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Hi, I am a relative newbie to ROM flashing and the like. Additionally I dont have a very deep computer knowledge base. I have rooted my Samsung Captivate and have flashed a ROM (which flashed properly, but didn't quite work). I have three questions about ROM usage and such:
1. I know kernels basically add aspects to the ROM you are running, but when should you flash these? How do you flash them (same process as with ROMs? do you just do it over-top of the Rom you currently have loaded? etc...)
2. If a newer version of the ROM you have running comes out, do you have to start over and completely wipe the device over again and do the whole process from start, or can you load a newer version of your current ROM over the one you have?
3. I have been hearing/reading about some problems with the Android Market disappearing on certain ROMs when the market updates, how can i avoid this/fix this?
Thanks. Sorry the basic/stupid questions.
1. Yes
2. There are WIPE versions and NO WIPE version. Usually you can use the NO WIPE version and keep everything. But sometimes if the roms are too different you get problems and errors, then it is recommended to flash a WIPE version.
3. Hm did not experience this yet, but there are fixes somewhere .
Whats up... No question is a stupid one buddy.... (Sometimes )
To answer your first question about kernels. Flashing kernels aren't a must. You don't have to flash them really, unless there is a need. Kernels for the most part can often change the way Android handles stuff like memory management, battery resources and even multitasking. They change (tweak) the way the Android OS itself interacts with the phones hardware. That's all a kernel is really. So read up on them before flashing them because each has their advantages and disadvantages. For example, the kernel I use gives me a good RAM boost and much better battery life but it suffers on the multitasking side and I have to do other stuff to compensate for that. That's how it is. As far as flashing them is concerned. That depends. Usually, you just flash them through recovery (Like a ROM) but I would suggest you follow the instructions they give you (if it exists).
Your second question is simple. Just follow the instructions they give you for installation. Some ROMS require a full wipe and others don't. It just depends on the ROM. When in doubt, follow the instructions (again if it exists).
Your third question is a weird one, I've never heard about that really. BUT.... Some ROMS may or may not include the GAPPS applications (Google Apps).
If the ROM you flash doesn't have Google Apps built in, it would literally be missing. You would have to flash it separately. Usually in those cases though, at the download location for that ROM, they would also provide links for GAPPS zip files to flash separately so you can have the option to go with Android Market, Gmail and such OR you can use an alternative. Short of that..... never heard of that issue before..... If the issue is happening after the Market app updates, in that case it might be some type of ROM issue, you'll probably have to somehow get the updated Vending.apk (Android Market) remove/backup the original and reinstall it manually (the way you would a regular apk). I'm guessing though....
Don't you just love research........
Thanks. And now, inevitably, answers lead to more questions.
With regards to kernels, how do I know which one's do what, are compatible with which ROMs etc. I feel like its the kinda thing that needs a giant database for them, but i know there isn't.
Also, is the process for flashing other .zip files the same (though either Rom manager or a built in Recovery option). For example, a bootanimation.zip?
Ultimately I hate the idea of asking overly simply questions, but I just don't know what I dont know, nor what is supposedly implied. Thanks.
Don't sweat it...... I'm in the same boat so I have no hangups....
I think I know what you mean when it comes to kernels. Ultimately, learning about kernels requires a lot of reading in many forums (Just like this one)... Why?.... Because in many instances the persons posting the kernels might not always give you an exact breakdown on exactly what it does..... so I understand. Your best bet would be scanning XDA. I've found all sorts of really excellent kernels lying around and the devs here love documentation so there is a good chance you'll know what it does...
You could also try DroidBasement: http://droidbasement.com/db-blog/
They actually have just what you wanted, a database....kind of. They have a very large variety of kernels for different devices so its a good place to start as well.
They also tend to do a breakdown of what each kernel is capable of, the device it should be used on and so on.
About flashing zip files. Generally speaking, most zip files are flashed through recovery but its not written in stone. Following the instructions concerning said zip files are always very important. Always look for instructions before you do so at least at first. In the case of bootanimation.zip.... They are not always flashable. But if it is flashable, you can flash it through recovery which would be the best method....
If you want though, you can replace the original bootanimation.zip file with the new one manually, once you have root and some type of root explorer (for example RootExplorer for Android).
Generally, the boot animation directory is usually, /System/Media so you can check to see if its there and if it is, just backup the original and replace it with the new one.... That should work... Always nandroid before doing so though.... before doing anything really....
Thanks. I actually had a question about nandroid but forgot. Basically, what is it. I realize contextually that it's a backup program and apparently works through the recovery menus. I read a ROM flashing step-by-step that mentioned it but couldnt figure out where to get it (not in the market unlike Ti-bu which i use currently).
Nandroid is a backup program that basically creates a flash image of your phone... If you've ever heard of "Ghosting" or "Imaging" a Hard Drive, its exactly the same thing.
Its really as good as it gets as far as data backup is concerned. Its also a low level backup, so even file structures would be recorded.. In other words, you can completely screw up your phone (file partitions everything!!!!) but once you can boot to recovery, your phone can be restored. That's why its so important because its your safety net....
Its not something that you can install like an apk, so its not in the market.
You would have to flash a custom recovery. If you have one already, it should be located in one of the menus (It changes depending on the type (brand) of recovery).
If you don't see the option in your recovery then its probably not custom and you're going to have to do some digging on these forums and maybe a bit of googling for instructions on exactly how to do so. Because it could change from device to device.
Nandroid also allows you to backup your sd-ext partition as well, so if you switch cards, you can restore to another card.... Its really incredibly handy and I wouldn't suggest you do anything until you can create nandroid backups....
