ROM at the moment.
lumin30 said:
Read the guide I mentioned above. Get on a custom ROM. Then look at RAM. You are on stock bloated ROM at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read the guides, the only thing I don't understand about that process, is that, will I need to set up all my apps again, am I starting my phone from scratch? Which ROM would you personally suggest?
When I'm using a custom ROM, am I restricted in any way? Can I still use the market?
Did you read the guide in the first link in my signature as suggested above?
It is best to start fresh when flashing a new ROM. A lot of apps have back up features within the app for settings and such (i.e. GoLauncher).
I recommend Valhalla Black. But all the 2.3.6 ROM's are great.
No restrictions. Except maybe watching movies in the market on rooted devices.
lumin30 said:
Did you read the guide in the first link in my signature as suggested above?
It is best to start fresh when flashing a new ROM. A lot of apps have back up features within the app for settings and such (i.e. GoLauncher).
I recommend Valhalla Black. But all the 2.3.6 ROM's are great.
No restrictions. Except maybe watching movies in the market on rooted devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't read that guide, becuase I'm not on Froyo
Read it.
One more thing. You say start from scratch... Factory Reset? So I will need to root again? Also, I had to unlock the phone to use with ATT. Will I have to do that again?
I mean with your apps. Factory reset won't unroot you. It isn't a bad idea to do a factory reset between flashings as a precautionary measure.
You shouldn't have to unlock again either.
Wodensman said:
Also, I had to unlock the phone to use with ATT. Will I have to do that again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on ATT as well and flash my phone all the time. I've never lost the unlock.
My brother, thank you so very much for the info! I have been reading the guide you mentioned, and now I know why. 2 guides in there! I can't thank you enough, I've hit thanks on all your replies here, because little by little, you're really helping my understanding of it all. It must be frustrating trying to help people like myself! Thanks for trying to push this stuff through my thick head! However, I've encountered another problem, following your guide:
Trying to back up my efs folder, using Astro File Manager... says it cannot do it! I guess this means I need something that requests superuser permissions?
Any program you would recommend? or can I just do it manually with my computer, like save it on my comp or something?
I recommend starting where it talks about SGS Kernel Flasher. Then once you have the custom kernel with CWM - do and nandroid back up and save the nandroid back up on your computer for safe keeping. That will have your efs folder within it. And I recommended Super Manager
And flash this kernel -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25115050&postcount=1
I guess the kernel I have, doesn't have CWM. So, if I flash a new one, do I need to delete the one I have first or anything? Or just go about flashing a new one, like I never did one in the first place? I can try to find the video guide I followed if you think it will help.

[complete guide to rooting/flashing your zte engage]

