Database Info

How to install Epic 2.0 by Darkonion.

This guide was written by Darkonion. I have just updated it to work for the newest release. Please give all credit to him.
NOTE: Updated September 12th, 2010. Added additional steps to the process. Reread to reapply the Epic Unleashed 2.0!
Please READ each direction CAREFULLY and BEFORE executing each step. I can not stress how many mistakes are made because someone did not READ the directions carefully. So... yeah, once again, READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!
How to Apply EpicUnleashed 2.0
Credits: The ROM was created by Matt4542. Tutorial was written by me with some simple directions from Matt. You'll need to be rooted in order to run the Droid 2 Bootstrapper.
The fine print: Matt4542 and/or I (DarkOnion) can not be held responsible if you mess up. If you mess up, you mess up. That's why I wrote the .sbf recovery tutorial. Matt has also written one. More simple, but requires Linux.
Here we go.
1. Download Koush Bootstrap here.
http://koush.tandtgaming.com//motoro...2Bootstrap.apk
2. Download Unleashed 2.0!
http://matt.kimete.com/screenies/Unleashed2.0-D2.zip
3. Move both files to the base of the SD Card. Best way to do this is to plug your phone into your computer and move it like that. Make sure you phone is in USB mass storage mode. To change it, pull down the notification blind, choose USB connection, and choose USB Mass storage. Now copy and paste the two files to the new removable drive that showed up in your My Computer. The Epic-Unleashed11Deodexed.zip needs to be at the base of the SD card, and not in any folders. After moving all the files over to the phone, change the connection type back to Charge Only. Notfication blind -> USB Connection -> Charge only.
4. Install Koush Droid 2 Bootstrapper. Using an app installer, Astro File Manager, or equivalent, navigate to your SD card. The folder in Astro File Manager will be called sdcard. Choose Droid2Bootstrap.apk and install it. Follow the directions.
5. Now that it is installed, open Droid 2 Bootstrapper located in your applications section menu. It'll probably ask you for Super User access, say yes.
6. Press Bootstrap Recovery. It'll probably ask you for Super User access, say yes.
7. Next, we want to back your system file up by making a system image. In the Droid2 Bootstrapper, which you are already in, choose Reboot Recovery. Your phone should restart and load up into the custom recovery.You should see some green text with various options, and a little lower than the middle of the screen, it says ClockworkMod Recovery.
Notes for navigating through the system. You need to use the keyboard to navigate. "Enter" will select. "Del" will cancel/go back. and the arrows are movement.
8. Using your slide out keyboard, scroll down to backup and restore and press the enter key. It should take you to another window. Choose Backup. Let it runs it's course. After it is all said and done. If it does not bring you back to the main menu after this backup press the power button.
10. Using your keyboard buttons, choose mount and storage. And then choose mount /system. After that, press del to go back to the main menu.
11. Using your keyboard buttons, choose install zip from sdcard.
12. You need to make sure signature verification is off. Choose toggle signature verification and make sure it is off. At the bottom, under ClockworkMod Recovery, it'll say whether or not signature verification is enabled or disabled. You want it to say that it is disabled.
13. Then choose install zip from sdcard. Choose Unleashed2.0-D2.zip. It'll ask to confirm. Scroll down to Yes, and press enter. You'll see some commands going and eventually say it is complete.
14. Now navigate back to the main menu by pressing "Del" on the keyboard. And restart your phone by choosing reboot system now. It'll reboot and that's it! You've installed Unleashed 2.0!
Note: Your first boot will take a little while, up to 10 minutes. PLEASE BE PATIENT.
If you need to undo this thing, boot back up into bootloader using Droid 2 Bootstrapper -> Reboot Recovery -> Back Up and Restore (after the reboot) -> Restore.
If you like this tutorial or any other tutorial, please feel free to show your gratitude by sending me a few bucks my way. I am a poor college student always trying to make ends meet. It's just more than writing a tutorial. Troubleshooting, helping others when they get lost, constant updating and rewording to make the process more simple. All donations are greatly appreciated, no matter the amount. $1 USD is good for two taco's at Jack in the Box! Paypal: [email protected]
And please don't forget about Matt. Send some love his way, too. It takes time create this stuff, not to mention troubleshoot, fix, and update. Make sure you send some love his direction. He needs money for a domain name. Paypal him at: [email protected]
If anyone comes across and problems with instructions, please let me know. I am going to try to keep this thread updated and easy to use.
= = =
How to Root Droid 2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show...&postcount=164
How to SBF Recovery Droid 2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770224

thanks for this
the link to koush bootstrap is messed up btw
And there's no step 9

Here you go!
http://koush.tandtgaming.com//motorola/droid2/Droid2Bootstrap.apk

Uh... It said it installed and stuff so I rebooted, but it been on the Moto logo for more than 20 minutes now. Is something wrong or should I keep waiting?

kjik said:
Uh... It said it installed and stuff so I rebooted, but it been on the Moto logo for more than 20 minutes now. Is something wrong or should I keep waiting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull battery and reboot. Rebootstrap and boot to recovery. You most likely forgot to mount system before flashing.

If for any reason I needed to go back to stock do I just do a recovery?

Yeah. Just boot back up in recovery, choose back up and restore, then backup, and choose a back up. In order to restore to a back up, you would have previously had made a back up.

darkonion said:
Yeah. Just boot back up in recovery, choose back up and restore, then backup, and choose a back up. In order to restore to a back up, you would have previously had made a back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Just wanted to make sure, im all backed up and ready to go. But now I can't decide Epic or Tranquility? Mmmm

Just wondering why wiping isnt suggested...yet/

Coderedpl said:
Just wondering why wiping isnt suggested...yet/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to

Can someone post a mirror to this rom release, I've been trying to flash 2.5 and its not workin at all... wanna try to flash 2.0 then upgrade.. thnx in advance
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

[ROM] Fission Vanilla 1.1

Vanilla FroYo FRF91
For your Droid2, DroidX & Droid2 WE
Brought to You by Team DeFuse - AngDroid, Matt4542 & Drod2169
Splitting Blur from your Moto Droid.​
Twitter:
@AngDroid
@Matt4542
@Drod2169
Web:
www.teamdefuse.com
IRC:
http://webchat.freenode.net/
Channel #fissionrom
Thanks:
Thanks to all the developers before me who shared their knowledge for me to get where I am now.
Thanks to Koush for Bootstrap recovery.
Thanks to cvpcs for the 8mp AOSP Cam package in DX build.
Thanks to FreeWell for the overlcoking kernel and WalCS for all the overclock testing on D2.
Thank you to all in the IRC chat ROM for all the help.
Whois Team DeFuse:
AngDroid - Project Manager & Developer
Matt4542 - Developer
Drod2169 - Developer
Redflea - Forum & IRC Tech Support
WalCS - In house overclock nut
Darkonion - Guide Creator
Breif History:
This ROM came to be by being bored and not sure what else can be modified with the software Moto so lovely gave us on our devices. I stumbled on the Droid2 SDK and gave it a look to see what was inside. To my surpise it was a clean ROM. No signs of Blur. I thought to see if it would boot on device and it did. The resolution was horrible and the device was so slow. I told Matt and we began to get the system up and running. In no time we had a more stable system. AOSP packages were created for our app folder and here we are now. Along the way Drod2169 asked if I needed some help porting it over to the DX so he joined up to help us create the DroidX version.
About ROM:
First Vanilla ROM for Droid2, DroidX & Droid2 WE!
First ROM for Droid2, DroidX % Droid2 WE that can be overlocked!
This is not an AOSP ROM but all stock packages are built from source. It is a complete set of vanilla Android applications. All Blur has been removed so it is the closest you will get to a true AOSP clean ROM for the Droid2/X/WE/Pro right now. This is not a themed ROM to make it look like AOSP ROM.
The purpose of this ROM was to remove all Blur and have a real Android experience. Please do not ask to add anything to ROM. Everything that is missing can be found in the Add On folder that was created when you installed ROM or can be downloaded from market.
The installed applications are all of your basic Android apps. Gmail, Voice Search, Car Home, YouTube and some other apps are missing since there are more updated versions on the market.
ROM has root, deodexed and zip alligned.
All downloads and support will be provided HERE.
It is hard to support so many different forums so that will be our new home base for now.
Thanks!