Now, I'm having an interesting problem I posted this same thing in general Captivate forums but maybe someone who is looking at this/answering me knows. here's what i posted there:
have a Captivate that I recently flashed Di11i's 7.1.1 to, before that I had flashed my first ROM which was Serendipity 6.2. Both times I have found that I don't get incoming calls. People calling me get 2-3 rings, and then a traditional "busy signal" sound. On my end, either the phone vibrates once but the screen doesnt change from whatever screen I'm on. Or, The screen goes black like its going to the incoming call screen, but the black screens only flashes and goes away, as does a force close message box that goes away quickly without me clicking it.
Everything else on my phone works as far as I can tell, I've been running my current ROM for about 5 days without issues other than this one. This same exact problem also happened when I flashed Serendipity 6.2 (which I only kept for like a day because of this problem)
Ok....I currently use a G1 and most of my experience has been on HTC Devices. I'm not sure of how to reply to this as I have never really modded Samsung devices before. So I'm not really familiar with software and hardware differences (Like Bootloader, Recoveries, Radios and such). But based on what you're describing.... It sounds like a ROM or maybe a radio issue. Maybe its an issue with the phone app itself. If the app is somehow buggy then thats exactly what would happen. When the phone rings the phone app would try to run but then force close....
I'm guessing here, but it could also be a radio issue because you're getting a busy tone as well which is not good. Maybe the ROM requires a specific Radio version BEFORE its flashed.... Check the source of the download and determine if it requires a specific Radio version.
In my experience though, if the correct radio version isn't used for a ROM that requires it, the phone just won't boot..... but then again, I don't know what would happen on a Samsung Captivate.... Not sure if I can help on this one because I don't have any info on that type of hardware. I don't own one you see.....
What about if you found out a new kernel isn't as good as the old kernel, how would you go on to take away the new kernel to replace it with the old kernel? Is it the same process or even harder?
vlen22 said:
What about if you found out a new kernel isn't as good as the old kernel, how would you go on to take away the new kernel to replace it with the old kernel? Is it the same process or even harder?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NOW THIS IS ANNOYING..
u have to flash ur rom again..
but fortunately u dont need to do and wiping data or partitioning sd card.. jus flash rom..
Its not something that you can install like an apk, so its not in the market.
zeemar007 said:
NOW THIS IS ANNOYING..
u have to flash ur rom again..
but fortunately u dont need to do and wiping data or partitioning sd card.. jus flash rom..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rom kernel that I downloaded, or flashing clockwork recovery mod? Like adrenylyne's kernel for the thunderbolt.
EDIT: Never mind, I found out. I didn't mean any harm if MY POST was annoying.
If you have two kernels, in a flashable zip, you can just flash them over each other to exchange them (turn off any modification the kernel did befor though, like lagfix).
New question, I had an app (quick office) that came on my captivate. Now that I've flashed di11i's 7.1 I don't have it anymore. This is particularly peculiar because all the other native apps are still here:samsungs media player from example. How do I go about getting this missing app back on my phone. I have all the backup files on my computer so I should have the .apk (although I'm not entirely sure how to install those properly) thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
This is an extremely simple ROM modification to the standard Advent Vega 1.10 system image that only alters a couple of things. These are as follows:
/system partition size increased from 128mb to 155mb. (The reason for this will be explained below)
su and SuperUser.apk added - You can use root apps as standard now.
ClockworkMod Recovery built-in.
Added Pauls simple recovery reboot app to get into CWM recovery.
That's all! No google apps, nothing else, just these simple changes. This isn't intended to be used as an everyday ROM (although there is no reason why you couldn't).
The main reason for this, is to be used as ROM base for VegaComb (and any other ROM you wish to use). I have been struggling with the Vega's default partition sizes while trying to port Honeycomb, and rather than spending tons of time trying to make stuff way smaller than it was ever intended to be, this seems like the better option.
So, flash this in nVflash recovery mode (exactly the same as the stock 1.10 image) and off you go. Done. No need to do anything else. You can use this base with any ROM, the ONLY downside is that 30mb of storage has been re-allocated from /data to /system, which most people won't even notice.
ALL future versions of VegaComb will require that you use this modded system image as a base (as they will require more than 125mb of /system space). To return your partitions back to the way they were, just re-flash the stock 1.10 image from www.myadventvega.co.uk (this is the ONLY way to restore your partition sizes, restoring from a Nandroid backup will NOT change your partition sizes back). You DON'T have to return to stock when you want to switch from using VegaComb, all other ROMs should work perfectly fine on top of this base, including Corvus5 and CM7.
Also, it's handy to have this in case you brick your Vega as CWM is pre-installed
AS ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU NANDROID BACKUP BEFORE FLASHING ANYTHING!
Download ModdedStock_1.10 v2 Here!
Woo Hoo, good sign for things to come
Good work, Love the idea of a bigger /system..saves a lot of messing around moving apps to /data. Cheers. Paul
Just can't get this to install :-(
Keeps coming up with unknown device found!!
Ooops, forgot to plug the charger in.........sorry :-(
I use ubuntu will this work through wine or would i be better off trying to borrow a windows MC
Flash without usb cable?
Is there a way to flash this ROM without using the USB cable and recovery mode since my VPAD10s is giving a huge pain with windows 7 and the driver so I can not make it work.
Is there a version to be used with rom manager?
Thanks guys.
You need to use your PC because this ROM changes the partition sizes in the internal memory, and you need a PC program (nvflash) for that purpose.
Damn! thanks Logseman, I will keep on trying to get my tablet recognized over w7 can´t believe it´s so hard to make it work. wish me luck
Hope over to the Modaco Vega forum and search for YAUDIG and AUDI. They'll get the drivers installed for you.
simonta said:
Hope over to the Modaco Vega forum and search for YAUDIG and AUDI. They'll get the drivers installed for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks simonta, already tried AUDI´s soft but no luck.
