Hi, I'm new to the forum, so please excuse any stupidity on my behalf.
I have a Australian, vodafone GSM Nexus S, currently running 4.0.3.
I am currently feeling stock android to be very limited, and want to move a custom rom, but I have never done any rooting/modding before. So just a couple of questions.
1) How do you root and install a custom rom? Does anybody have any video (I prefer video as I am less prone to making mistakes) tutorials for rooting and installing a custom rom for Nexus S GSM ICS 4.0.3?
2) What is the best rom, kernal etc, as I want to get my phone as smooth as ios or pretty dam close to it. Also I like changing customizing home screens, etc and would also like on screen buttons. Also I would like it to be very very stable.
3) Would it be possible to reverse all this in case my nexus screws up as the sides of my nexus are kinda creaky, and though this doesn't really effect my usability, I might end up rma'ing my phone in the future, so I would like to be able to reverse all this so it doesn't void my warranty.
4) Is there any point is overclocking and undervolting a phone. My PC is overclocked, but I have a huge fan, so overclocking would mean more heat + more battery use, and on the other hand you are lowering the voltage. Wouldn't this be very unstable?
This is my first post, so I apologize for anything I did wrong, and I did try searching, but all the roms look very good, there are some very talented devs here, and I say thanks for the help in advance.
Cheers,
Continuum
EDIT: INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO UNLOCK BOOTLOADER + INSTALL CLOCKWORK RECOVERY TOUCH
1. Download the CyberGR-MOD|NS.NGN ICS v8 HYBRID
http://clockworkmod.com/rommanager/d...le Nexus S
Why Cyber, seems fast, stable, and is not a beta.
2. Download and install the windows drivers for my phone (I'm on windows 7)
http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/N...ussrootICS.zip
3. Follow these until step 7
http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-root/...r-gingerbread/
n.b: don't worry about the cd \nexussrootthing. Just go to that folder, shift + right click, and click start command prompt instead.
4. Download clockwork recovery touch
(Link: http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/N...overytouch.zip )
and follow these instructions:
http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-hacks...or-nexus-s-4g/
5. Go into clockwork recovery (while still plugged into pc) and perform a nandroid back up
and click the following after:
data/factory reset
under mount and boot
format /boot
format /system
Next mount usb, and copy CyberGR-MOD|NS.NGN ICS v8 HYBRID over to sdcard, and unmount USB.
6. Plug out cable, and flash rom by going into clockwork recovery and clicking install zip from sdcard, to flash rom
7. Reboot phone and enjoy
1. NexusSHacks.com has a video tutorial on how to unlock your bootloader and Root the phone. Rooting won't be necessary to go to a custom ROM, but unlocking the bootloader is highly recommended for doing so. You will lose all personal data (including from internal SD card) once you unlock.
2. Best ROM and Kernel are the ones that fit your needs. Try a few of them, you'll find a sweet spot somewhere. The Nexus S has some of the (if not THE) best ROMs and kernels of any android, in quality, features, speed and stability.
3. All reversible from a software side. Hardware issues are covered for 1 year under warranty even if you've rooted it, technically. You can lock the bootloader and flash a stock ROM very easily.
4. Overclocking can give a significant performance increase at the cost of battery life and possibly stability. Undervolting uses very slightly less power, but generally not significant enough to notice, especially with the instability risk (rebooting will use far more power than undervolting will save you). Some chips are made more perfect than others, so some can handle high OC and extreme UV, some gag at the thought of 25mV less.
Also, remember to do a backup via recovery (NANDROID backup) when you want to try something new and when you are happy and stable with a ROM/Kernel/Settings combo. This can save lots of wasted time
Hi Harbb, thanks for the reply.
1. Sorry new to xda so couldn't link url, but I think I got it thanks, and I found one for unrooting. But how do you install a custom rom without rooting?
2. Well I was looking into roms, and codename looks good but does not come with Gapps. CM9 also looks good, but still in beta, I think I'll wait for the final release of CM9. Got any specific ones you like? Also what is the point in changing kernel?
3. Since there is a vodafone flag under your name I presume you work for voda aus? So do I have to flash it back to stock to rma it, or can I just give it in, rooted + custom rom, and expect them to replace it for me granted the phone is still <1yr, and if it is not, I guess it costs a bit to fix it.
4. But wouldn't overclocking cause your phone to overheat. Sometimes my stock nexus is sunning really hot, and other times the screen is not responsive, and I presume overclocking will just add to that. I see undervolting as a benefit, but you could just configure your phone to go into aeroplane mode/turn of 3g/etc using timerifficor tasker if battery is an issue.
Thanks for the help, but whats a NANDROID backup. Also, isn't there another one called titanium or something?
Cheers,
continuum
Nandroid is a backup you make in ClockworkMod Recovery.
Titanium Backup is a backup of all your apps (+ data).
1. Once you have an unlocked bootloader, you are given permission to use "fastboot" to flash a custom recovery. The custom recovery has, practically, full access to the rest of the system (which is essentially what root/su is). From the new custom recovery you can flash the .zip file which is the ROM, or kernel, or backup all of your files that you couldn't even access before, or format several partitions to your liking. Rooting is just copying over the su command so you can have access to the entire system, which you can't have without it.
2. CodeName Android has a seperate gapps .zip file, it's linked in the thread somewhere. Just wipe (a full wipe includes data/factory reset, format /system and format /boot, i recommend doing this between different ROMs), flash the ROM .zip first, then gapps.zip second, then reboot into your new ROM. I really liked stock. Recently i moved to Slim ICS. It's all about preference, features, etc. All of the devs here are great and there is no harm in trying out a handful of ROMs, say for about 2 days each. See which one you feel at home with. Same with kernels. Pick a handful with the features you want and try them for a couple of days.