hold hold hold

Instructions to Apply Fission 1.1 Final
Please READ each direction CAREFULLY and BEFORE executing each step. I can not stress how many mistakes are made because someone did not READ the directions carefully. So... yeah, once again, READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!
How to apply Fission!!
Credits: The ROM was created by AngDroid and Matt4542 and some other peeps. Tutorial was written by me. You'll need to be rooted in order to run the Droid 2 Bootstrapper.
Information on how to root the Droid X and Droid 2 can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782556
The fine print: Matt4542, AngDroid and/or I (DarkOnion) can not be held responsible if you mess up. If you mess up, you mess up. That's why I wrote the .sbf recovery tutorial. Matt has also written one. More simple, but requires Linux.
Here we go.
1. Download Koush Bootstrap here (for Droid 2).
http://koush.tandtgaming.com//motorola/droid2/Droid2Bootstrap.apk
Link for Droid X coming soon!
2. Download Fission!
Link in previous post!
3. Move both files to the base of the SD Card. Best way to do this is to plug your phone into your computer and move it like that. Make sure you phone is in USB mass storage mode. To change it, pull down the notification blind, choose USB connection, and choose USB Mass storage. Now copy and paste the two files to the new removable drive that showed up in your My Computer. The Epic-Unleashed11Deodexed.zip needs to be at the base of the SD card, and not in any folders. After moving all the files over to the phone, change the connection type back to Charge Only. Notfication blind -> USB Connection -> Charge only.
4. Install Koush Droid 2 Bootstrapper. Using an app installer, Astro File Manager, or equivalent, navigate to your SD card. The folder in Astro File Manager will be called sdcard. Choose Droid2Bootstrap.apk and install it. Follow the directions.
5. Now that it is installed, open Droid 2 Bootstrapper located in your applications section menu. It'll probably ask you for Super User access, say yes.
6. Press Bootstrap Recovery. It'll probably ask you for Super User access, say yes.
7. Next, we want to back your system file up by making a system image. In the Droid2 Bootstrapper, which you are already in, choose Reboot Recovery. Your phone should restart and load up into the custom recovery. You should see some green text with various options, and a little lower than the middle of the screen, it says ClockworkMod Recovery. We are going to call this the main menu.
Notes for navigating through the system. You need to use the keyboard to navigate. "Enter" will select. "Del" will cancel/go back. and the arrows are movement. You can also use the Volume Up/Down to navigate, the power button to cancel or go back a menu, and the photo trigger as okay.
8. Using your slide out keyboard or the volume control buttons, scroll down and choose backup and restore. It should take you to another menu. Choose Backup. Let it runs it's course. After it is all said and done, you will now have a back-up. If it does not bring you back to the main menu after this backup press the power button.
10. On the main menu choose mount and storage. And then choose mount /system. The option will become unmount /system after choosing it. After that, go back to the main menu.
11. Next, at the main menu, you'll need to wipe cache and then wipe data. First, scroll down to wipe cache partition and choose it. It'll take you to another menu confirming. Choose the yes option. It'll wipe. Go back to the main menu again, and do the same with wipe data/factory reset. Confirm by choosing yes.
12. Now you need to mount data. Go to mount and storage and choose the second option which is mount /data. The option will become unmount /data. Make sure that both /system and /data are mounted.
13. Next, go back to the main menu and choose install zip from sdcard.
13. Then choose install zip from sdcard. Choose (TheVersionOfFissionYouWant).zip. It'll ask to confirm. Scroll down to Yes, and press enter. You'll see some commands going and eventually say it is complete.
15. Next, at the main menu, you'll need to wipe cache and then wipe data AGAIN. Scroll down to wipe cache partition and choose it. It'll take you to another menu confirming. Choose the yes option. It'll wipe. Go back to the main menu again, and do the same with wipe data/factory reset. Confirm by choosing yes.
14. Now navigate back to the main menu. And restart your phone by choosing reboot system now. It'll reboot.
Note: Your first boot will take a little while, up to 10 minutes. PLEASE BE PATIENT.
15. After the reboot is complete, you need to do a factory reset inside of Android. Press the menu button in the bottom left of your phone (image of the 4 squares), choose settings, then privacy, then choose factory data reset. It'll give you a warning and ask you to confirm. Go ahead and confirm. The phone should factory reset itself and then reboot.
16. After reboot, you need to enter your Android information again. Just follow the onscreen user interface until completion like when you did when you first got your phone.
If you need to undo this thing, boot back up into bootloader using Droid 2 Bootstrapper -> Reboot Recovery -> Back Up and Restore (after the reboot) -> Restore, and choose the restore file you want to restore to. The files are named by the date you
If you like this tutorial or any other tutorial, please feel free to show your gratitude by sending me a few bucks my way. I am a poor college student always trying to make ends meet. It's just more than writing a tutorial. Troubleshooting, helping others when they get lost, constant updating and rewording to make the process more simple. All donations are greatly appreciated, no matter the amount. $1 USD is good for two taco's at Jack in the Box! Paypal: [email protected]
If anyone comes across and problems with instructions, please let me know. I am going to try to keep this thread updated and easy to use.

Thanks for all your hard work on this rom, guys.
It's a billion times better than stock!
Donation coming your way the second I get paid next week.

After following the instructions exactly, I don't have root.
Any ideas why?
EDIT: I took the question to the forum linked above ("All downloads and support will be provided HERE.")

eleventy said:
After following the instructions exactly, I don't have root.
Any ideas why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This doesn't appear to have root (even though the readme says it does). I rooted again, and everything seems to work ok.

It does you just need to download superuser from the market and wallah~. This rom is impressive. Appreciate it and looking forward to updates

i lost root =[
installed superuser.apk from sd card, but when opening apps that require root it says its not able to obtain root access. Normally superuser would pop up a message and i would allow it. In this case it wasn't happening. I had to re-reoot, then was able to use bootstrap to reeboot in recovery. Flashing back to my old rom and wait til further notice. Besides that its a GREAT rom and love it.

new ROMs have been uploaded that include superuser app in system/app so it comes with rom.
When/if an updated superuser app and you isntall it please dont come here asking for help cause you have to superuser apps in the draw if that does happen. It was left out for a reason. I never lost root during the building stages of ROM and not sure what is going on so I just threw superuser back into the sytem/app folder.

I followed every step exactly and I did not lose root. Thank you guys for all your hard work. The new bootup screen is a nice added touch also!
Swyped from my Droid 2 using the XDA app

I've been reading that any rom for droid 2 will brick my r2d2...does this include fission?
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

Yes
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

Works beautifully, but there's definitely something up with this root business. Had to reroot and was fine.
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App

No problems here. Great ROM. Maintained root.

Boot Animations
Anyone else having trouble installing the D2 Boot Animation? Is there a trick to it?

Anyone have trouble installing the d2 gallery?
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

Any luck w/ the contact ringtones yet? As of Test5 they still refuse to work on my phone

I am having The same issues. Everything else works great but gallery was missing, so I installed d2 gallery, then after install it was missing as well.. tried to install the dx, same issue. Then tried to install the android stock one and same issue no gallery.
Everything else works freaking great! Hats off to the devs..

This being a blur-less ROM and all, what kind of dependancies would I have to add back in to get some of the blur back in here?
I really dig the messaging, gallery, camera, and keyboard.
PART2: Now since this is a blur-less ROM would it be safe to use metamorphs as system files should be the same as most stock devices?

Gallery Issue
Guys, Freaking Great Job!! Hands down best rom I have had on D2.
Only issue I ran across is the Gallery is missing and I installed d2 gallery and its still no where to be found. Even tried to install the dx and stock with no luck.
Any Idears?
-Mike