I´m starting to think that the issue might be with my pc/w7.
Great stuff!
Rgds
Lok
Hi:
Currently using vegacomb 0.6, i want to nandroid backup, install the new Rom base, then nandroid restore, and then upgrade to vegacomb 0.7 via the upgrade patch, in order not to loose all my settings.
So I would like to do a Nandroid backup, but being Android illiterate, i havent found how to do it in vegacomb 0.7.
Another question is , as I have moved most apps to SD, if there would be any problem regarding the base rom change and nandroid bacup-restore
Thanks for any hint/pointer
Which gapps should I use it for this built?
Zebwen said:
This is an extremely simple ROM modification to the standard Advent Vega 1.10 system image that only alters a couple of things. These are as follows:
/system partition size increased from 128mb to 155mb. (The reason for this will be explained below)
su and SuperUser.apk added - You can use root apps as standard now.
ClockworkMod Recovery built-in.
Added Pauls simple recovery reboot app to get into CWM recovery.
That's all! No google apps, nothing else, just these simple changes. This isn't intended to be used as an everyday ROM (although there is no reason why you couldn't).
The main reason for this, is to be used as ROM base for VegaComb (and any other ROM you wish to use). I have been struggling with the Vega's default partition sizes while trying to port Honeycomb, and rather than spending tons of time trying to make stuff way smaller than it was ever intended to be, this seems like the better option.
So, flash this in nVflash recovery mode (exactly the same as the stock 1.10 image) and off you go. Done. No need to do anything else. You can use this base with any ROM, the ONLY downside is that 30mb of storage has been re-allocated from /data to /system, which most people won't even notice.
ALL future versions of VegaComb will require that you use this modded system image as a base (as they will require more than 125mb of /system space). To return your partitions back to the way they were, just re-flash the stock 1.10 image from www.myadventvega.co.uk (this is the ONLY way to restore your partition sizes, restoring from a Nandroid backup will NOT change your partition sizes back). You DON'T have to return to stock when you want to switch from using VegaComb, all other ROMs should work perfectly fine on top of this base, including Corvus5 and CM7.
Also, it's handy to have this in case you brick your Vega as CWM is pre-installed
AS ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU NANDROID BACKUP BEFORE FLASHING ANYTHING!
Download ModdedStock_1.10 v2 Here!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. one questions. Which gapps should I use for this built?
Thanks again.
hi, can i flashed this rom using CWM?
No, you can only flash it using a pc.
@all
Can someone please tell me how to use the nvflash, cause i'm clueless. I've searched using google but no luck, even on YouTube. I've downloaded nvflash but I can't work it. It keeps telling me about the drivers, although I installed the drivers. Any help would be great.
Thank you in advance.
jayk32 said:
@all
Can someone please tell me how to use the nvflash, cause i'm clueless. I've searched using google but no luck, even on YouTube. I've downloaded nvflash but I can't work it. It keeps telling me about the drivers, although I installed the drivers. Any help would be great.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Switch off your Vega.
Connect it to the PC with the USB Cable.
Hold the power button on the Vega for 2 secs
Hold the back button while still holding the power button for a further 2 secs.
Release the power button but keep holding the back button for a further 2 secs.
You should now have a black screen and the Vega should be recognized on your PC (check in Control panel under USB for Nvidia Harmony or Shuttle)
The above assumes that you have installed the drivers.
Then open Modded Stock v1 or 2 which you should have already downloaded to the PC and it will install on the Vega (Vega will show NV Flash mopde across the top of the screen)
Once Modded stock is installed go to the apps menu and the recovery app is there. If you have already downloaded and put on your SD Card, the Vegacomb 9n Rom run the recovery and it will put you into CWM.
Wipe data, cache and in advanced the Dalvik cache.
Then select install from SD card and select the Rom and it will install.
If you continue to have problems Google Vegatools 4.1 and download and install
and it can do all the hard work.
Hope this helps
Stransky
Hi guys, sorry to hijack the thread an take it slightly off course but........
Buy flashing this stock modded rom, will it reset my touch screen issues? Read that its a pretty common problem.
I've tried the fix at modaco, and it works.......for a very brief period, then back to just half of my landscape screen being recognized?
I've only had my Vega a week, can any other of you more experianced fellows point me towards a fix? It would be much appreciated.
Sent from my VegaComb using xda premium
Thanks for a awesome rom.One questions,having problems with the sensor.Is there a simple solution to this?i have wiped dalvic cache but didnt help.I want to play games like NFS Shift and ather other games with sensor abilities.
Why not use Custom MTD ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=717874
OK...Let's get something out of the way before anyone start getting irate with me and saying things they shouldn't be about this thread does not belong here...
THIS IS NOT A ROM...does it have to do with Development? I believe so....
We have always been instructed by every ROM Devs that we have to WIPE Everything in order to get our ROMs stable and running as it should...well this post goes counter to what you've been told by almost any post on XDA-Dev
I am addicted to flashing ROMs to see which best suits my needs, however the pain of having to install my apps (I have more than 150...don't ask) usually kept me from trying as many as I would like to....started thinking about how DT APP2SD work...since it is a partition that is completely separated from where the ROM is flashed...WHY DO WE HAVE TO WIPE IT??? So, I started flashing different ROMs, from ICS, Gingerbread to even Froyo to test my theory. Low and behold...more than 95% of my apps held intact (albeit no DATA - you can use Titanium or MyBackup Root to restore the Apps Data) with no hiccups when running from one ROM to another. I have flashed from AOSP to SENSE to MIUI...same result, my apps remain intact as long as I wipe EVERYTHING EXCEPT the SD-EXT...DALVIK CACHE HAS TO WIPE...even though part of it is on the Extension!!!