3. No, I don't work for Vodafone. That just says which carrier I'm with. With regard to warranty, put it this way. Unless you get some serious hardware failure or storage failure, you will be able to put the phone back into the locked and stock state. If the phone just up and dies one day, feel free to send it in as-is and they should sort it out for you as it is a hardware problem. This -could- be due to overclocking, and they can argue it, but i can't recall anyone having issues like that so nothing to stress about, just don't abuse your phone. Otherwise, you can usually be able to bring it back to a locked state and in this case i would do that just in case. You can find the warranty policy here. It's quite broad, but so long as it's a manufacturing problem it is clearly covered.
4. Possibly, yes. As i said before, different CPUs are better in general than others due to variances in manufacturing. Lowering voltage may lower temperatures too, so if it is stable this could be an upside to UVing. It's all about being stable though, if your phone can't handle 1200mhz, don't OC it. If it is and you are happy with the battery life and possible lessened lifetime of the phone while stable, go right ahead. Generally no harm in trying, just go up (or down) incrementally. I'll note that while not in use, the phone should be in "Deep Sleep", which completely shuts off nearly all components of the phone aside from the radio (for cellular reception). Undervolting or Overclocking has no effect whatsoever here.
Icecoldmeat said:
Nandroid is a backup you make in ClockworkMod Recovery.
Titanium Backup is a backup of all your apps (+ data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers, so basically its like a windows recovery image. But for the nexus s 19203 (I think, its the slcd one), nexus hacks is saying to use TWRP. Can you still do nandroid backup with that?
Harbb said:
1. Once you have an unlocked bootloader, you are given permission to use "fastboot" to flash a custom recovery. The custom recovery has, practically, full access to the rest of the system (which is essentially what root/su is). From the new custom recovery you can flash the .zip file which is the ROM, or kernel, or backup all of your files that you couldn't even access before, or format several partitions to your liking. Rooting is just copying over the su command so you can have access to the entire system, which you can't have without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So for a beginner, your suggesting it would be easier to unlock the bootloader, and load a custom rom with root already incuded, such as CM9, right?
Harbb said:
2. CodeName Android has a seperate gapps .zip file, it's linked in the thread somewhere. Just wipe (a full wipe includes data/factory reset, format /system and format /boot, i recommend doing this between different ROMs), flash the ROM .zip first, then gapps.zip second, then reboot into your new ROM. I really liked stock. Recently i moved to Slim ICS. It's all about preference, features, etc. All of the devs here are great and there is no harm in trying out a handful of ROMs, say for about 2 days each. See which one you feel at home with. Same with kernels. Pick a handful with the features you want and try them for a couple of days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So essentially:
1. Find a rom, and the drivers for my device, store these on my pc
2. Wipe phone (I presume by going into settings and pressing factory reset? and then wiping everything)
3. Turn off phone
4. Follow the nexusshacks to fastboot oem unlock and TWRP recovery
5. Nandroid backup??
6. Flash the rom
7. Flash Gapps
8. Reboot, disconnect from pc, and then let everything initialize.
9. Enjoy
Harbb said:
3. No, I don't work for Vodafone. That just says which carrier I'm with. With regard to warranty, put it this way. Unless you get some serious hardware failure or storage failure, you will be able to put the phone back into the locked and stock state. If the phone just up and dies one day, feel free to send it in as-is and they should sort it out for you as it is a hardware problem. This -could- be due to overclocking, and they can argue it, but i can't recall anyone having issues like that so nothing to stress about, just don't abuse your phone. Otherwise, you can usually be able to bring it back to a locked state and in this case i would do that just in case. You can find the warranty policy. It's quite broad, but so long as it's a manufacturing problem it is clearly covered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, my bad, new to this forum, and though you were a voda rep
So I guess as long as your not extreme overvolting, you'll be fine.
Harbb said:
4. Possibly, yes. As i said before, different CPUs are better in general than others due to variances in manufacturing. Lowering voltage may lower temperatures too, so if it is stable this could be an upside to UVing. It's all about being stable though, if your phone can't handle 1200mhz, don't OC it. If it is and you are happy with the battery life and possible lessened lifetime of the phone while stable, go right ahead. Generally no harm in trying, just go up (or down) incrementally. I'll note that while not in use, the phone should be in "Deep Sleep", which completely shuts off nearly all components of the phone aside from the radio (for cellular reception). Undervolting or Overclocking has no effect whatsoever here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try mucking about eventually, but am a bit scared about heat build up.
Also, any word on when the full CM9 will come out?
I believe the initial estimation was around march, and by how early CM9 ROMs are going i tend to believe them. Likely more toward the end, though, before a stable is released.
A NANDROID backup basically copies: /system, /boot, /data, /cache, the recovery, kernel and .android_secure (on the sdcard). Pretty much everything android on your phone is backed up and you can go back to that exact state anytime you want by restoring, or restore each one individually. I personally recommend the ClockWorkMod, TWRP isn't in development anymore and CWM now has a touch version too, though i still prefer the non-touch myself. Just make sure to get the latest version from here.
You can feel when the phone gets hot as long as you don't have a full cover, and some apps can tell you what the battery temperature is too. Stick to what is comfortable for you. Don't be worried though, you can always just clock it back to stock speeds and volts.
Harbb said:
I personally recommend the ClockWorkMod, TWRP isn't in development anymore and CWM now has a touch version too, though i still prefer the non-touch myself. Just make sure to get the latest version from here[/URL].
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so this is what I am going to do:
1. Download the CyberGR-MOD|NS.NGN ICS v8 HYBRID, from the link you gave me, I presume this works for i9023
2. Download and install the windows drivers for my phone
3. Root my phone, with TWRP, according to that method shown by nexusshacks
4. Then install clockwork recovery touch using fastboot flash recovery ,also shown by nexus s hacks
5. Preform a nandroid back up ?? not sure how to do this
6. Flash rom ?? not sure how to do this either
7. Reboot phone and enjoy
I am presuming Gapps in included with the rom.
Please correct anything wrong, and also, how do I get onscreen buttons? The code name rom looks like it comes with them.
!!!