[GUIDE] Newbie's Step-by-Step: From Stock USCC Mesmerize -> Custom Rom/Kernel

THIS GUIDE IS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE MESMERIZE
Steps To Customize Your Mesmerize (For upgrading from any version to FROYO 2.2 EC10)
1.) Upgrade from any setup to 2.2 EC10 (Official Froyo) - If you have not already done so, you will need to upgrade your phone to EC10 2.2. If you have already, skip to the next step. (You can check this in "settings->about phone" under "firmware version" (should be 2.2.1 if you've already done this) NOTE: There is a custom rom listed in this post, I will detail that down below.
NOTE: The roms for this version come pre-rooted, so no need to root. However, if you have issues with superuser permissions (or are staying stock with root), you can use the SuperOneClick Root tool located here
If in the previous step you installed the leak that had the CWM upgrade pre-loaded or you have already manually updated CWM, skip step 2.- You know you have the updated recovery if when you boot to recovery it takes you to the red recovery with voodoo, backup and other options.
2.) Upgrade CWM manually (if needed) downloading this., (this next step by step will upgrade your recovery so that you are able to flash custom rom's/theme's/kernels.)
1.Shut phone off, pull battery out and leave it out.
2.Run odin (assuming you have it installed)
3.Load the cwm-recovery-all.tar file into the PDA spot
4.Plug usb into computer, then into your phone.
5.Hold the volume down key until phone goes into download mode, there will be a yellow android picture.
6.In odin, one of your com: spots should light up yellow - this means your phone is seen by odin (if not you may need drivers)
7.If above step is true, press start and odin will flash the recovery file to your phone. If all goes well the yellow box will turn green and your phone will power off.
8.Now you're able to boot into CWM recovery using the three button method (see glossary here)
3.)Upgrade Kernel With EC10 brought a new turn of events which thanks to jt has allowed fasicnate users to develop kernels which are compatible on the entire line of this model, so be sure to read phidelt's post on kernel's located here and choose one that is compatible with your rom. AOSP and MIUI require a different kernel, so keep this in mind as if you're restoring you may need to flash the appropriate kernel as the restore does not do this for you.
4.) Flash a custom ROM Choose from one of the Custom Rom's that we have out right now;
EC10 Pick and Pack DOWNLOAD HERE -- This is our stock deodexed rom with bloatware moved to a seperate .zip containing flashable packages with those removed apps. - < created by: phidelt82 >
EC10 Custom RomDOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom rom built by phidelt82 which incorporates some aspects of AOSP into the EC10 rom - launcher and calendar are to name a few.
AOSP -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM/Kernel built with the android open source project code (by lmartin), one of the most "vanilla" rom's meaning no manufacturer's additions such as touchwiz. It's very lean and runs well, but is in BETA stage so beware it may not be for your daily use. NOTE: If you use this rom/kernel and are wanting to return to EC10 you will need to reflash the appropriate kernel for the ROM you are restoring to (for example touchwiz)
MIUI -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM running on the AOSP kernel, you can learn more about it in the thread linked here.NOTE: If you use this rom/kernel and are wanting to return to EC10 you will need to reflash the appropriate kernel for the ROM you are restoring to (for example touchwiz)
GAS EC10 PNP based rom -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM that runs with the touchwiz kernel. Learn more about it in the linked thread.
HEINZ 57 EC10 (PNP/ED01/EC10 based rom) -DOWNLOAD HERE - This is a custom ROM that runs with the touchwiz kernel. Thanks to Sbrissen, it has a lot of extra settings in the TM parts settings menu, allowing you even more customizing. Learn more about it in the linked thread.
5.)Flash a custom THEME Pick one that's compatible with the ROM you are running, from this list.
HELP MY PHONE IS SCREWED (GO TO STOCK 2.2)!!!: If you weren't attentive and made a mistake or haphazardly missed a step and now you're stuck at a boot screen or one of many other failure points, stop what you're doing. Take a deep breath, wu-sa, grus-fraba, whatever you need to do to calm yourself and simply go to this thread and get your phone back to stock. You may not need to go all the way stock, but it seems to be the easiest, and requires the least amount of help from the developers (who have better things to do than answer questions of careless/unlucky people!! - no offense intended) This is also how you would handle getting your phone back to stock before trying to turn it in for repair.NOTE: Being as going to stock means it's expecting your phone to be formatted to RFS instead of EXT4 (lagfix enabled) you should disable lagfix before doing so or you will have errors and md5 mismatches which will disallow you from flashing from recovery. If for some reason you can't access recovery you will just have to disable lagfix manually which is detailed in this thread here.
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THIS IS THE OLD GUIDE FOR CUSTOMIZING 2.1
When I began this process, I had zero experience flashing any sort of software to any sort of devices, and a very minor understanding of "rooting". After much research and crawling I was able to work my way through these steps with little headache, and learned a lot along the way.
Keep in mind there are many variations to each step, this is what worked for me the easiest as a newb.
And last but not least. There is always the disclaimer that attempting any of this can and will make your phone dysfunctional and or possibly bricked beyond repair (but most likely just dysfunctional which is a pain in the arse to deal with) if you do not follow steps completely (and of a trustworthy source such as xda - ehm and in the appropriate forum ).
So make sure you're in a comfortable environment (not a good idea to be trying to accomplish this while slamming beers at the bar), take your time, read each step that these people have taken the time to carefully write up (then follow it), and you'll be just fine. Be patient as things don't always move fast and you never want to freak out as you may screw things up bad, when it's actually just taking longer than you would expect. Always give it at least 5 minutes before you determine it's looping or crashing or whatevering, there is alot going on behind the scenes, trust me!
Steps To Customize Your Stock Mesmerize (For eclair 2.1)
1) Root your phone. - Basically all this means is gaining the ability to give programs/apps and yourself SuperUser access (equivalent of being admin in windows) and also the ability to flash roms via recovery, detailed below.
The easiest way to root is through the z4root.apk. (an application that will run right on your phone)
Download Here
After download, put z4root.apk on your SD card root directory
Then make sure in Settings->Applications that the "Unknown sources" box is checked.
If you don't have a file manager, download a free one from the market, using the file manager navigate to the z4root.apk and select to install it. Note: If you need help at this step, no offense I would suggest getting someone with more experience to help you continue on. I'm serious here
Reboot your phone
After it boots, open the z4root app and press root. At this point it is going to hang, give it 2 minutes and pull the battery. Count to 10, put it back in and turn it on. - This is normal, trust me .
After your phone boots open z4root again and click root, this time it will run no problems and phone will reboot.
NOTE**IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH z4root: "give Super One Click a try. It's a package you have to download to your computer, but you get to see more of what's actually going on so you know where it's at in the process. I have only used up to version 1.5.5, and I know that version is very capable for the Mesmerize on 2.1. It is located here."-This Information provided by phidelt82**
Once you are rooted (you will see the superuser icon in your apps, it will show apps you've given that permission to... eventually) you will need to make sure you have a file manager that can request root permissions (read/write) before you will be able to complete the next step. Search the market for "root file manager" and pick one to download and install.
Also at this step I would download and install RomManager and TerminalEmulator as you will need these later.
2) Install RomManager and the ClockworkMod Recovery. These will basically just give you the ability to boot into recovery where you can more easily flash kernel's/rom's and anything else you wish to push to your phone. (Recovery is basically a bios like interface - but it's different than the stock version)
I was able to install the Clockwork Mod Recovery very easily just by simply using the root file manager app I had downloaded, along with following with the instructions.
(In your file manager, MAKE SURE YOU ARE Read/Write not Read/Only, for RootExplorer there is a toggle at the top, other ones you may have to enable this through settings, others may just be R/W by default, you will just have to determine this or google the app)
Download the two zip files located in the first post here
Place both files on your SD card root if you were using a computer to download them or you could always download them through your phone's browser
Using the root file explorer app, move the Redbend_ua file from the SD card to /system/xbin/
Long press on the Redbend_ua file and click permissions, there should be one check missing, check that so that all are marked. Save and exit.
Now open TerminalEmulator (Come with me if you want to live )
NOTE:The spaces below are actual spaces and in bml8 there is a lowercase "L" not a "1" there is also a space after cd, after redbend_ua, after restore, and after recovery.bin
TYPE THIS ALL EXACTLY AS SHOWN BETWEEN THE QUOTES
at the command line ($) type "su" (then hit enter)
Type "cd /system/xbin" (then hit enter, which changes directory)
Type "redbend_ua restore /sdcard/recovery.bin /dev/block/bml8" (then hit enter, It will now scroll a bunch of text and reboot.)
After phone boots, open RomManager
Click on Flash ClockworkMod Recovery
Select the Samsung Fascinate your phone will still be the mesmerize. By now - you better damn well trust me , this is just what works with our model
At this point you're all stock and ready for new kernel/rom. (but now you are able to do so very easily)
3) KERNEL: Install Voodoo lagfix kernel and new 5.0 sound
If you want speed and good battery life (and high standard marks) +unlocking the headphone amp and eq controls (it makes even the samsung headset sound killer) go here and follow those steps for using your now functional recovery mode to flash the new Voodoo 5.0 kernel.
You could always install the old Voodoo kernel located here, if for some reason you do not want to take advantage of the new, sound improved one.
Note: Just an FYI, after installing custom kernel's you will always have an issue on start up of seeing a flashing black box in the middle of the samsung logo. This can be corrected by installing a custom boot screen (only requires root access) and you can find out how here.
Note: There are a few ways of getting into this recovery mode, the best way if all else fails is to hold phone from the back with left hand (thumb on volume button, in the middle holding both down and pointer on power button) hold these down until the mesmerize logo pops up then slide your thumb down a bit to volume down only (if you slip don't worry it might blink but it'll still go to recovery) Sometimes this is easier with the back case off. However the best way, is to download and use the QuickBoot app, it allows boot to recovery/reboot/poweroff options from the app.
4) Custom ROM : Download and install the ROM of your choice.
Just pick one from this list Here-They are all there along with other very useful links, read through the first post of each before you decide, some are plug and play some take a few steps first. These are currently only 2.1 eclair builds however right now they have an (somewhat unstable) 2.2 froyo rom/kernel that being worked on but is not quite yet ready for day to day use (some features are not working quite yet). But be patient because these guys will have something long before Samsung let's us have theirs, but who cares - "ours" will be so much better
HELP MY PHONE IS SCREWED!!! (GO TO STOCK 2.1): If you weren't attentive and made a mistake or haphazardly missed a step and now you're stuck at a boot screen or one of many other failure points, stop what you're doing. Take a deep breath, wu-sa, grus-fraba, whatever you need to do to calm yourself and simply go to this thread and get your phone back to stock. You may not need to go all the way stock, but it seems to be the easiest, and requires the least amount of help from the developers (who have better things to do than answer questions of careless/unlucky people!! - no offense intended) This is also how you would handle getting your phone back to stock before trying to turn it in for repair.
MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF Credit go to all of the OP's and many others (some included in my sig), these people are awesome, show them some love! Without them we would be stuck in stock US cell/Samsung HELL!
Final NoteIf you have any suggestions, additions, corrections, subtractions, or multiplications; PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I'm very open to all of the above and since this is now more of a community article let's stick to the android motto and keep it...open source