The reason why is simple. Any DEVs that baked DT APP2SD into their ROMs essentially call for this partition at boot...and once the ROM call for this partition...all the apps that are located in there still remain and the ROM uses it as if it was part of the ROM.
Also, I have even tested it so extensively that I flashed a Sense, an AOSP and ICS independently - after making sure my ROM was stable, reboot to RECOVERY and plug my phone to my PC running Linux....automatically the SD EXT pops up and I dropped all my apps (again, more than 150) to it...and KABOOM!!! Upon reboot...all my apps started showing up.
Again, I have no intent to take space from the DEVs who are doing a GREAT job supporting our phones....
I am posting this in the hope of helping those who flash often and also the Devs themselves from having to reinstall all their apps everytime they flash a new ROM.
If the MODs feels like this does not belong here...please feel free to move it. I think that it could play an integral role in development to all the Devs out there, hence why I am posting it here.
PS: I am not here every day, I have two little ones and a beautiful wife that I try spend as much time with...so please be patient with me if you PM me for more details on how to do this.
If this helps you in any way, please hit the thanks button...
Again, thanks to all the great works the Devs are doing!!!!
I have done this before and it does work. The only thing that keeps me from doing this is the lack of the ability to do a batch data only restore with titanium. Am I missing something? How do u quickly restore the data to your apps?
do a batch, and at the top, select data only.
lawsonmh15 said:
do a batch, and at the top, select data only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooooohhhh......how did I not put 2 and 2 together. Thanks.
Would it not depend on the ROM your flashing?
i've been doing this for awhile, jus thought it was common knowledge. there have been some apps that FC, but i'm a FLASH chronic, and reinstall apps wud suck. ROOT UNINSTALLER is also a great app to do BU's.
I've done the same thing a couple times in the past (between CM and Sense) but always had nagging doubts that I was screwing something up somehow... Good to know that someone has taken the time to confirm that this is actually a reasonably safe process! I just had to do a nightmare manual one-by-one app restore on a ROM I flashed but I'm glad that now I can comfortably use this trick in the future.
Thanks man.
The reason for a full wipe is that most people don't have their sd card partitioned.I myself have partitioned mine and do exactly what you suggested and it does work,i figured this out after wiping the sd-exta few times,1 time i decided not to,i noticed my apps were still there after i installed another rom.Of course if you have a google account,google keeps your apps and contacts backed up.
Would this also apply for those that have partitioned sd and have a Sense 3.0~3.5 ROM installed? Question is because some devs, if not all, set the rom to save part of the rom on sd-ext partition.
I have been doing this all the time for sense and asop roms, works great. Off topic - wiping more than once is BS unless you have bad nand or using bad wiping program.
Happy to see that some of you find this information useful. I just didn't want to get screamed at for posting it here.
It's a little I can help with in contrast to the great work the devs are doing
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
dragon_rckr said:
Would this also apply for those that have partitioned sd and have a Sense 3.0~3.5 ROM installed? Question is because some devs, if not all, set the rom to save part of the rom on sd-ext partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should have no impact because essentially your app folder is where everything is kept. If the Dev add some system info to the Ext it won't mess with your apps.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I am looking to try different rims for my HOX. I was wanting to know if I could download the roms I want to try and install each one then make a nandroid back up. So when I wanna switch I don't have to install each rom then I could just use the backup.
I'm currently running CleanRom 4.5. I am no expert at this. I have only rooted one other phone besides this, it was the Inspire.
Some roms I was planning on looking at were:
Viper
CM10
Nocturnal
CleanRom 5.0
Sorry if the grammar is bad. Sending this from my phone.
Yes, you can do that. Keep in mind you should wipe data before flashing different ROMs. So you need to re-setup each time. But you can still do what you stated in the OP.
NeverToLate said:
I am looking to try different rims for my HOX. I was wanting to know if I could download the roms I want to try and install each one then make a nandroid back up. So when I wanna switch I don't have to install each rom then I could just use the backup.
I'm currently running CleanRom 4.5. I am no expert at this. I have only rooted one other phone besides this, it was the Inspire.
Some roms I was planning on looking at were:
Viper
CM10
Nocturnal
CleanRom 5.0
Sorry if the grammar is bad. Sending this from my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By all means go for it! I have a few tips for you, as one flasher to another
As redpoint said, each time you flash a new ROM you are starting from scratch. This only refers to your personal data and ROM settings, though. There are a few ways to guarantee that you won't be spending a long time configuring each ROM:
Cloud Storage is your friend! I personally use Dropbox to save anything important to my daily use since I can easily pull up documents stored there from anything connected to the internet. There are much more secure options to store files on the cloud, but you have to pay for the more secure options, and security is not of top importance to me (since I just store homework assignments and basic documents).
Use Google Backup! When you flash new android ROMs, there is a prompt that asks you if you would like to backup your phone to Google's servers. I usually hit yes to this prompt. After you have done this once, when you flash a new ROM and enter your Google account, any Play store apps you had installed will be redownloaded (including any personal data associated with the app, IF it's developer has enabled this feature). It's not a perfect way of restoring your apps, but it sure beats re-entering all of your data each time you want to try a new ROM.
Use services to store your contacts! I took a few days to enter ALL of my contacts into my Gmail account, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Each time I restore my phone, I have all of my contacts available. People who complain about losing all of their contacts along with their phone need to learn about this point.
Remember that your SD card partition stays intact between ROMs! Just because you install a new OS doesn't mean you lose everything. Any music, movies, documents, or even app data that is stored on your SD card is unaffected by flashing something new. This is because your SD card is a completely separate partition of your phone's memory. The One XL may not have a real SD card slot, but you can still treat this partition as separate from the rest of your phone. Personal Tip: I store my backups and ROM zip files in a "Recovery" folder on my SD card partition. Having all of those files in one place simplifies flashing in TWRP.