I recommend you to use the latest CyanogenMod Nightlie (it's already smooth and stable enough) and some great custom kernel: AirKernel of Matrix kernel
novic_dev said:
I recommend you to use the latest CyanogenMod Nightlie (it's already smooth and stable enough) and some great custom kernel: AirKernel of Matrix kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, but would I have to do the whole process all over again, once the final CM9 comes out, and does it update automatically, or must you update manually?
No need for twrp, you can flash cwm straight away. Before unlocking remember to backup all your data that you can (you will lose save games and app settings). Make sure to do the wipes I told you about or your phone may not boot or be very unstable. Copy the from .zip to sdcard and while in recovery choose to install a .zip and choose which one. It's quite simple, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Backing up is done by clicking backup of course.
There is a thread in development dedicated to onscreen buttons, that might be of use. I haven't tried it before.
Harbb said:
No need for twrp, you can flash cwm straight away. Before unlocking remember to backup all your data that you can (you will lose save games and app settings). Make sure to do the wipes I told you about or your phone may not boot or be very unstable. Copy the from .zip to sdcard and while in recovery choose to install a .zip and choose which one. It's quite simple, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Backing up is done by clicking backup of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I don't have much data on there, so I'm just going to copy a couple of photo's, and then factory reset, but I thought to flash cwm you have to have root first? My nexus is just pure, stock.
Harbb said:
There is a thread in development dedicated to onscreen buttons, that might be of use. I haven't tried it before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I can't post there yet.
http://[www].androidegis.com/how-to/now-root-your-nexus-s-in-one-click-root-method/ Is this any good?
Unsure if that one still works for ICS, possibly not. There are other methods to root 4.0.3 though without unlocking the bootloader, but it often makes it much harder to do some things. Since we don't get scalded for unlocking the bootloader (and it can be undone, AND it's easy), it is the best and preferred way by most accounts. It saves alot of hassle and we are free to use fastboot if anything goes awry. Much better than needing to do that rooting procedure again, then flashing recovery within android, etc. Since you have nothing on your phone, definitely just unlock the bootloader. Nothing like freedom
Unlocking the bootloader allows you to use fastboot, as i said. fastboot allows you to flash a custom recovery (and boot with a custom kernel, and some other less-used things). TWRP and CWM are both custom recoveries, so as long as you can use fastboot (via "fastboot flash recovery recovery.img") you can replace recovery.img with twrp.img, cwm.img and so on. Same process, different file.
I'll give you another hint since you'll probably run into this eventually: Stock recovery has an android and exclamation (!) mark as a splash screen. You have to press a volume key and power button to go through that splash screen. The main time you'll see this is if you flash an official Stock ROM. There is a script that reinstalls the stock recovery on boot in Stock ROMs. To get rid of it, you'll need to rename the file /system/etc/install-recovery.sh to something else (like install-recovery.sh.bak), or just delete it. You need su to do this, of course.
Harbb,
is it "OK" before reverting to a previous NANDROID backup in CWM recovery to do format system/boot/data/cache/dalvik and factory defaults ? or not or harmful ?
What is the word on that ?
Alright, thanks guys, I will try this soon.
mahanddeem said:
Harbb,
is it "OK" before reverting to a previous NANDROID backup in CWM recovery to do format system/boot/data/cache/dalvik and factory defaults ? or not or harmful ?
What is the word on that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to, it is done automatically before restoring. Essentially it doesn't make a difference either way.
continuum51 said:
Alright, thanks guys, I will try this soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, it'll all make alot more sense once you're doing it.
Ok guy, about to do it now. These are the steps I'm taking,
1. Download the CyberGR-MOD|NS.NGN ICS v8 HYBRID
http://clockworkmod.com/rommanager/...CyberGR-MOD|NS-NGN.&deviceName=Google Nexus S
Why Cyber, seems fast, stable, and is not a beta. Only question is how are updates going to work?
2. Download and install the windows drivers for my phone (I'm on windows 7)
http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/NexusS/rooting/nexussrootICS.zip
3. Follow these until step 7
http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-root/how-to-root-nexus-s-or-nexus-s-4g-on-ics-or-gingerbread/
4. Then install clockwork recovery touch (Link: http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/NexusS/cwm/nexussrecoverytouch.zip)
and follow these instructions:
http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-hack...orkmod-touch-on-rooted-nexus-s-or-nexus-s-4g/
5. Preform a nandroid back up, I'm guessing this is a part of clockwork recovery, and click the following after:
data/factory reset
format /boot
format /system
From advanced, click reboot recovery, and wipe data/factory reset & cache again.
Next, storage select, format /system /data /cache /boot & format /sdcard, mount usb, and copy CyberGR-MOD|NS.NGN ICS v8 HYBRID over to sdcard.
6. Plug out cable, and lash rom by going into clockwork recovery and clicking install zip from sdcard, top flash rom
7. Reboot phone and enjoy
Before I go ahead, if something screws up, and the phone completely dies (software side), is there a way to force it back to stock? And are these steps correct?
continuum51 said:
Ok guy, about to do it now. These are the steps I'm taking,
1. Download the CyberGR-MOD|NS.NGN ICS v8 HYBRID
http://clockworkmod.com/rommanager/...CyberGR-MOD|NS-NGN.&deviceName=Google Nexus S
Why Cyber, seems fast, stable, and is not a beta. Only question is how are updates going to work?
2. Download and install the windows drivers for my phone (I'm on windows 7)
http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/NexusS/rooting/nexussrootICS.zip
3. Follow these until step 7
http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-root/how-to-root-nexus-s-or-nexus-s-4g-on-ics-or-gingerbread/
4. Then install clockwork recovery touch (Link: http://downloadandroidrom.com/file/NexusS/cwm/nexussrecoverytouch.zip)
and follow these instructions:
http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-hack...orkmod-touch-on-rooted-nexus-s-or-nexus-s-4g/
5. Preform a nandroid back up, I'm guessing this is a part of clockwork recovery, and click the following after:
wipe data/factory reset
wipe/cache partition
And download the following Dalvik-wiper.zip, and wipe Cache. ?? for this, do I put it on phone sd card?