I gotta say, you did a really good job explaining yourself there. Now I'll just have to send people to one post and not a bunch when I get messages at all hours of the night.
Good work!

phidelt82 said:
I gotta say, you did a really good job explaining yourself there. Now I'll just have to send people to one post and not a bunch when I get messages at all hours of the night.
Good work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks, and believe it or not this is the exact reason I decided to put this together with this much detail (aside from answering someone's question). I figure, I'm no android developer but I can follow instruction and explain myself pretty well so I put this together to take some of that off of you guys. (A small token of my appreciation)

Nice work! Stickied for others to follow
Oh and love that comment:
Now open TerminalEmulator (Come with me if you want to live )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gave me a good laugh!

the_scotsman said:
Nice work! Stickied for others to follow
Oh and love that comment:
Gave me a good laugh!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha well good and thanks, I almost put /badjoke at the end of that comment
EDIT: Edit to main post.

Good Job! This pretty much covers everything. Hopefully soon we can add to it :S

Is there a rough idea of the amount of time it will take to complete? I have pulled the battery a couple of times, and it just sits at the "running exploit in order to obtain root access" spinning the icon for several minutes. I have re-started it for a third time, now just letting it spin to see if it will come around.

LaTuFu said:
Is there a rough idea of the amount of time it will take to complete? I have pulled the battery a couple of times, and it just sits at the "running exploit in order to obtain root access" spinning the icon for several minutes. I have re-started it for a third time, now just letting it spin to see if it will come around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually it only takes about a minute or so to complete. If it gives you problems, give Super One Click a try. It's a package you have to download to your computer, but you get to see more of what's actually going on so you know where it's at in the process. I have only used up to version 1.5.5, and I know that version is very capable for the Mesmerize on 2.1. It is located here.

Just wanted to say thanks for all the hard work and for the write ups for those of us new around here. You guys make the scene available for the rest of us.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the easy walkthrough.
I am getting stuck at the end of step 2. The "redbend_ua restore" part was completed successfully, and after the phone rebooted I launched Rom Manager and clicked "flash ClockworkMod Recovery", selected the Fascinate, and keep getting an error message stating "An error occured while downloading your recovery."
Am I doing something wrong? Is there another way to get clockwork recovery onto my phone? I am on WiFi with a strong signal (I'm about 3 feet from the router) and the connection is working fine in other apps (browser and whatnot) so I don't think it's my internet connection.
Any help for this total newb to the android community would be greatly appreciated.

Mesmerizeuser said:
Thanks for the easy walkthrough.
I am getting stuck at the end of step 2. The "redbend_ua restore" part was completed successfully, and after the phone rebooted I launched Rom Manager and clicked "flash ClockworkMod Recovery", selected the Fascinate, and keep getting an error message stating "An error occured while downloading your recovery."
Am I doing something wrong? Is there another way to get clockwork recovery onto my phone? I am on WiFi with a strong signal (I'm about 3 feet from the router) and the connection is working fine in other apps (browser and whatnot) so I don't think it's my internet connection.
Any help for this total newb to the android community would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not you. I believe Koush's repo is down right now. Hopefully it will be back up soon and you will be able to finish up.

Thanks for the heads up. Is there any way to get the recovery on the phone without using rom manager, or will I have to wait for the repo's to come back up?

never mind

It's back up. Just flashed to a voodoo kernel. Thanks again for the great instructions.

Very good write up.. You actually made it kind of fun to read if that makes sense.. lol

I seem to be running into problems. Whenever I go into recovery mode my phone doesn't verify the update.zip file. I was wondering how do I fix it or get another one? Also what part does this file play in changing roms?
Error:
Verifying update package...
E:failed to verify whole-file signature
E:signature verification failed
Install aborted
Also very good write up A++ would hack again
Edit: got it working. I had to rerun redbend_ua and make sure it went through a full reboot and didn't stall. I think I wasn't giving it super user permissions. Great writeup thanks again!

thanks this is worked great for me on the Froyo step by step

jmtenny said:
thanks this is worked great for me on the Froyo step by step
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, glad to hear it! This is a new addition and I've just made some more changes and also reformatted the OP so i'ts more obvious that there are two processes.

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this!
I'd like to think that now I have a better understanding of what I'm doing.

I'm having some problems and was wondering if someone could help me please.....
I successfully installed the EA11 leak and updated from 2.1 to 2.2. However, when I boot into the blue recovery and try to hit update.zip from there it just shows me an exlamation icon and never goes into the red recovery instantly like it should according to everyone's directions.
At thiis screen it will stay showing this icon, and the only way off of it is to hit the menu key which takes you back to the blue recovery screen. It then has a description below the blue text that says:
-- Install from package...
Finding update package...
Opening update package...
Verifying update package...
E:Failed to verify whole file signature
E:signature verification failed
Installation aborted.
Am I doing something wrong? Any feedback would be so appreciated.

[GUIDE] For beginners - Root Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 SCH-i535/d2vzw