Avoid using tools like Titanium Backup to restore apps! For a while I decided to use Titanium to restore apps. After a while I realized that all of the errors I was experiencing was the result of mismatched phone IDs, cache errors, and a bunch of other small glitches caused by Titanium backup. It is not the fault of TB and it is still a useful tool, but using Google backup to restore your apps is much cleaner and will result in fewer errors.
Save your text messages! Titanium Backup has the option of saving your text messages as a .xml file, but this is more complex than just using play store applications like SMS Backup & Restore. If you don't back up your SMS, you will look totally unpopular when you keep flashing your phone (and have no text messages at all)!
I hope this list helps you out in your flashing journey. Don't be afraid to try new things, and remember that if you can get into recovery mode, you will be fine (ESPECIALLY if you back up your data in the ways I described).
Thanks for tips
As far as saving everything as you posted. I don't have really that many documents I need and I am a big fan of dropbox haha. As far as my contacts any contacts I put in my phone automatically go to my google account so they always transfer over for me.
I usually delete most text messages at night and that's when I will flash these ROMS as I will not be texting anyone later in the night so, no worries there.
I really only have a few apps that I use, so even if they don't reinstall it doesn't take long to find em.
My main focus of now is just downloaded the roms I want and putting them all on my sd card. Whenever I have time to flash em all I will set them up kind of the way I want em with my apps, then set up the next ROM.
When that process is complete I'll just test each one for a few days/weeks till I find the perfect one for me haha.
I was planning on doing full wipe/reset between each one so I am glad yall confirmed that for me haha. Anything else I should keep an eye out for?
redpoint73 said:
Yes, you can do that. Keep in mind you should wipe data before flashing different ROMs. So you need to re-setup each time. But you can still do what you stated in the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have to do reset between nandroid backups do I?
NeverToLate said:
I was planning on doing full wipe/reset between each one so I am glad yall confirmed that for me haha. Anything else I should keep an eye out for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just two things - Most ROMs (especially AOSP) are constantly updating to newer versions, and if you are trying to make ONE snapshot of a ROM and flash back to it whenever you want, be sure that it is a stable version. CM10 and AOKP builds all have bugs, features tend to break each nightly/weekly build, and then get fixed later. Be sure you grab one of the stable builds or at least one that has all of the features you need (NOT necessarily the latest one), otherwise you will be relying on a (potentially) unstable ROM as your backup.
The other thing is, if you were potentially going to flash radio or kernel files, be sure to choose the correct one and flash it each time you install a new ROM or update. Each time you flash a ROM zip, the data for the kernel and radio are overwritten. Especially with radio files, you can break your phone or just cause general errors if you flash the wrong thing (example: flashing a radio+RIL zip on an AOSP ROM can cause serious errors, but the same file is actually preferred on Sense based ROMs). You don't have to worry about these files at all, but if you do end up flashing them, be careful!
NeverToLate said:
I don't have to do reset between nandroid backups do I?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Going between nandroids? No, recovery is going to overwrite the user data with the user data from the nandroid, so I don't think you need to worry about it.
---------- Post added at 04:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ----------
gridlock489 said:
Remember that your SD card partition stays intact between ROMs![/B] Just because you install a new OS doesn't mean you lose everything. Any music, movies, documents, or even app data that is stored on your SD card is unaffected by flashing something new. This is because your SD card is a completely separate partition of your phone's memory. The One XL may not have a real SD card slot, but you can still treat this partition as separate from the rest of your phone. Personal Tip: I store my backups and ROM zip files in a "Recovery" folder on my SD card partition. Having all of those files in one place simplifies flashing in TWRP.
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Click to collapse
In theory, that is supposed to be true. But many people (including myself) have had instances of some or all of the SD contents erased or corrupted. The exact cause has still not been found, but possibly just a bug of the phone. I've had it happen several times now. If you have anything irreplaceable on the SD, I would suggest backing it up to your computer, Dropbox, or whatever, before flashing anything. This includes photos of videos that you took, and anything else not easily replaced. Backing up one known good nandroid is not a bad idea, either, just in case.
gridlock489 said:
Just two things - Most ROMs (especially AOSP) are constantly updating to newer versions, and if you are trying to make ONE snapshot of a ROM and flash back to it whenever you want, be sure that it is a stable version. CM10 and AOKP builds all have bugs, features tend to break each nightly/weekly build, and then get fixed later. Be sure you grab one of the stable builds or at least one that has all of the features you need (NOT necessarily the latest one), otherwise you will be relying on a (potentially) unstable ROM as your backup.
The other thing is, if you were potentially going to flash radio or kernel files, be sure to choose the correct one and flash it each time you install a new ROM or update. Each time you flash a ROM zip, the data for the kernel and radio are overwritten. Especially with radio files, you can break your phone or just cause general errors if you flash the wrong thing (example: flashing a radio+RIL zip on an AOSP ROM can cause serious errors, but the same file is actually preferred on Sense based ROMs). You don't have to worry about these files at all, but if you do end up flashing them, be careful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't plan on flashing any radios. As I did with the inspire, and it messed up my service bad and I didn't know how to fix it again. I didn't now too much about it then. Which I still don't but I know more now than I did then.
NeverToLate said:
Anything else I should keep an eye out for?
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Click to collapse
Be sure you are using TWRP, and not Clockworkmod. CWM has known problems, as our device is not really supported (its just a port) and also USB mount is not working (which may be relevant if you run into problems such as the SD corruption I've mentioned).