From advanced, click reboot recovery, and wipe data/factory reset & cache again.
Next, storage select, format /system /data /cache /boot & format /sdcard, mount usb, and copy CyberGR-MOD|NS.NGN ICS v8 HYBRID over to sdcard.
6. Plug out cable, and lash rom by going into clockwork recovery and clicking install zip from sdcard, top flash rom
7. Reboot phone and enjoy
Before I go ahead, if something screws up, and the phone completely dies (software side), is there a way to force it back to stock? And are these steps correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Data/factory reset also formats /cache. For a full wipe: data/factory reset, format /boot, format /system. No need to worry about any wiping .zips. No reason to do it twice either, but if you really want peace of mind do as you wish. This is ALL you need to do for wiping.
They are correct, but also somewhat redundant. Follow my wiping directions and you will be perfectly fine. If you ever want to flash a new kernel, you only need to wipe dalvik cache prior to flashing it.
Thanks mate. I've edited step 5, and am doing it now.
As i said too, no need to do the wiping again as you have at the bottom of step 5. Also note that data/factory reset formats /data, /cache and .android_secure (on sdcard), so doing the separate formats is essentially the same as doing the data/factory reset.
There is a sticky at the top of the general section with all of the stock OTA ROMs (Full and Update ones). Just wipe and flash one of the Full ROMs and you'll be back to stock in no time.
Related
This Guide assumes that you have S-off and are rooted. It gives the most basic instructions for a first time flasher, it'll also take you through a Nandroid back up using ClockworkMod v4.0.0.4.
Select a rom.
Choose from here or, click the LBC link in my sigi and download the excellent rom and put it in the root of your SD card.
Turn your phone off and just this once pull and refit the battery, just to be sure your not going to run into any problems getting into Hboot from a power on state.
Press and hold the volume down button and press the power/on button. Your now turning your phone on and entering Hboot (bootloader). You'll soon get a white screen with skateboarding types at the bottom. (Oh dear! Notice the one on the far right looks as if he is about to fall off his skateboard! This isn't important).
Wait for the green writing to flash on the screen and go away, any errors that you notice are completely NORMAL!
Press the volume down button once more to highlight RECOVERY.
Press the power button to select.
Your phone will Vibrate (or at least mine does), and after loading you'll get a black screen with purple writing.
Congratulations are in order! You've reached RECOVERY. At this point it might be useful to go outside and bark at the moon if the excitement overcomes you. It did me.
Better? Right lets get to work. This is the business end of flashing and what can't be done here can't be done at all. Well, OK actually there is Android Flasher, Fastboot Commander and lets not forget your Command Line Editor but we'll gloss over those until you've earn't your stripes.
Using the Vol button navigate to BACK UP AND RESTORE and Select using the Power button.
Select BACK UP.
Your now backing up your existing rom and creating your first Nandroid back up. Your Nandroid back up lives on your SD card and can be moved to another file for safe keeping, renamed, corrupted or deleted. If you value your information, keep it safe.
Once finished, you'll get the message "Backup complete!" All we've done to this point is back up the rom that you've been using, at this point you could hit the power button and continue using your old rom, or wipe your phone and falsh a fresh one.
Its important to remember here that if you are going to wipe your phone, your actually deleting HTC's stock rom off the phone and a factory reset will not undo this. After you have wiped, the only way to get your phone back to a factory condition is to flash (load) a stock rom back on, (RUU). You MUST wipe your phone before installing a new rom, there is no way around this.
Wiping and flashing a fresh rom is far more exciting than HTC's offering and that's why you S-offed and rooted anyway isn't it?! Here's how we do that.
Using the Vol button, highlight WIPE DATA/FACTORY RESET.
Once done, highlight WIPE CACHE PARTITION.
Normally this is enough for a normal reflash but if your recovering from a problem or an issue and want a really really good clean up, perform these optional steps:
Select MOUNTS AND STORAGE
Using your vol and power button:
format /cache
format /data
format /system
Select +++++Go Back+++++
Select Advanced
Wipe Dalvik Cache
Reboot Recovery. This step is quite important and your phone will as it says reboot, so don't worry, just let it do its thing.
Wipe Data/Factory Reset once more.
There that's all the wiping done. It's worth noting now that at this stage your phone now has no operating software installed on it! A little scary isn't it? Apart from a bootloader and a radio there's very little else on your pride and joy right now!!! YOU WIPED IT! OK, enough, lets get your new rom installed.
Select install zip from SD card.
choose zip from SD card.
Select your rom
In about 4 to 5 minutes the phone will tell you its done. (DO NOT INTERUPT THIS PROCESS), make sure you have at least 75% battery before you begin!
Are we done?
Now is the time to flash any non optional extras that your rom may need. For instance CyanogenMOD does not come with the Market or Google Apps in Update so flash them now. Refer to your rom developers page for further information on this.
Any kernels, keyboards or mods from the kitchen also get flashed here. These are a little more advanced so lets not go there right now.
Reboot system.
This is your roms intital install and always takes a while to complete. However if your waiting mor than 10 minutes at this stage consult your specific rom developers page.
Press the thanks button.
Done.
this is a very very great guide for the newbies! Thanks man
I have a question for ya... what's nandroid backup? does it backup my stock ROM as well? so if I want back my old stock rom, I just flash back the backup? Need more understanding. Thanks.!
nodeffect said:
this is a very very great guide for the newbies! Thanks man
I have a question for ya... what's nandroid backup? does it backup my stock ROM as well? so if I want back my old stock rom, I just flash back the backup? Need more understanding. Thanks.!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Nandroid back up is the back up you make while in RECOVERY mode. It is an almost complete image of the phone, system, data, and caches are saved. It is important to note that when you wipe you are WIPING HTC's ROM FROM THE PHONE! After a wipe a factory reset will not take your phone back to the state where it left the shop. You'll need an RUU for that.
I appreciate the feed back.
Thanks for the step by step guide, I flashed the Virtuous Unity ROM and it is working perfectly.