THIS METHOD:
- ONLY WORKED FOR ICS (Android 4.0.x)
- IT WILL NOT WORK FOR THE SGS3 RUNNING JELLY BEAN (Android 4.1.x)
But I hate it when threads say that ^ or worse...
they don't get updated and you read it and/or try it for NOTHING!
So here you go...
CLICK HERE FOR AN AWESOME JELLY BEAN THREAD
Step by step guide to Root your phone, Unlock the bootloader, and then install ClockWorkMod Recovery. Also some unnecessary mods at the bottom if you're interested. I know there is another really well written guide for rooting the SGS3 and other mods but I wanted to post this and hope to get it sticky'd for the beginners
************************************************************
DISCLAIMER:
I am not responsible for any damage that happens to your device. I've made this guide as simple as possible and include less risky methods to achieve root and simple modifications. If you follow a link from this guide I am not responsible for the content on that page, read it in full yourself.
************************************************************
Confirmed working with newest VZW update/patch:
I535VRALG1
I535VRALG7
I535VRALF2
I535VRLHE -- Thanks DHamilton44!
GETTING ROOTED:
Navigate to https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1aksh2bikfsne43/wmpWRj7Und
Download:
- Verizon_Wireless... (USB Drivers for SGS3)
- Root Debug FS.7z... (7zip (freeware) file used to one-click root)
Credit to Noxous Ninjas as he created this program. It's the best I've found to easily root my S3 without feeling the need to baby sit the phone during rooting.
Thanks Droidstyle for reminding me about the credits Noxous Ninjas deserves!
Install (Computer):
- USB drivers
- Unzip Root Debug tool to a folder of your choice
Enable USB Debugging and Unknown Sources (Phone):
- Settings -> Developer Options -> Tick USB debugging
- Settings -> Security -> Tick Unknown source
Plug in phone to computer using OEM USB cable:
- Allow the drivers to complete (the little balloon pop-up in the right hand corner will say "Device ready/installed" -something to that effect)
MUST BE RAN AS ADMINISTRATOR
Navigate to your extracted Root Debug FS folder (Computer):
- Double-click "RootDebugfs"
- Choose option 1 (press 1 and then enter)
- Read the disclaimer, IF YOU AGREE, press y, then enter
- USB drivers reminder appears, press any key to continue
- Unknown Sources/USB Debugging reminder appears, press any key to continue
- Yet another informational message appears (READ THIS ONE), then press any key to continue
- Root process starts -> WAIT UNTIL IT COMPLETES | DO NOT UNPLUG YOUR DEVICE
- Once complete you will need to open the Superuser app and click through the initial dialog to actually start the program/allow it to run in the background. -- Thanks Whyzor!
ON YOUR PHONE: Navigate to https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1aksh2bikfsne43/wmpWRj7Und
Download the following from the APKs folder:
- ez_unlock.apk (Also found on Google Play store, free)
- rom_manager.apk (Also found on Google Play store, free)
- Normally when downloading them right to your phone it will immediately prompt you to install them, choose install in both instances
- Open your app drawer and open EZ-Unlock
- Accept/Grant the app SuperUser permissions, select Unlock, you should hear "That was easy" and the word "Unlocked" should show in green at the top of the screen
BEFORE CONTINUING: it is recommended that you are connected to a stable WiFi network to ensure a successful flash!
- Open your app drawer again and open ROM Manager
- Select "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery"
- Find and select "Samsung Galaxy S3 (Verizon)"
- You'll see the blue bar at the top indicating progress, when it nears the end you'll need to Accept/Grant the app SuperUser permissions
- You may receive a message that Touch recovery is available, install if you'd like (I have read some posts a week or two ago about Touch recovery not always working flawlessly though, just FYI)
***AT THIS POINT ROOTING, BOOTLOADER UNLOCKING, AND CWM RECOVERY ARE COMPLETED/INSTALLED***
RECOMMENDED! BUT OPTIONAL: MAKING A NANDROID BACKUP
- I would recommend having your preferred apps and home screens set up prior to making a recovery
- From the ROM Manager application select "Reboot into Recovery"
- FYI: Recovery mode can be entered manually as well, turn the phone off.
- While off, press AND HOLD Vol. Up, Home, Power
- Once you see the "Samsung" boot screen you can release (There will also be some blue text in the top left hand corner, this indicates recovery mode is booting)
- Recovery mode navigation: Vol. Up/Down moves the selection, Power selects it
- Select "backup and restore"
- Select "backup to external sdcard"
- Wait for it to finish (Usually takes about 5 minutes)
- Select back to get to the main menu
CONGRATS!
- If all that worked your phone is now rooted and (hopefully) a backup has been made after rooting. This way if you start tinkering and break something you can (hopefully) restore back to this recovery.
REMOVE PERSISTANT/ONGOING WIFI NOTIFICATION AND POPUP (REQUIRES ROOT)
ON PHONE: Navigate to Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.speedsoftware.sqleditor
- Download: SQLite (Yes it's a paid app, support our Devs!)
- Open the app, Accept/Grant the app Superuser permissions
- Select Settings Storage
- Select settings.db
- Select system
- Long-press "wifi_offload_network_notify"
- Select "Edit Record"
- Change the value field to "0" (zero)
- Select Save
- Press back key
- Select "Secure"
- Long-press "wifi_networks_available_notification_on"
- Select "Edit Record"
- Change the value field to "0" (zero)
- Select Save
- Reboot your phone
UI MODS (Not necessary but are definitely improvements in the UI)
- Notification bar toggles mod: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775235
- More (personalized versions): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28829000&postcount=67
--Above files are flashed using recovery
HOW TO: FLASH A .ZIP USING RECOVERY (REQUIRES ROOT & UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER)
**ONLY FLASH A ZIP UPDATE THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR MODEL AND OS**
- Know where you downloaded the file to (Preferrably external SD card)
- Reboot into recovery
- Choose "install zip from sdcard"
- Choose "install zip from (external) sdcard" -or wherever you saved it
- Choose the desired file you want to flash
- Scroll up (it's quicker) to select "Yes - ..."
- The file(s) will flash (progress at bottom), once it's done you can flash another or go back to the main menu and reboot!

Great write up. This should be sticked instead of the tutorials that are already there.

I'm having trouble getting rid of the persistent wifi notification, i have successfully achieve root, and flashed cwm. I go to edit record and the value is already a "0". any idea whats up here? i flashed one of those ui customizations you linked too if that matters.

That Baker Guy said:
I'm having trouble getting rid of the persistent wifi notification, i have successfully achieve root, and flashed cwm. I go to edit record and the value is already a "0". any idea whats up here? i flashed one of those ui customizations you linked too if that matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the toggle customizations shouldn't bother it. There are 2 records to edit though, did you make both 0?
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

Nice job on the guide!

eMpTy43 said:
One of the toggle customizations shouldn't bother it. There are 2 records to edit though, did you make both 0?
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, im dumb, i only saw the first record that needed editing, thanks for pointing that out

That Baker Guy said:
wow, im dumb, i only saw the first record that needed editing, thanks for pointing that out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prob! Glad you got it going!
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

Been wanting to root my phone but have been too busy to do the research. I might take the plunge now, thanks to your guide. Sounds pretty straightforward.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

nattygirl said:
Been wanting to root my phone but have been too busy to do the research. I might take the plunge now, thanks to your guide. Sounds pretty straightforward.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it! If you have any questions just reply on the thread. I've got my notifications on.
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

Thanks Man!!! You made it easy breezy.

Surprised this hasn't been stickied yet!
Sent from my Cocaine White S3.

lol im the guy who hates to read more of the visual guy, found a youtube video on how to root the phone after rooting what else should i do in order to gain complete access

eMpTy43 said:
Go for it! If you have any questions just reply on the thread. I've got my notifications on.
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just rooted!!!! Couldn't be any easier!!! Now time to start flashing!!!
---------- Post added at 08:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------
HELP!!!!
Followed this to a "T". Everything went smoothly and appeared successful until I flashed a rom. I flashed Jellybean CM10 for VZW. Now all I get is a screen that says "System software not authorized by Verizon Wireless has been found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest Verizon Wireless store for help.".
I tried booting into recovery manually so I could do restore my backup, but i can't even get back into it. It just keeps taking me to this screen.

Followed the guide to return to stock using odin and repeated all of these steps.... i'm back in business now.... phew!!!!

This is Noxous Ninjas root Tool! its pretty obvious when it says "Noxious Ninja" at the top of the program. Download both versions and compare them.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792342

This guide is the best I've read yet!
I've been casually reading these forums for over two years and still haven't decided to lose my rooting virginity, probably because every guide always seems so damn confusing. This looks nice and simple.
3 questions:
1- If I'm not going to be putting on a custom ROM yet, do I need to continue and install CWM right away? Can I just wait and do it when I finally take the next step? (I really just want to root to get rid of some bloat for right now. I know I'll last a day though where I start wanting to use mods and tweaks though, will I need to install CWM for that?)
2- Can I just ODIN back to stock instead of bothering with a Nandroid backup? I keep nothing on my phone that I feel is of importance for backing up. Everythings in the cloud.
3- When I go to flash my first ROM, does it need to be on the internal SD or on the external SD card (I have a jillion laying around, but they are only 2GB a piece)?
Thanks!

droidstyle said:
This is Noxous Ninjas root Tool! its pretty obvious when it says "Noxious Ninja" at the top of the program. Download both versions and compare them.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792342
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll put credits in my OP. Didn't mean to imply that was my work at all! That was just the most straight forward and one-click program I'd found to root the S3.
bbeelzebub said:
This guide is the best I've read yet!
I've been casually reading these forums for over two years and still haven't decided to lose my rooting virginity, probably because every guide always seems so damn confusing. This looks nice and simple.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bbeelzebub said:
1- If I'm not going to be putting on a custom ROM yet, do I need to continue and install CWM right away? Can I just wait and do it when I finally take the next step? (I really just want to root to get rid of some bloat for right now. I know I'll last a day though where I start wanting to use mods and tweaks though, will I need to install CWM for that?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you don't flash a custom ROM or custom .zip update a backup is nice to have in case you make one little tweak that breaks something. Eliminates the hassle of having to flash back to stock and start from scratch again.
bbeelzebub said:
2- Can I just ODIN back to stock instead of bothering with a Nandroid backup? I keep nothing on my phone that I feel is of importance for backing up. Everythings in the cloud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure can. Keep in mind ODIN flashing does have a higher risk than a Nandroid backup. You simply cannot perma-brick your phone if there is no cable plugged into it.
bbeelzebub said:
3- When I go to flash my first ROM, does it need to be on the internal SD or on the external SD card (I have a jillion laying around, but they are only 2GB a piece)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having either a full ROM or a .zip update ROM flash on the external SD is the best scenario. Part of a nice clean install is to make sure a factory reset was done (which wipes the internal SD). If your ROM is on the internal SD... well you know the rest lol

Thanks! Just want to make sure folks are properly credited for thier work...and again nice guide!

i have been stuck on the odin downloading screen and command prompt is still looking for device to be detected. i waited till it installed the driver now what ?

prztruspaz said:
i have been stuck on the odin downloading screen and command prompt is still looking for device to be detected. i waited till it installed the driver now what ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guide doesn't use download mode. Reset your phone and start from the top.
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

[IMPORTANT][GUIDE] What to do after you have bought your Galaxy S3 4G GT-I9305?