I will be using TWRP. If I'm not mistaken I did a nandroid back up of stock rooted. I plan on copying my sd card to my computer external hd just for safety. I have a HTC One X Folder that I will put my roms in stuff in as well.
I will try to take screenshots of battery life for each day I use a certain rom. The battery probably won't go below 30% but screenshots would give a good idea to other people. And I will try to update my thoughts on each rom. Not promising I will get to but I will try.
I am going to download and check md5s today.
Idk if I will flash one tonight or not.
Also I may try to have a nandroid back up of the same rom if it has Sense and a non-Sense version. I have never tried a non Sense rom so I am really trying to figure out what I like best.
NeverToLate said:
Also I may try to have a nandroid back up of the same rom if it has Sense and a non-Sense version. I have never tried a non Sense rom so I am really trying to figure out what I like best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you like blue If not, take a look at this thread for some CM10 themes.
Any ROM based on Sense will still have remnants of HTC's UI somewhere. When there are deSensed versions (such as CleanROM V), usually the dev is trying to get closer to the stock Android look. I personally either go all the way and flash an AOSP ROM, or stay with stock Sense, because anywhere inbetween usually lacks polish and continuity. I'm exceptionally picky though
gridlock489 said:
I hope you like blue If not, take a look at this thread for some CM10 themes.
Any ROM based on Sense will still have remnants of HTC's UI somewhere. When there are deSensed versions (such as CleanROM V), usually the dev is trying to get closer to the stock Android look. I personally either go all the way and flash an AOSP ROM, or stay with stock Sense, because anywhere inbetween usually lacks polish and continuity. I'm exceptionally picky though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blue is actually my favorite color lol. Could you point me to the CM10 rom?
Here are the roms I am downloading as of now:
KingCobra
Nocturnal Special Edition
Viper
Clean Rom 5.0
Any other ideas on maybe one or two more roms?
I bookmarked that link you posted. I prob won't do much with themes until I find the right ROM. Even then the most I usually do is wallpapers lol. But will look more into after finding a ROM.
What rom would you suggest on CM or AOKP? What build? I don't know much about those. Never really looked in the original development forum lol.
NeverToLate said:
What rom would you suggest on CM or AOKP? What build? I don't know much about those. Never really looked in the original development forum lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed the latest build (cm-10-20121001-EXPERIMENTAL-evita.zip) a few hours ago and it has been just fine with me, very smooth with no crashes so far. You can download the nightly builds here, but like I said earlier not all of them are stable. CM10 is developed for multiple devices with different hardware. Our One XL is code named "evita", so before you flash ANYTHING be sure that it has "evita" in the file name. Be sure to look at the development thread, or at least the OP, if you want to get more information.
As for AOKP, it seems like build 4 (the latest) may be having some issues. I don't use that ROM so check out the dev thread if you need help.
gridlock489 said:
I just flashed the latest build (cm-10-20121001-EXPERIMENTAL-evita.zip) a few hours ago and it has been just fine with me, very smooth with no crashes so far. You can download the nightly builds here, but like I said earlier not all of them are stable. CM10 is developed for multiple devices with different hardware. Our One XL is code named "evita", so before you flash ANYTHING be sure that it has "evita" in the file name. Be sure to look at the development thread, or at least the OP, if you want to get more information.
As for AOKP, it seems like build 4 (the latest) may be having some issues. I don't use that ROM so check out the dev thread if you need help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the different in the Nightly and Experimental? I would like to try a CM since I never have before. Probably will be the last one I download
Also on the CM10 forum it says something about find Gapps? Is that something I search for and download and flash?
Update
Downloaded Roms with md5 checked and now on my sim card:
Clean Rom 5.0
CM10
King Cobra
Nocturnal Special Edition
Viper
Just need help on what I need to download for Gapps to install CM10
What Rom should I test first?
King Cobra
Viper
Nocturnal
I'm on nocturnal and loving it.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Hi,
I am new this this whole Samsung Galaxy S3 customization. Yesterday, I took the big risk of getting my phone bricked and successfully rooted my phone. Now, I am interested in installing some interesting ROMs and uninstall some uninteresting bloatware. However, I do not know where and how to start.
Just a quick note. I have followed [GUIDE] Root for Jelly Bean 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 OTA ***UPDATED 3/5*** to customize my phone, using ClockworkMod Touch Recovery 6.0.2.3 and MD5: 8C3DA18BD5DEF7E38E03DD147A0E10A1 for VRBMB1 (Jelly Bean 4.1.2). My phone's Model Number is SCH-I535, Android Version 4.1.2.
The first thing I want to do is to reformat my phone. By that, I mean improving the battery life, speed, and practically everything else related to those two things I just said. I have read somewhere that custom ROMs can improve battery life, as well as make everything in the phone move faster and smoother. A few ROMs have caught my attention, but I am unsure of which ROM to use. I have also noticed that you can change the battery preferences without the need of a ROM, but nevertheless, a custom ROM couldn't hurt. Plus, I really want to change the theme of my phone, specifically replacing them with [OMG][THEME] 03.21 - Ultimate OMG Theme - 35 Choices - Aroma - CleanROM/Stock.
So the first question is, which is the most preferred ROM to use for my phone? (Or better yet, do I even need a custom ROM?) So far, my main goal is to improve the speed and battery life. But I have noticed that you must factory reset your phone. That is a little discouraging as there are many personal things in my phone that I would love to keep. I do have Titanium Backup, however, I am unsure of how to use it. Is there a guide on how to use Titanium Backup? I am also concerned that a factory reset can and will clear everything in Titanium Backup as well. The next thing is, I am using Next Launcher by Go Developers. I really enjoy the launcher and would like to continue using it. Will I still be able to use the launcher in custom ROMs?
Thank you for your help!