Exactly what I've been looking for, thanks
Impressive guide
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA App
InfernalByte said:
make sure you have at least 30% battery before you begin!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good guide man. But you really, really want to have the phone plugged in and charged. Pref at least 75% battery if on battery power alone. Just for those unforseens ...
Peace
Great guide, thanks very much. I have a question about radios when installing a custom rom.
I see that some of the custom roms do not have a radio. How do I know which radio to use to go with that rom? Many rom threads don't seem to specify. Do I leave my stock one, or do I need a different one?
Also, if I do decide to install a custom kernal at a later time, does that mean re-installing the custom rom again first?
Thanks very much for any help for a noob to android!
ems328i said:
Great guide, thanks very much. I have a question about radios when installing a custom rom.
I see that some of the custom roms do not have a radio. How do I know which radio to use to go with that rom? Many rom threads don't seem to specify. Do I leave my stock one, or do I need a different one?
Also, if I do decide to install a custom kernal at a later time, does that mean re-installing the custom rom again first?
Thanks very much for any help for a noob to android!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't flash a radio unless you really need to, its not necessary, if your phone works perfectly well with the radio you have my advice is; leave well alone and use the stock radio.
Any add ons such as kernels can be flashed any time after a rom flash and there is no no to reflash a rom just for a fresh kernel etc. Just go back into recovery and flash the exta's, don't wipe.
What I would advise though is when installing any new rom is not to flash any extras until the rom has been running as a stand alone for about 30 minutes. Any, shall we say "toys," Themes and a lot of Kitchen baked stuff should be flashed after the rom has run alone a while and settled, this makes it far easier to understand any issues your fresh rom may have as its easier to identify what's causing it.
This is a bit of a minefield though because some roms need add ons for the first flash, such as CyanogenMod needs the Market and Gmail. Stuff like A2SD scripts also need to be flashed prior to the first boot or they wont work. Your rom Developer should be specific about these.
InfernalByte said:
Don't flash a radio unless you really need to, its not necessary, if your phone works perfectly well with the radio you have my advice is; leave well alone and use the stock radio.
Any add ons such as kernels can be flashed any time after a rom flash and there is no no to reflash a rom just for a fresh kernel etc. Just go back into recovery and flash the exta's, don't wipe.
What I would advise though is when installing any new rom is not to flash any extras until the rom has been running as a stand alone for about 30 minutes. Any, shall we say "toys," Themes and a lot of Kitchen baked stuff should be flashed after the rom has run alone a while and settled, this makes it far easier to understand any issues your fresh rom may have as its easier to identify what's causing it.
This is a bit of a minefield though because some roms need add ons for the first flash, such as CyanogenMod needs the Market and Gmail. Stuff like A2SD scripts also need to be flashed prior to the first boot or they wont work. Your rom Developer should be specific about these.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Superb, thanks very much that's good info! I've just now got S-off with AlphaRevX, and I'm now running the SAGA LBC Mod, just need to learn my way around the new features! Is it possible to now remove some apps like Facebook from this rom?
ems328i said:
Is it possible to now remove some apps like Facebook from this rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Titanium Back Up to freeze the apps before deleting. That way if I get too naughty and freeze something that's needed it can be restored.
InfernalByte said:
I use Titanium Back Up to freeze the apps before deleting. That way if I get too naughty and freeze something that's needed it can be restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great tip, thanks again, much appreciated!
How to backup the personal data and apps at one ROM in order to restore them at new ROM? Thank you for the answer in advance.
Thanks for the guide.
Many thanks
Thank you for this great guide! I am a total noob and I flashed the LBC mod according to your guide. I already got root, as I had done this by other guide. I would like to add some advice for other noobs out there like me. The only setback I got, was that after installing new ROM, it froze, and the problem seems to be my Google account, which wants to sync all apps at once right after you have typed in your password and checked the "sync with my account" checkbox. the best would be to somehow uninstall all your apps from old rom after backing them up with Titanium. The problem was, that while trying to download all the apps again, it froze so hard, that it still showed me the charging LED, and the screen was unresponsive even after I had pulled the charger over 15mins ago. Even the power button did nothing. So I went back to recovery, trying to do the whole wiping/formatting drill with Dalvik Cache and i received errors in the recovery, even while navigating between menus that mounting recovery failed. I got very desperate and taught it would be best to just take a break. It was good idea. when I came back the phone had cooled down and I received no more errors while wiping/formatting/installing. I then just forbid the google account to back up my data online and that did the trick. No more freezes and LBC mod looks, feels and behaves just perfect. I got a whole new PDA now, with whole new capabilities. And also, many of the ROM-s does not include the Sim ToolKit, the STK. This is quite neccesary for people in Estonia and soon for most people in the world, as its neccesary for Mobile-ID. Most of us vote for president for instance by digitally signing our vote with mobile-ID which is an even greater extenson of ID-card. And as a businessman I need to give at least couple of signatures each day. I would be quite unhappy, when I would need to drive 200km to another city just to sign a document, or messing with my ID-card, card reader and stupid drivers, to sign something manually or even worse, use a pen to sign something haha So its a very vital component of all phones that use SIM-card and it soon going to be a must have in most countries in the world. So every Estonian here, if you are in need, get the neccesary STK (download the version for android 2.3.4, the 2.3.3 version won't work for LBC 0.5.3) from the Estonian Hinnavaatlus forum here: http://foorum.hinnavaatlus.ee/viewtopic.php?p=6564414#6564414
Again, thanks for the guide, its a dream come true.
Your Welcome.
ems328i said:
Superb, thanks very much that's good info! I've just now got S-off with AlphaRevX, and I'm now running the SAGA LBC Mod, just need to learn my way around the new features! Is it possible to now remove some apps like Facebook from this rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup you can delete facebook etc, if you want to just clean it up, but your not going to make any extra room, unless you learn how to install apk apps into your system partition, rather than market apps into your data partition..
nodeffect said:
this is a very very great guide for the newbies! Thanks man
I have a question for ya... what's nandroid backup? does it backup my stock ROM as well? so if I want back my old stock rom, I just flash back the backup? Need more understanding. Thanks.!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think this question was answered clearly enough Can you restore your phone back exactly the way it was before with the nandroid back up you made? If not what is the point of the back up?