Ok these steps are very important but before anything I also have to thank Lyriquidperfection & Ausdim for setting up their important parts of the instructions inside the links below:
So before you flash anything, or start playing with your gem, follow these important steps below to get all the important parts backed up and safe, so that you will not have to return your device back to samsung broken. Believe me I have seen it happen PLENTY of times in this forum, so read carefully
Make sure you have a Good USB cable and a stable PC and that don't get any power outages or surges, you dont want to be half way through something and you loose power or get a bad connection.
1st: Install Samsung Kies on your PC this will then Install the Samsung USB drivers you will need to connect your device to your PC OR you can get the samsung drivers on there own from the Link in 2nd step, but I recommend you install kies as it may be useful to you in the future.
2nd: Now as your IMEI number is like the heart of your device lets back it up right now: Follow only part of these steps in this link, you will finish the rest of the backups at the end when your rooted. I have copied and bolded the parts you will need to do right now, once finished this section of the backup you should be left with a *.qcn file which is roughly around 250kb of size.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33048706&postcount=1
*Setting up QPST with your PC:*
*Backing Up IMEI / NV Data:*
*Restore USB Settings after Backup / Restore:*
Now keep that page open because you will return here in step 6 once you are rooted to complete the backup process.
3rd: Now Install Odin V3.04 - You can get the link for odin in the 4th step link, So you may aswell just continue on to 4th step as the instructions inside that link advice you to install Odin aswell.
4th: Now you must Root your device and install CWM recovery , Follow these steps carefully > http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32235061&postcount=1
5th: Once you have root I recommend you instantly make a full backup of your device also known as a Nandroid backup. You must go into recovery mode to do this with the CWM recovery you have just installed in 4th step above. (In recovery mode just click backup/restore and then choose backup, after its done your backup will be placed on your ext sd card , if you dont have ext sd card then choose backup onto internal sd card.)
6th Now lets finish the backup process since we are now rooted, I am going to say this again, this is VERY important incase something goes wrong and you loose your Imei and Data, you need to back it all up. By doing this it will save you returning your device back to samsung like many have done previously because they have not done this, Remember where you left off in 2nd step above? Well now you can go back and complete the partition backup of the efs folders. You should be left with 4 backup files for this final section of the backup process >>> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33048706&postcount=1
--------====FINISHED====--------
Congratulations you now have your Imei/Nv data backed up , You are rooted and Nandroided. Now you can play around but off-course DO NOT be reckless make sure you know what you are playing with
Peace
PS: Only trust what you see in this I9305 XDA forum, as i have been following the device from day one and I can only recommend the information you see here.

can't find step 4..

Sorry I just fixed all the links

stuck on whether to install the I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5 software and what I risk
EDIT: thread Readers please note. I was a NOOB and I initially and accidentally credited "Lyriquidperfection" (who has also been very considerate in assisting) for the thread when "btemtd" was the original thread creator. "btemtd", I have edited to show appropriate. I am sorry please forgive my oversight.
**
Dear "btemtd"
*Note the following pre-install procedures and verifications confirmed:
1) My phone is NOT bricked and is running stock OEM i9305 installed software with details for the device posted at the end of this reply.
2) prior to doing ANYTHING I verified I can Dial *#7284# on phone and can see the 'Qualcomm USB Settings' button
3) KIES drivers installed and i9305 to PC works in KIES application and drag and drop modes
4) I have downloaded the Param_Bin_I9305.tar.md5 file in case I need it.
5) I have downloaded the I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5 file for use when I install the CWM.
6) I have downloaded the CWM-SuperSU-v0.96 application but have not yet installed it and have not yet learned about how to operate it (I will study and follow your instructions prior to doing so)
7) I have read this entire thread and all replies.
8) I have also read the entire thread and all replies to: [WARNING! + GUIDE] Backup and Restore IMEI / NV Data Procedure for GT-I9305
9) I don’t care about losing any of the media or pictures or applications (whatsapp) installed on my phone as these can all be reinstalled later on.
I have successfully executed the following so far:
1) I installed QPST v2.7.378 program on my PC and backed up a .qcn file. I then restored the .qcn file back to the i9305 and it accepted the restoration without problem. I can see my IMEI number by dialing Dial *#06#
2) I DID NOT back up any of these files below because I was NOT rooted and I DO NOT have a terminal emulator application (I can learn the emulator application if it is necessary and if someone can provide a link to where to get it). IF it is required for me to back up these files PRIOR to proceeding using ODIN please direct me to do so. I would prefer to not have to learn the emulator program unless it is required.
m9kefs1 - Located at: '/dev/block/mmcblk0p4'
m9kefs2 - Located at: '/dev/block/mmcblk0p5'
m9kefs3 - Located at: '/dev/block/mmcblk0p6'
3) I installed ODIN version Odin3 v3.04 (but I still have no clue how to operate this software)
*
This is where I stopped. Why? Well, after reading the instructions "btemtd"provided in thread I became concerned. My primary objective is to first save a backup of my phone. Since I am such a noob I don’t even know what a backup file extension is named (for example a backup for PC might be named xxxxx.img). I suspect that the backup extension file might be named xxxxx.tar.md5 but I still don’t know.
*
As I read "btemtd"instructions further I became concerned about the following items:
1) "btemtd"states in the In the 4th that one should “Now you must Root your device and install CWM recovery”. Well, since I am still such a noob I don’t know how I should root my device. Ideally, I want to make a backup of my phone (I think that will eventually be called a “nandroid”) as quickly as possible so if I inadvertently damage something during an install I will have an original source file to revert to (and hopefully be able to restore). I have a few questions:
A) Is there a special “rooting” software I should be using it or is “rooting” just a process name (like “flashing” a drive for example)? It might help me if I could have some noob instruction on how to root an i9305 without bricking it.
B) If I “root” my phone at this stage (without having made any backups other than the xxxx.qcn file) do I risk bricking my phone and not being able to revert to the stock OEM i9305 software?
2) Another area of concern was as follows. "btemtd"advocates installing the CWM (I presume that is short for clockwork module) application and provides a hyperlink for it (which I read). In this instruction it advocates downloading the file named “I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5”. This is where things get a little murky and hence the advance questions (which hopefully will help other noobs beyond myself and allow "btemtd"to concentrate on the i9305 problems I couldn’t solve in a lifetime). My critical question is as follows: IF I follow the instructions that "btemtd" hyperlinked to (these instructions were posted by senior member “ausdim”) and IF I install the CWM (install via ODIN) file named “I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5” WILL I be replacing my stock i9305 OEM software with this new one created as “I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5”? Could you please apprise on this instruction (remember, my first goal is to make a full backup of my existing stock i9305 OEM software on the i9305 so that I can restore if I late noobify any of the instructions). I want to confirm that by proceeding with the procedures kindly laid out by audsim I will NOT be wiping out my OEM software on the i9305 supplied when the phone was new. IF the answer to that question is “YES, you will be essentially replacing the stock OEM software for the i9305” with the new one created under “I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5.”” then I might have to consider the implications of losing all of the factory OEM software that came on the phone. Please note that I am hoping that this procedure will result in the phone OS changing from:
FROM: stock OEM i9305 software
TO: stock OEM i9305 software + CWM module
*
This post is lengthy, yes, but I hope accurate and hopefully it will provide some clearance, comfort, or guidance to other noobs looking to backup their phone prior to risk bricking it on more risky adventures.
Thanks in advance and donations to "btemtd" for his hard and thankful efforts.
DEVICE MODEL BUILD is as follows:
Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE Hong Kong Version
Model number:GT-19305
Android version: 4.1 .1
Baseband version: 19305ZHALl1
Kernel version
3.0.31-177985
[email protected] #1
SMP PREEMPT Thu Sep 20 23:04:05 KST 2012