Zarotu said:
Hi,
I am new this this whole Samsung Galaxy S3 customization. Yesterday, I took the big risk of getting my phone bricked and successfully rooted my phone. Now, I am interested in installing some interesting ROMs and uninstall some uninteresting bloatware. However, I do not know where and how to start.
Just a quick note. I have followed [GUIDE] Root for Jelly Bean 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 OTA ***UPDATED 3/5*** to customize my phone, using ClockworkMod Touch Recovery 6.0.2.3 and MD5: 8C3DA18BD5DEF7E38E03DD147A0E10A1 for VRBMB1 (Jelly Bean 4.1.2). My phone's Model Number is SCH-I535, Android Version 4.1.2.
The first thing I want to do is to reformat my phone. By that, I mean improving the battery life, speed, and practically everything else related to those two things I just said. I have read somewhere that custom ROMs can improve battery life, as well as make everything in the phone move faster and smoother. A few ROMs have caught my attention, but I am unsure of which ROM to use. I have also noticed that you can change the battery preferences without the need of a ROM, but nevertheless, a custom ROM couldn't hurt. Plus, I really want to change the theme of my phone, specifically replacing them with [OMG][THEME] 03.21 - Ultimate OMG Theme - 35 Choices - Aroma - CleanROM/Stock.
So the first question is, which is the most preferred ROM to use for my phone? (Or better yet, do I even need a custom ROM?) So far, my main goal is to improve the speed and battery life. But I have noticed that you must factory reset your phone. That is a little discouraging as there are many personal things in my phone that I would love to keep. I do have Titanium Backup, however, I am unsure of how to use it. Is there a guide on how to use Titanium Backup? I am also concerned that a factory reset can and will clear everything in Titanium Backup as well. The next thing is, I am using Next Launcher by Go Developers. I really enjoy the launcher and would like to continue using it. Will I still be able to use the launcher in custom ROMs?
Thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to flash a custom ROM to improve battery just a custom kernel. There are a lot of custom tweaks that the developers put in their ROMs to further improve the ROM some you can put yourself. As for the themes the stock ROM has to be deodexed in order for the themes to work. Lastly Next launcher is an app and the last time I checked all launcher apps work on rooted phones.
jmxc23 said:
You don't have to flash a custom ROM to improve battery just a custom kernel. There are a lot of custom tweaks that the developers put in their ROMs to further improve the ROM some you can put yourself. As for the themes the stock ROM has to be deodexed in order for the themes to work. Lastly Next launcher is an app and the last time I checked all launcher apps work on rooted phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. Seeing how it is, where can I find custom kernels and/or a guide on how to install and use a custom kernel on my phone? I do not quite understand what you mean when "the stock ROM has to be deodexed in order for the themes to work." Lets say I am interested in one of those custom theme, does that mean I have to personally deodex the ROMs or can I just follow the instructions stated in the main thread? So far I do not have a custom ROM after rooting my phone. Everything is still the same since I did the last step, which was to flash the Jelly Bean Bootchain.
Edit: Is there a thread I can look at find to get more information on how to prepare my phone for theming and modding? Information such as deodexing my phone, and other preparation information. I can't seem to find a good thread.
Zarotu said:
Thank you for the reply. Seeing how it is, where can I find custom kernels and/or a guide on how to install and use a custom kernel on my phone? I do not quite understand what you mean when "the stock ROM has to be deodexed in order for the themes to work." Lets say I am interested in one of those custom theme, does that mean I have to personally deodex the ROMs or can I just follow the instructions stated in the main thread? So far I do not have a custom ROM after rooting my phone. Everything is still the same since I did the last step, which was to flash the Jelly Bean Bootchain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the original android development is where you will find the kernels. Most of the kernel threads will provide links and the information you need. If you are planning on flashing KT747 kernel here is some additional information: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2144004
Whoa, hold up on the custom kernels and custom rom stuff.
1. You need to make a back up with either twrp or cwm. Next put your important files on your external sd including your efi. Idk if titanium backup allows you to store app back ups on the external sd or not but I assume it does (I use a diff app). You don't have to format your internal sd to flash a custom rom, you have to format the system partition.
Take a minute to make sure you have the prerequisites before moding your phone more. You cannot possibly want to be doing all this so soon especially if you just got into this yesterday.
2. Your still on a stock rom, which is odexed. If you want to customize your rom you need to be on a deodexed rom most of the time. This is a the simple abbreviated difference between odexed and deodexed.
3. Luke took on Vader, even though he was a new rookie padawan. He didnt have a good grip on what he was doing, and karma took his hand and slapped him in the face with irony for it. You might find yourself falling a deep hole of problems if you don't read up more on what you're doing. Do yourself a favor and stay on the god damn dagobah system awhile.
One final thing I have to say is do some research it will help you a lot.
Well, if you want the pure AOSP feel with a CM base, yet uber customization and tweakability I would go with paranoidkangdroid. It mixes CM as a base, with AOKP and ParanoidAndroid. This is what I use and I love it. Cleanrom is a touchwiz rom and I personally feel that while TW roms are stable and usually butter, they are all missing some aspects of customization. Link to the rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2186838. However that's my opinion. I prefer the clean stock google experience, others may not. Happy flashing
EDIT: before you go flash anything make sure you do the following: (in this order)
1. Root device
2. Unlock the bootloader
3. Install TWRP (or CWM, I like TWRP)
4. Make a backup of the current stock rom
5. Take all the things you want to save (pictures) and back them up to your computer.
6. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO INSTALL A ROM MADE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL, AT&T, NOTE2, etc. You will brick your phone. Stick to the Verizon variant thread and you should be fine. If getting the rom from another website, make sure it is made for SCH-I535 or D2VZW.