Also, it it best to do a nandroid back up the way you described or would it be just as good to let the ROM manager App do it for you?
pumpernickel77 said:
I dont think this question was answered clearly enough Can you restore your phone back exactly the way it was before with the nandroid back up you made? If not what is the point of the back up?
Also, it it best to do a nandroid back up the way you described or would it be just as good to let the ROM manager App do it for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid Backup (to be honest - a tiny piece of Googling would give you the answer to this) but, in answer to your question, yes, a Nandroid backup takes the phone state back to effectively when the backup was was taken....I use it often when testing ROMS and then returning to my daily use ROM.
The only thing that isn't backed up by the backup and therefore isn't restored is your Radio so if you change version you need to flash the older version (which I'm sure that you'll be advised not to!) to return to the same state you were in.
ROM Manager nandroid and manual recovery nandroid are the same, it's just a matter of choice and personal preference. Some people like command line other like GUI. However, using recovery based backup it means that you'll hopefully have a slightly greater understaing of what is actually happening and the options that are avialiable to you, which means should there ever come a time when only recovery is accessible - you won't [email protected] your pants!
good
simple and easy thanks dude
I get my nexus s in the mail tomorrow. And before I start to use it I want to root it and flash a new rom to it. But my main question is this doing the one click root it gives you the options to choose a recovery to install what are the pros and cons differences a lot of that and which is Better in own opinions
i will vote TWRP
because it has more options, more settings and you can use touchscreen on it!
This may not be totally helpful but... I have never tried twrp, I have always used CWM. CWM ihas always worked for me. It's great. I am not totally sure of the difference, but CWM is very stable... So it's reliable. I say go for CWM (unless someone has a good reason why not). Also I don't think there is much of a difference LOL (I may be wrong)
Lol now you got me thinking I came from a atrix 4g and a droid 1 both had cwm. And I flashed cwm to my girls nexus 4g I didn't have a chance to play with it because I figured i know how to use it so what the hell. But I was just thinking what if twrp is better in ways?
309041291a said:
This may not be totally helpful but... I have never tried twrp, I have always used CWM. CWM ihas always worked for me. It's great. I am not totally sure of the difference, but CWM is very stable... So it's reliable. I say go for CWM (unless someone has a good reason why not). Also I don't think there is much of a difference LOL (I may be wrong)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then you should have try it first. then you will have totally different thinking.
first of all , it allows you to choose what (boot, system ,data, efs , cache ...etc) to backup/restore when you backup/restore where CWM only allows you choose which part when you restore
and second , it allows you set it to compress backup or not to save time or SDcard space.
thrid, it could reboot to recovery , to fastboot, to system or power off where CWM only can power off...
fouth , it can set timezone ... yeah ..
...brah brah brah
it's stable , i've been using it ever since i know it , and didn't see any problem yet!
qtwrk said:
then you should have try it first. then you will have totally different thinking.
first of all , it allows you to choose what (boot, system ,data, efs , cache ...etc) to backup/restore when you backup/restore where CWM only allows you choose which part when you restore
and second , it allows you set it to compress backup or not to save time or SDcard space.
thrid, it could reboot to recovery , to fastboot, to system or power off where CWM only can power off...
fouth , it can set timezone ... yeah ..
...brah brah brah
it's stable , i've been using it ever since i know it , and didn't see any problem yet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow! That sounds reallyyyy nice.! Perhaps on my next ROM I'll co spider using twrp too ...
Nexus S - AOSP+ Neapolitan flavors 3.0, Glados kernel 2.8
clockworkmod all the way trusted and reliable
TWRP 2.0 is really nice. All touch is a thing of beauty and simplicity. I did occasionally have random issues where backups wouldn't restore or I'd get random errors when flashing. I still used it because its so awesome but after Teamwin stopped supporting it I went back to CWM. Its kinda clunky but has never given me any problems. Plus RM integration is nice.
*if you didn't wipe /system and /boot it is NOT A FULL WIPE* (relax, it's a signature)
TWRP is good and i guess more intuitive than softkeys/vol buttons, but it has been dropped. It may be a viable option now, but probably not so much in times to come and there are a few bugs in it. CWM, on the other hand, does everything it is designed to do to a T.
jr0dd's 5.0.2.3 is a nice change to the original layout, gets rid of all the "no"s while flashing and brings the most used wipes in one menu. Based on CWM 5.0.2.0, just slight layout changes.
OK. So I bought this tablet the other day at a local Best Buy, and so far I am loving it. Already have it rooted and have a custom ROM installed. However, I have a couple questions that are pretty simple, but I just want to make sure before I screw it up.
1) What is the proper way to flash a rom on this tablet? I know on my phone, I have to first wipe data, then format /system, and then format /boot. I am not sure if doing the same method would be safe on this tablet or not, and I don't want to brick it by accident.
2) What is the best kernel? I am using Revolver's ROM, and am currently using the Prime OC kernel, but have also used the Blades kernel pandatest @ 1.5GHz. I tried to push it to a little over 1.6GHz on the Blades kernel and got some stability issues.
That's pretty much all I really need to know about this tablet. So far I am loving it, and won't part with it anytime soon. Thanks again for reading.
Some roms have a script that you download then flash. This script will wipe everything in your internal memory (and external I believe). Then after flashing this, you go and flash the rom you want.
Other Roms simply have you wipe data/cache just like on a phone, then flash the Rom.
I guess it depends on the developers themselves, so look at the instructions on their page.
I have found the Prime OC kernal to be the one I liked the most. Very stable, and good battery life. Also very stable at 1.4-1.5GHz
You really shouldn't have any reason to go higher then that to be honest.
somethinamazinn said:
Some roms have a script that you download then flash. This script will wipe everything in your internal memory (and external I believe). Then after flashing this, you go and flash the rom you want.