First of all I am the one who made this guide with all the links to the appropriate places, You cannot see this? LOL
Anyways.... You asked
" Is there a special “rooting” software I should be using it or is “rooting” just a process name (like “flashing” a drive for example)? It might help me if I could have some noob instruction on how to root an i9305 without bricking it.
B) If I “root” my phone at this stage (without having made any backups other than the xxxx.qcn file) do I risk bricking my phone and not being able to revert to the stock OEM i9305 software?"
A)There is no special rooting software, its basically a file which you flash onto your phone which gives you the root access. If you follow the instructions 100% and nothing on your side fails well then you should not brick your device, reason people brick is becuase they have done the wrong thing or have flashed the wrong thing or it could be bad flash files. But I can confirm none of these files are bad as they have all been used with success.
B) we would hope that the qcn is enough, but maybe not. Only because we have not seen it happen yet, everyone who has lost imei so far has made the mistake and not made any type of backup, But lyriquid says JUST TO MAKE SURE you should also backup those partitions after u root just incase it comes to the point where you need them.
You want a Noob instruction on how to root without bricking it? ummmm What the hell is that! LOL Mate this guide is almost as NOOB as it gets, and OF COURSE if you follow this guide and all the links you wont brick it.
Reason you want root is this will then allow you to further back up the partitions and also allow you to make a nandroid (FULL BACKUP) of your current software/ROM
Only way to do this FULL BACKUP is by having CWM installed:
CWM is NOT firmware it is only recovery module, CWM will only replace your stock recovery module it is Only 7mb. it will NOT replace your stock firmware. Also this recovery module has much more capabilities then your stock recovery. It will also allow you to flash Mods, tweaks,roms if you wish to do so in the future.
Even if you do all of this you can still even return it back to OEM with stock recovery firmware and UNROOT. anything is possible. So my recommendations if you want to start flashing software and want to backup your rom is to follow my steps fully in this thread and click on the links and follow those guides as well. Each link will guide you as well. Once you have root and CWM installed and you want to make a FULL BACKUP of your OEM Softwareall you need to do is boot into recovery mode, then choose Backup/restore and then >>> Backup Thats it very simple which is why i didn't include it in the thread because as soon as you go into recovery mode you will be able to figure it out yourself
By the end of all this procedure you will have
Rooted Stock OEM software + CWM REcovery
EDIT: I reccomend you do what the full guide says, and install a terminal emulator because you dont need to learn code Lyriquidperfection has written down exactly what you type inside the terminal and thats IT your done. Its that easy!!!

For now you type the commands anyway. I am working on updating EFS Pro to have Qualcomm support so you can back up all NV Items from there and also backup and restore other important partitions just with a few clicks. I'll keep everyone updated when something good enough for a beta develops.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2

lyriquidperfection said:
For now you type the commands anyway. I am working on updating EFS Pro to have Qualcomm support so you can back up all NV Items from there and also backup and restore other important partitions just with a few clicks. I'll keep everyone updated when something good enough for a beta develops.
Sent from my GT-I9305 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be awesome. must say

Thanks btemtd, great post!
I am also a recent convert (from iphone) to a galaxy s3 and have an i9305T model. I have been doing a bit of research in order to prepare myself to safely root my phone and was stoked to see such a helpful post. I will admit that I am also a noob with this sort of stuff but still do my best to learn what I can.
I just wanted to confirm that the process you have listed will support my aforementioned phone model with telstra as the carrier? I only ask because I remember a previous rooting guide that was only applicable to Optus phones and just want to make sure.
Thanks again for your help

Yes this will work on all i9305 models. No probs bro i was starting to get amazed on how many ppl were flashing the wrong stuff and braking there imei lol so i thought this may come handy
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda app-developers app

nvmd, stupid noob
Sorry about this post. Misread something between steps 4 and 5.
Now fully rooted. Thanks for the great post. Very helpful to someone entirely new to this daunting process. Makes jailbreaking a walk in the park xD

Unroot
"btemtd" Thanks for you above tutorial.
Is it possible to add and process on how to unroot the GT-i9305, if required

Thanks btemtd, I am working on a YouTube Video, to help noobs like me to root their I9305. Would I be able to pm you just incase I need some help on anything regards to rooting and roming?

bleepsake said:
Thanks btemtd, I am working on a YouTube Video, to help noobs like me to root their I9305. Would I be able to pm you just incase I need some help on anything regards to rooting and roming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes offcourse you can PM me.. Thats a good Idea I might add your video to this guide if you dont mind, this will make it totally complete!!...