---------- I have personally done this on my ZTE ENGAGE V8000 ---------
--------------------- IT IS ALSO A LOT EASIER THAN YOU THINK ---------------------
Now let's just start this out by saying that there are A LOT of resources for all the information you would ever need to root your device, and where to go from there... But, as I am sure you are finding out, EVERY phone has to be treated differently, and there is no -1-way-is-THE-way-for-every-phone scenario. ESPECIALLY for the wonderful ZTE ENGAGE v8000. So this is just how i made it happen on my phone, starting from knowing absolutely NOTHING about rooting, to having it done and finished now and working FANTABULOUSLY. I went through a lot of headaches trying to figure this out and read and read for DAYS, ruling out non-credible sources like that link that always pops up 'SUPER EASY ROOT FOR ENGAGE v8000' blah blah, i read that that method had bricked all kinds of phones, so i decided to stray away from all that nonsense and talked to different people and am compiling all of that info into this one post. HOPEFULLY it makes it easier for you. Your use of anything here is done at your own risk. I nor anyone else is responsible for your phone. And rooting your phone will void your warranty. Having, said that and gotten it out of the way here are the steps you will need to take:
BASIC INFO LINKS (that i found helpful starting out as a NOOBY NOOB! haha):
Now just an FYI, this way DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR PHONE TO ALREADY BE ROOTED, but you can always go that route if you'd like but dont ask me how haha.. i've included some links below for your benefit though...
Rooting and Roms Explained
Lifehacker How-to Flash/ROMs
Custom ROMs Info
Re-done EASY Root Method for ZTE Engage
Tips to Not Brick Engage
ZTE Engage Roms
GOOGLE SEARCH
How to Root ZTE ENGAGE
SEARCH AND READ THE HELL OUT OF XDA DEVELOPERS
anyway, the list goes on and on... you get the point. I will also include links in each section that is necessary.
Now don't get overwhelmed... once we start this thing, and you being doing it, it is a piece of CAKE, really...
****REQUIREMENTS****
Cricket ZTE Engage V8000
(this is NOT for the Engage LT N8000)
The only other requirement is you can boot your phone into recovery.
Yes this can be installed in stock recovery.
No you don't need to be rooted.
BE PREPARED FOR A LONG JOURNEY, this will take time.
****READ THROUGH THIS AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE YOU DO IT****
**WARNING**
This rom will wipe all data upon install so make sure you have a backup or don't care if data is lost
Also, this will most likely VOID your warranty, continue at your own risk
There is a RISK of 'bricking' your phone, as with ANY rom, but is HIGHLY UNLIKELY
STEP 1​
BACKUP EVERYTHING on your phone, send contacts to SD card, PICTURES, Any text messages you need to keep, Documents, GAME SAVES, make a list of ALL the apps you have installed (or back them up using your own method of choice), Be prepared for your phone to be SET BACK TO FACTORY DEFAULT meaning *****EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ERASED*****. so back up whatever you want to keep and/or think you want to keep. Now I am a perfectionist, so i made 2 Backups, this was my PRE backup-backup. haha. If you are fine with just trusting that the CWM backup will keep everything then wait til later when you will do an entire phone backup in case anything goes wrong, and also to prevent bricking using CWM, or any other backup app of your choice. I literally just copied EVERY file from my phone to a folder on my computer AND did a phone backup.
I used an app called MY BACKUP (get it from PLAY STORE) because it allowed me to backup NON-ROOTED, so i could backup BEFORE i wipe my phone, which will make this a lot easier for me in the long run.
Guide to Backing up/Restoring
LOOK AROUND and figure out what ROOT apps you would like to have on your phone. Make a list so you know what you want BEFORE you erase/Backup your phone, or download them and put them on SD card, so you will have them afterwards. im referring to apps like ROM Toolbox, My Backup, NANDroid Backup, Titanium Backup, ROM Manager, GooManager, some sort of ANTI-VIRUS, SETCPU, etc...
30 Best Apps for ROOTed Devices
----- check and double check you have saved everything, there is no going back once you've started -----​
STEP 2​
DOWNLOAD CWM [Clockwork Mod](for your specific device, this guide is for the ZTE ENGAGE V8000 SPECIFICALLY)The following link brings you to the main thread which has more information, INSTRUCTIONS and a Q&A posting... feel free to READ EVERYTHING, its better to know too much in this subject than too little. Now you want to get the Unofficial_CWM-v6.0.3.3-V.zip because the official is just the image, not a zip and you need zip to install and the stock one is just if you later decide you dont like whatever you have done and want your phone to go back FACTORY DEFAULT. Like, if you dont like the new ROM on your phone and want your old normal -android- OS (4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) back. The difference of those confused me at first. Now, do not skip ahead, this part is for DOWNLOAD only, do not attempt to install yet!!
CWM & Stock Recovery Thread: Download and Instructions
More Information and Instructions for ClockwordMod Recovery
*Save .zip for later
ALSO DOWNLOAD the Stock ROM, just in case you want it later, if you dont like the ROM we're gonna install on your device, you have this incase you want to go back to the stock settings. Now, do not skip ahead, this part is for DOWNLOAD only, do not attempt to install yet!!
CWM & Stock Recovery Thread, Download and Instructions
*Save .zip for later
Download S420 ROM. This is going to be the ROOT ROM. It's the main custom rom that we are installing on the phone, the one that will REPLACE the ICE CREAM SANDWICH ANDROID OS and VOID your warranty. It is still based off of Ice Cream Sandwich 4.04 or whatever, because ZTE has not (and probably will not) release an update for their devices to go to jelly bean, or any higher. (kitkat, etc). SORRY GUYS, we're stuck with ICS. Now, do not skip ahead, this part is for DOWNLOAD only, do not attempt to install yet!!
S420 ROM Thread: Download and Instructions
*Save .zip for later.
Copy downloaded files to SD card "Computer > Removable disk > ______ "
we are only using CWM right now, save others on SDCARD for later use
Now, BEGIN installation of the CWM .zip
INSTRUCTIONS: link, SAME AS ABOVE
STEP 3​
AFTER CWM is installed and working CORRECTLY: We need to do the PHONE BACKUP. You have a few options here, you can either GO INTO CWM AND RESTORE IN THE RECOVERY MENU or Go to following link, and follow instructions: (IT HAS PICTURES)
Creating and Restoring NANDroid Backups using CWM
Other Options for Backup
Or you can just use the default backup tool provided by CWM, which is what I did.
------ Now that your ass is covered... we can continue ------​​
STEP 4​
Now, getting a ROM on your baby.... THERE is only ONE that i found for the ZTE ENGAGE, which, you guessed it, is also by senor Stedman420... what on earth would we engage users do without this guy? haa... NOTHIN that's what... He's got a ROM called S420 for our device, and as far as i can tell, it is the only one that is modded in any way. YOU DOWNLOADED THIS EARLIER.
Now, just follow his INSTRUCTIONS for installing
BOOM your done!!! Now just restore all your stuff and you are one rooted mofo.
*If you have any suggestions for improving this post, please comment below.
***CREDITS AND LOOOVE TO THE FOLLOWING***
ALL ROMS AND INSTRUCTIONS BY Stedman420 <3 and also a big thanks for answering my questions!
(seriously, if you need help don't be afraid to ask and make sure you say your thanks to him as well! )
BIG THANKS TO ALL THE ABOVE links and websites that helped me rap my mind around this
Khaoticking and Android Addict for helping me out and answering my questions.
Cricket Engage LT n8000
I have a Cricket Engage LT n8000 and need a custom ROM like CyanogenMod. I heard this is the number one custom ROM. What do you think I should do?
brassass said:
I have a Cricket Engage LT n8000 and need a custom ROM like CyanogenMod. I heard this is the number one custom ROM. What do you think I should do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, So with older phones its kinda tricky because, ultimately, it depends if anyone else has modded that ROM to work with your device... please DO NOT just install any ROM on your device it will most likely brick it or make it unusable. I havent had my ZTE engage for quite some time now so I am not sure as to what has been done since then, but this forum might help you http://androidforums.com/threads/roms-for-the-zte-engage-v8000-or-lt-n8000.722734/
My best suggestion would be to google the heck out of it and see if you can find someone who made CyanogenMod compatible with your ZTE Engage, but it might not be possible so you might have to use one of the ones in the forum i posted (the roms i posted in here will not work, but you can still take advantage of the help links i posted they will take you to VERY useful sites that might be able to answer your question)
Good luck and happy rooting!

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