Other Roms simply have you wipe data/cache just like on a phone, then flash the Rom.
I guess it depends on the developers themselves, so look at the instructions on their page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just wondering if I go into the recovery, go into mounts and storage, and format the system and data from that, if it could damage anything crucial like the bootloader or anything. I just don't want to end up bricking, but I also want to make sure I am doing a proper full wipe when installing a new ROM.
somethinamazinn said:
I have found the Prime OC kernal to be the one I liked the most. Very stable, and good battery life. Also very stable at 1.4-1.5GHz
You really shouldn't have any reason to go higher then that to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will probably stick with Prime. Seems to run the best so far.
Thanks for the reply!
stompysan said:
I was just wondering if I go into the recovery, go into mounts and storage, and format the system and data from that, if it could damage anything crucial like the bootloader or anything. I just don't want to end up bricking, but I also want to make sure I am doing a proper full wipe when installing a new ROM.
I will probably stick with Prime. Seems to run the best so far.
Thanks for the reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not format System ever. When installing roms it will do that for you. Data is fine to format. If you are having problems with a rom you Factory reset which wipes data then wipe the cache partition.
mrevankyle said:
Do not format System ever. When installing roms it will do that for you. Data is fine to format. If you are having problems with a rom you Factory reset which wipes data then wipe the cache partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. That's what I was wondering. I know on my Nexus S 4G, a full wipe makes you wipe system as well. I wasn't sure if that was safe to do on this tablet.
backstory
I've been running Infinity for a while, and managed to avoid its biggest issue: hit recovery from the power menu and you do a partial wipe. its not enough to be a factory reset and just enough to cripple every app on the device. Sadly i pocket-pressed it today, and i decided instead of fixing the damage to just flash a new ROM.
What i did:
-odin flashed back to stock (used pre-existing file i had on my computer, pretty sure its this )
-after boot sign in adn phone setup crashed. could not get it to work. superuser was installed but not functioning.
-followed instructions and used files from here to load CWM, SU, and rooted kernel
-continued having same issues.
-CWM cleared cache, data, dalvik and factory wiped.
-CWM flashed this ROM
-same issues still remain
overall problem:
I can't sign in to google. registration force closes. after a few minutes after initial boot 4g works. about half the apps work. phone works, browser is 50/50, most everything else instantly crashes and prompts me to force close. However, in its current state it still functions as a phone, so i'm not doing anything crazy without knowing what i'm doing. yet.
possible solutions i haven't tried:
-full device format. Why? because the ROM doesn't come with a kernel, and i'm very hesitant to REMOVE the kernel.
-nandroid backups. why? i've kinda naver made one for the charge....... titanum app data has always been enough for me *feels noobish* and i wasn't going to backup my FUBAR'd infinity ROM either >_>
ANY AND ALL help is GREATLY appreciated.
I'm still fairly inexperienced with ODIN, but i can figure just about anything out, provided i have a means to backtrack or some sort of guidelines to follow. Online guides , trial and error, reading tech blogs, and XDA tutorials have taught me most everything i know about android. i'm a fast leaner. I can probably figure it out by myself in a few weeks time (not exaggerating too much) but i want my phone back as soon as possible, and i can't have it not functioning as a phone for too long at once. So please, drop a post wit a fix, a thought, an additional question, anything.
thanks in advance to the best android site ever!
If you updated CWM, you wouldn't have had a problem with the phone wiping your data.
I suggest you should do a full clean back to factory image, then test everything make sure they are working, then proceed to Odin mod ROM and kernel (I will take help you on this). BTW, the rom you flashed, did not come with E4D 4G modem.
http://www.imnuts.org/odin-packages/
I have also been running InfinityRom for some time, great rom but it took me a little bit to get it working the way I wanted. I'm going to recommend that you go full back to stock EP4D, with the PIT file provided by IMNUTS', and go from there. The PIT file will repartition your phone from ext4, which InfinityRom runs with, back to the stock RFS. I'm also going to recommend that you use the stock unrooted EP4D file as opposed to the rooted file you were using previously. Plus it might be a good idea to save any vital files from your SD card to your computer, and then reformat it through your phone. This will remove any lingering files associated with the troublesome applications. Also as IMNUTS just posted be sure to use his latest CWM release and InfinityRom if thats what you want to stick with, hes very good about updating his shiz to fix user reported issues
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway, this is what I did and it 100% cured any issues I was having at first.
Steps:
1. Use Odin 1.82+ to flash the stock EP4d along with the charge.pit file
*Charge.pit >>> PIT slot of Odin
**CI510_VZW_EP4_ALL_ONE-LTE....tar.md5 >>> PDA slot of Odin
***Re-partition should auto-check itself but if it does not, check it, and uncheck auto-reboot
2. After thats finished and you boot into stock, copy individual folders/files from your SD card to your computer, and reformat your SD card through your phone (Will remove lingering app settings cached to your card - this may not be necessary just a suggestion)
3. Put the Rom that you want (and seperate Kernel if you want that too) back onto your card.
4. Flash IMNUTS' latest CWM recovery [3-2-12] through Odin (PDA slot in Odin) and boot directly into recovery using the POWER+HOME+VOL. UP trick.
5. NOW wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache, and wipe dalvik cache.. then navigate to install Zip from SD card and install the Rom you wanted
Hopefully that should get you up and running nicely . Good Luck!
Here are links to the wonderful developer provided files. (Use the latest releases!!)
Stock unrooted EP4 and PIT file (make sure to use the ones under Charge): http://www.imnuts.org/odin-packages/
IMNUTS' latest CWM recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1112804
Latest InfinityRom release: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1377977
Thanks for the quick answers guys
Mike, EPIC guide I'll try it in a couple minutes and let you know how it goes.
EDIT: Successfully got back to pure stock EP4d thanks guys. now to root it.
EDIT2: Latest Eclipse installed successfully thank you guys, you're lifesavers. Especially you, kamikazemike6
Yes
I was having the same issue, thank you.