FOR NOOBS only
This is written by a noob for other noobs. It contains a set of very detailed instructions and is compilation of varies inputs from lyriquidperfection, audsim, btemtd, and nnnevvv. Without them I would be nowhere. I hope this guide, despite being very detailed, can help others so they don't have to hunt and pester devs for answer. This guide is only an expansion and extrapolation of this post which was kindly created by btemtd.
*
It also involves other work from the developers I credited above.
*
This guide is NOT for you if you have:
1) Bricked your phone
2) have an i9300
3) lost your IMEI
4) installed a custom ROM
5) already have CWM or SU installed.
*
Please remember it is only an expanded set of instructions built upon btemtd original work. Its only intention is to help get it done, right, without using up other's time. If the thread creator or OP ed suggests I amend or remove anything please let me know.
*
Pre-install instructions:
1) Your device is NOT bricked and is running stock OEM i9305 installed software with details for the device posted at the end of this reply.
2) Prior to doing ANYTHING you can Dial *#7284# on device and can see the 'Qualcomm USB Settings' button
3) KIES drivers installed and i9305 to PC works in KIES application OR you have verified that USB drivers work fine for PC to device
4) You have downloaded on to your PC the Odin3 v3.04. application.
5) You have downloaded the I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5 file to your PC.
6) You downloaded the CWM-SuperSU-v0.96. zip file and stored it on the device’s internal memory card. You can store it directly on the device’s INTERNAL SD card (don’t worry, CWM will allow you to navigate to it).
7) You don’t care about losing any of the media or pictures or applications (whatsapp) installed on my device as these can all be reinstalled later on.
8) Battery is charged to 80 percent or more
9) Solid dual use power and data cable tested and working.
10) Back up all of the contacts to SIM Card in case Data wipe.
11) You are okay with warranty being void and binary counter reset being added
Installation procedure
1) Get coffee
2) Install the latest version of Samsung KIES and check that complete cable communication works and that all drivers on the PC are installed. Confirm that KIES communicates with device on PC. DO NOT update your device using KIES to the latest Samsung or Android software.
3) install QPST v2.7.378 program on your PC. The QPST software is a qualcomm product and is a diagnostic tool that has a variety of subtools that you can use to test, manage and edit the form factor device. Click the setup.exe file and follow instructions. This is a qualcomm product and it is not complicated. A user manual (in case you feel like exploring) is available in .pdf.
4) Dial *#7284# on your device to access DeviceUtil and select 'Qualcomm USB Settings' at the bottom. Now scroll down and select 'RNDIS + DM + MODEM' and press 'OK' to return to the previous screen. Now press your 'Back' key to exit DeviceUtil. Your device is now in DIAG Mode.
5) Connect your device to PC via USB. Note, it may showing “loading drivers” on your PC. Wait for USB drivers to load and install.
6) Find the QPST application on your PC and navigate to the 'QPST Configuration' menu. Select it and navigate to the 'Ports' tab. Press 'Add New Port...' button. Select the COM Port that has 'USB/QC Diagnostic' next to it, change the Port Label name (if you wish to) to 'Samsung GT-I9305 diagnostic” then press 'OK'. You should now see your device listed in the 'Ports' tab and the 'State' should indicate 'Enabled'. Close this QPST application.
7) The next step will help you to BACK UP the IMEI/NV Data.
8) Go back to the QPST application Folder and navigate to the 'Software Download' application and then select the 'Backup' tab. You will need to select and name the file. I chose “i9305-qcn-back-up-file.qcn”. Press the 'Browse' button and select a Save Location for your QCN File. Press the 'Start' button and wait for it to finish. DON’T TOUCH YOUR DEVICE during this process. This will back up all your devices NV Items and save them to the QCN Backup File you just named. The resulting QCN Backup File should be about 250KB in size. The QPST application will show the backup has been completed. Verify that the file was actually backed up by looking in the directory to where you selected to store it. Then close the program.
9) The next step will help you to check to RESTORING IMEI / NV Data:
10) Go back to the QPST application Folder and navigate to the 'Software Download' application and then select the ‘Restore’ tab. Press the 'Browse' button and search for the QCN Backup File you created (remember I named mine “i9305-qcn-back-up-file.qcn”). Press the 'Start' button and wait for it to finish. This will restore all your devices NV Items from the QCN Backup File. Your IMEI / NV Data should now be fully restored. Dial *#06# on your device's keypad to check your IMEI is restored. It should show your 17 digit long IMEI number on screen. Write it down and store for future purposes in case you need to recall it one day.
11) The next step is to Restore the USB Settings after you have performed the above QPST Backup / Restore procedure. Dial *#7284# on your device to access DeviceUtil and select 'Qualcomm USB Settings' at the bottom. Now select 'MTP + ADB' and press 'OK' to return to the previous screen. Now press your 'Back' key to exit DeviceUtil. The device will reboot as you ask it to save and reset. Your device is now back to default USB operation.
12) Exit the QPST application.
13) The next step is to install ODIN which you will use to flash the CWM files from your PC to the device.
* Note that ODIN packages can be device specific. For the GT-i9305 I used “Odin3 v3.04.exe”. Navigate to where you have stored the ODIN application and select “Odin3 v3.04.exe” file and double click. ODIN will open.
NOTE: ODIN will not self install on your computer like a standard-install.exe folder. You will need to run the “Odin3 v3.04.exe” file every time to open ODIN up. Forgive my noobness for not knowing what the name of this procedure it.
14) Search for the ‘ I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5 ‘ file you have downloaded previously in the “pre-install” instructions. For logistics purposes you may wish to drag and drop this file from its current storage location over the ODIN folder directory.
15) If KIES is running shut it down or suppress it on your PC.
16) The next step will involve “installing” the ‘ I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5’ file. Actually, this is just a “module” that is intended to “replace” the stock recovery module. To do this, you will need to first set up your device to boot in what is called the “download” mode. To do this you must: POWER off the device first. Then after power is completely off, PRESS and HOLD the ‘power’ + ‘volume down’ + ‘home’ buttons all at the same time. I suggest that you start by pressing the “volume” + “home” buttons first instead of pressing the “power” button as you may inadvertently just power the device up (instead of booting it up into “download” mode). If you did it right you will boot up in “download” mode and Android will then ask if you if you “want to download a custom OS”. You will confirm “continue” by pressing the volume up key.
NOTE: it’s possible your PC computer may want to install device driver software. If so, just let it install and wait for it to finish.
NOTE: to navigate the menus in “download” mode (and also in “recovery” mode) you should use the VolUp / VolDown to go “up” or “down” the menu. Press the “power” button to select items (kind of like a “go” or “enter” function).
17) Now Connect your device (make sure battery is at least 80% charged) to your PC ( it is preferable to connect directly to the computer and not through a USB HUB or port replicator).
18) Open the ODIN application by navigating to the Odin3 v3.04.exe file . Make sure your device is detected and you should see a blue (older models may show yellow color) square in the top left corner.
NOTE: Make sure only the “auto-reboot” and “f reset time” boxes should be checked in the ODIN Application.
19) Click on the box next to “PDA”. And then click the “PDA” and navigate to the area where the ‘ I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5’ file is stored. Select it and it will auto populate into the ODIN application. Then, on the ODIN application, press “start”. You will see a series of command actions showing in the ODIN Application which should show the status. Upon completion it should show that CWM was installed in the ODIN application. You may have to repeat this process once again as CWM may not “stick”.
20) There has been considerable debate about different units requiring the battery to be pulled due to the fact that some factory units have been shown to reboot back into its own factory state and therefore exclude the CWM file that you just tried to install in the previous steps. I read of many users who were experiencing this problem. See For further reading please see: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32235061&postcount=1 to show how to deal with and manage this problem. I, along with another user that I confirmed with, DID NOT have to do the battery pull method. Why? Well, I think that some factory models require this process and others do not. My device (specifications at end of post) did not require it. Also, the problem may have been created by user’s updating their device software through the KIES application which I recommend not doing until the device has been rooted and CWM and SU installed in this process.
21) After instructing ODIN to install the ‘ I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5’ onto the device the device should reboot. If it does not reboot after awhile you can power down your device. What will happen? Well, you have either successfully installed the ‘ I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5’ file or your device has reverted back to the factory restore option. You shouldn’t have much risk of bricking the device during this step. The key is to get the ‘ I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5’ file to stick during the “download” process. If it does not stick you will need to refer to the thread For further reading please see: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32235061&postcount=1 as to how to employ the “2 different battery pull during the reboot process” methods he suggested (again, fortunately I did not need to do this).
22) Now you need to put the device in “recovery mode”. Unplug the device from the USB Cable attached to the PC. To put it in recovery mode you must: POWER off the device and the PRESS and HOLD the ‘power’ + ‘volume up’ + ‘home’ buttons all at the same time. Again, I suggest that you start by pressing the “volume” + “home” buttons first instead of pressing the “power” button as you may inadvertently just power the device up (instead of booting it up into “recovery” mode). If you did it right you will boot up in “recovery” mode and you will clearly see the words “CWM-based Recovery” written in white on the top line. If you don’t see that then your installation of the ‘ I9305_CWM_Recovery.tar.md5’ did not work and you will need to repeat the steps above until you get it right.
23) Next you will be installing the SUSuperuser module while your device is in "recovery mode". Remember you should have stored the “CWM-SuperSU-v0.96.zip” (DO NOT unzip it yourself) on the Device’s internal memory card. Using the volume up/down keys and the “power” button for enter/go you should scroll down and select menu option "install zip from SD card"
select menu option "choose zip from internal SD card"
scroll down to the “CWM-SuperSU-v0.96.zip file and select that using the “power” button. It will then ask you “if you are sure you want to install, it can’t be done”. Scroll down to the “YES” and then select the power button to confirm. It will then mount and install it. Once it is done installing you will then need to scroll to the “go back” choice on the menu. Then go back to the “reboot” device and select that. It will reboot.
24) Your device should reboot and you should be able to confirm that SUSuperuser is installed by looking at the apps page on your device. You should be able to see a little blue Android with a red cape. If you see it, you have successfully installed.
25) Once you have root and CWM + SU installed and you want to make a FULL BACKUP of your settings and software. Using the same methods above, boot into “recovery mode”, then choose Backup/restore (select it with the “power button”). Then, it will begin the “back up” process which will take about (7 ) minutes (it takes longer if you are backing up lots of items). Note that the program will back up the backup items onto the EXTERNAL SD Card in a folder named “2012-11-07.10.57.45 (“time stamped”) and it will contain 6 items including boot image, recovery image, nandroid.md5, and 3 others. Mine was about 1.17 gb in size and DID NOT include any music, videos, or pictures. MAKE SURE that your external SD Card has enough free space to store the CWM back up folders. I suggest that you then copy the entire back up folder over to another secure location on your PC (which you can copy over to the SD card anytime) in the event your current external SD card or device goes whacky.
26) Well, it was not brief but it was detailed and concise and I hope it helps other noobs like myself to successfully install and execute this process as it will lead to further dev opportunities to trying out other ROM’s while being able to reverse the process if things goes really wrong.
27) If I was of help just say “thanks”. Will try to answer PM if you have them but I am just a noob and may be of little use. This was written by a noob and for other noobs. Hope I haven’t annoyed anyone else in the process.
*
Model number:GT-I9305
Android version: 4.1 .1
Baseband version: I9305ZHALI1
Kernel version
3.0.31-177985
[email protected] #1
SMP PREEMPT Thu Sep 20 23:04:05 KST 2012
Build number: JRO03C.I9305ZHALI7

Woahh thats alot of writing, but thanks for your time, I didnt know that myself and the guides in the links that LyriquidPerfection and Ausdim created were that hard to understand But i guess I dont know how a PURE noob thinks, Even though I was a noob in August this year i kind of know my way around a computer but I still think i am a noob compared to these programming devs, Maybe I am not the Noobiest noob anymore if thats a word LOL oh well the more information in this thread the more valuable. I think they should get this entire thread Stickied, I have already asked

btemtd said:
yes offcourse you can PM me.. Thats a good Idea I might add your video to this guide if you dont mind, this will make it totally complete!!...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy. Of course I dont mind you adding the video to this thread. I want to make a few videos actually that you might be able to help with. =)
working on a pm now.
Sent from my Beautiful GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

Ok I will reply when I wake up thanks
Sent from my GT-I9305 using xda app-developers app

hey droid!
This is awesome, I hope I can use this for my youtube guide for iOS refugees like me.
Sent from my Beautiful GT-I9305 using Tapatalk

bleepsake, can't wait to see your video.
Is unrooting unique per phone or is it the same? When I search unroot, I've seen guides to unroot only for certain phones.

mrbarbz said:
bleepsake, can't wait to see your video.
Is unrooting unique per phone or is it the same? When I search unroot, I've seen guides to unroot only for certain phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mrbarbs all you need to do to unroot is use odin and flash Official samsung firmware over the top of what you have. Done... its that easy no need for a guide lol
this will also get rid off CWM and put the stock original recovery back in and also stock kernel.... as a matter of fact stock EVERYTHING