nrock2256 said:
Well, if you want the pure AOSP feel with a CM base, yet uber customization and tweakability I would go with paranoidkangdroid. It mixes CM as a base, with AOKP and ParanoidAndroid. This is what I use and I love it. Cleanrom is a touchwiz rom and I personally feel that while TW roms are stable and usually butter, they are all missing some aspects of customization. Link to the rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2186838. However that's my opinion. I prefer the clean stock google experience, others may not. Happy flashing
EDIT: before you go flash anything make sure you do the following: (in this order)
1. Root device
2. Unlock the bootloader
3. Install TWRP (or CWM, I like TWRP)
4. Make a backup of the current stock rom
5. Take all the things you want to save (pictures) and back them up to your computer.
6. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO INSTALL A ROM MADE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL, AT&T, NOTE2, etc. You will brick your phone. Stick to the Verizon variant thread and you should be fine. If getting the rom from another website, make sure it is made for SCH-I535 or D2VZW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok he is a newbie in this so pretty much AOSP especially those are a little bit advance for him.
jmxc23 said:
Ok he is a newbie in this so pretty much AOSP especially those are a little bit advance for him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha! Seeing how there is so much to know before I can get started on anything, I believe I will be needing to do more research. So first thing's first. If all I did was root my phone, using the clockwork recovery mod, what should be my next move? Where do I go from here? I have been searching, but have not yet found a guide. How do I backup my stuff in clockwork recovery mod? What do I do if I do not have an external SD card? Haha, I didn't think customizing your phone would be this difficult.
Thank you.
Zarotu said:
Haha! Seeing how there is so much to know before I can get started on anything, I believe I will be needing to do more research. So first thing's first. If all I did was root my phone, using the clockwork recovery mod, what should be my next move? Where do I go from here? I have been searching, but have not yet found a guide. How do I backup my stuff in clockwork recovery mod? What do I do if I do not have an external SD card? Haha, I didn't think customizing your phone would be this difficult.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is more confusing than it is difficult.
Essentially your next move is preparing yourself incase you fail flashing a rom. You need to do the following:
1. Get a micro sdcard, atleast 16gb
2. Make a back up on the external sd you acquired in step 1 above. This can be done from cwm by selecting "Back up and restore" from the menu, followed by selecting the back up option that says back up to external sd.
3. Now download the rom you want on to your external sd card. Find out if the rom requires gapps or any other supplemental downloads and put them on the external sd as well.
4. Next, report back here for further instructions.
(I havent used cwm for a while so the instructions I gave there are from memory, double check on that)
Surge1223
Surge1223 said:
Essentially your next move is preparing yourself incase you fail flashing a rom. You need to do the following:
1. Get a micro sdcard, atleast 16gb
2. Make a back up on the external sd you acquired in step 1 above. This can be done from cwm by selecting "Back up and restore" from the menu, followed by selecting the back up option that says back up to external sd.
3. Now download the rom you want on to your external sd card. Find out if the rom requires gapps or any other supplemental downloads and put them on the external sd as well.
4. Next, report back here for further instructions.
(I havent used cwm for a while so the instructions I gave there are from memory, double check on that)
Surge1223
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay what if the person doesn't have the money as of now to purchase an sd card? Are there other ways to back up their data?
Sure you can back it up on your internal sd card, but generally you would only do that if you were very familiar with how your recovery works and know exactly what you were doing. Most of the time that means you've had previous experience with the rom your flashing and/or arent too woried about your stuff getting deleted. Usually its a good idea to keep a flashable zip of a deodexed stock rom, radio, recovery, bootchain, etc. In the internal if your doing that but since he's just starting out I wouldn't do that and I usually dont anyways. Its risky and not worth losing your stuff when you could just spend a couple bucks and get a external micro sd.
Surge1223
Surge1223 said:
Sure you can back it up on your internal sd card, but generally you would only do that if you were very familiar with how your recovery works and know exactly what you were doing. Most of the time that means you've had previous experience with the rom your flashing and/or arent too woried about your stuff getting deleted. Usually its a good idea to keep a flashable zip of a deodexed stock rom, radio, recovery, bootchain, etc. In the internal if your doing that but since he's just starting out I wouldn't do that and I usually dont anyways. Its risky and not worth losing your stuff when you could just spend a couple bucks and get a external micro sd.
Surge1223
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Micro SD price range from $5-$100 retail when not on sale and the retail price depends on the storage size. So if the person is hard on cash or has more important things to spend their money she/he might not be able to buy the micro sd with the couple of bucks that you said it cost. The reason I asked those questions is that not everyone has a couple of dollars to spare on a micro sd card so all possible ways to back up data should be mentioned not just what you or I think is the best thing to do. For instance I have my data backed up on my computer via external hard drive as well as Google drive, box and Dropbox. I also use Carbon instead of the titanium backup app that everyone suggests to use. So they can use their computer, cloud storage service, external hard drive, micro sd cards and apps to backup their data.
Its not a matter of whether its possible or not, I mean yeah you can also make a system image of your pc using DVD's instead of a portable hdd or flash drive. I can understand people may be short on cash, but if you have enough time and money to root your phone, pay for a data plan, subscribe to the internet, you can budget 5 dollars. Hell, you could even start using bing rewards to get yourself a 5$ Amazon credit.
All I am saying mainly is that there are more ways to back up your data besides micro sd cards and that all people new to rooting should know more then one way as something can go wrong your micro sd card so your data should be backed up in other ways to insure that you can restore your data.
I hear ya, I guess I just think because I learned my own how to use other methods I assumed that as people got more familiar with flashing roms, etc, that they'd learn eventually too. But hey to each his own. IMO, the external sd is the easiest, fastest, and most reliable way so in this case, I think we should leave well enough alone.
Surge1223