Long time lurker (though I can't say I always understood everything I read), first time poster.
I've had several iPhones in the past and I finally decided to try the other option. I got a Verizon GS3 last November and I couldn't be happier.
However, like many others, I'm looking to get more from my phone. I do like TouchWiz (I have used a Nexus 4 for a week and didn't like the stock android), so I want to stay with about the same UI that I have now. I did some research and found that Synergy is probably the best option for me in terms of getting a bit more from my phone but still staying with (mostly) the same UI. Of course, getting rid of all the annoying Verizon apps is a huge bonus too.
This is what I have done already:
Used this method to root and unlock my bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825
Used TWRP to make a full backup of my phone to an external SD card
Used Titanium Backup to make a full backup of my apps to an external SD card
Here are my questions:
I have the latest Verizon OTA installed (June 20th, I535VRBMF1). I have read all the posts from the last 14 days on the Synergy thread and I think I understand that since my phone has a newer firmware than the one in the latest synergy ROM, I will need to downgrade my firmware before installing the ROM to avoid camera and wifi problems. Is this correct? Someone linked there to I535VRBMB1_firmware.zip. How do I install this firmware? I have ODIN but when I choose PDA it will not let me choose the zip file. When I extract it, ODIN doesn't find anything too.
What kind of wipe should I perform before I flash to Synergy? Should I take my SD card out for the wipe or leave it in? Do I even need to wipe?
Can I install the ROM from ROM Manager or should I always use recovery mode and TWRP?
Is it recommended to just restore my Titanium full backup after the wipe? Should I have backed up everything except verizon apps if I don't want these? Should I just restore those apps where I want my old data (like game progress)?
Thanks in advance for any help. I have learned a lot from these forums but I feel I need a bit more clarifications before I proceed with a task that may be damaging for my device.
Slartibartfast_ said:
Long time lurker (though I can't say I always understood everything I read), first time poster.
I've had several iPhones in the past and I finally decided to try the other option. I got a Verizon GS3 last November and I couldn't be happier.
However, like many others, I'm looking to get more from my phone. I do like TouchWiz (I have used a Nexus 4 for a week and didn't like the stock android), so I want to stay with about the same UI that I have now. I did some research and found that Synergy is probably the best option for me in terms of getting a bit more from my phone but still staying with (mostly) the same UI. Of course, getting rid of all the annoying Verizon apps is a huge bonus too.
This is what I have done already:
Used this method to root and unlock my bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825
Used TWRP to make a full backup of my phone to an external SD card
Used Titanium Backup to make a full backup of my apps to an external SD card
Here are my questions:
I have the latest Verizon OTA installed (June 20th, I535VRBMF1). I have read all the posts from the last 14 days on the Synergy thread and I think I understand that since my phone has a newer firmware than the one in the latest synergy ROM, I will need to downgrade my firmware before installing the ROM to avoid camera and wifi problems. Is this correct? Someone linked there to I535VRBMB1_firmware.zip. How do I install this firmware? I have ODIN but when I choose PDA it will not let me choose the zip file. When I extract it, ODIN doesn't find anything too.
What kind of wipe should I perform before I flash to Synergy? Should I take my SD card out for the wipe or leave it in? Do I even need to wipe?
Can I install the ROM from ROM Manager or should I always use recovery mode and TWRP?
Is it recommended to just restore my Titanium full backup after the wipe? Should I have backed up everything except verizon apps if I don't want these? Should I just restore those apps where I want my old data (like game progress)?
Thanks in advance for any help. I have learned a lot from these forums but I feel I need a bit more clarifications before I proceed with a task that may be damaging for my device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - You can roll back to MB1, or flash a kernel that supports the camera w/MF1. The camera not working seems to be the primary issue. I know Ktoonsez kernel works as do a couple of others.
2 - Wipe system, cache and Dalvik. You don't need to do anything with your card.
3 - At least the first time, I'd recommend using TWRP in recovery mode to flash your new ROM. Someone else may have a different opinion, but you'll already be in TWRP to wipe everything.
4 - Different people have different experiences with TiBU. Most would recommend not restoring system data, but apps(non-system) and app. data is usually okay.
lvgdgts said:
1 - You can roll back to MB1, or flash a kernel that supports the camera w/MF1. The camera not working seems to be the primary issue. I know Ktoonsez kernel works as do a couple of others.
2 - Wipe system, cache and Dalvik. You don't need to do anything with your card.
3 - At least the first time, I'd recommend using TWRP in recovery mode to flash your new ROM. Someone else may have a different opinion, but you'll already be in TWRP to wipe everything.
4 - Different people have different experiences with TiBU. Most would recommend not restoring system data, but apps(non-system) and app. data is usually okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate your detailed response!
I'm probably going to attempt this tomorrow. Will report back with what my results. It looks like BoneStock might be another good option for me + save me the kernel replacement or firmware flash. I have some reading to do now
Slartibartfast_ said:
Here are my questions:
I have the latest Verizon OTA installed (June 20th, I535VRBMF1). I have read all the posts from the last 14 days on the Synergy thread and I think I understand that since my phone has a newer firmware than the one in the latest synergy ROM, I will need to downgrade my firmware before installing the ROM to avoid camera and wifi problems. Is this correct? Someone linked there to I535VRBMB1_firmware.zip. How do I install this firmware? I have ODIN but when I choose PDA it will not let me choose the zip file. When I extract it, ODIN doesn't find anything too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add onto lvgdgts' post: files ending with ".zip" are flashed in recovery, files ending with ".tar" or ".tar.md5" are flashed via Odin.
SlimSnoopOS said:
Just to add onto lvgdgts' post: files ending with ".zip" are flashed in recovery, files ending with ".tar" or ".tar.md5" are flashed via Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
I decided to go with BoneStock 3.1. Whole process took less than half an hour. Used TWRP manager to wipe+install the ROM. Restore from Titanium restored 95% of my stuff, only needed to manually restore my text messages.
Thanks for the help!