Database Info

Rooting, Flashing, Backing up And Installing New Boot Loader

Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks

i'm new to all of this too but ill try to answer some questions. Although, I think this thread should NOT be in development and should be in general. I personally have read through a lot of threads to get the answers that I was seeking for.
As far as backup goes, I think its possible through Odin via dump option? don't quote me on that, I have not had to do that before, nor have I read up on it. bootloader as far as i see, i did not need it.
there is a thread in here with virgin rom request, LOOK for it.
There is NO compiled list of apps that you can or cannot delete, but if you read, there is a dl for BLOATWARE, use that as a template to what you want deleted.
Right now, ODIN is the only way that you can flash your phone, and use the two roms listed in this development thread.
From what i read a deodexed rom just helps with file system and structure. I think?
you will always be able to go back to stock, if you have the virgin rom.
Imo, you should read up/skim through every thread in here to see what is available, problems people are having and the fixes for them. I know there is alot of information in here and it maybe overwhelming, but there were 172 views of this thread without any replies because us noobs need to READ/SEARCH. Thats the answers we'll get if we continue to make new threads. Just fyi if your new to forums.

Moved as not android development.

As newbie you should first read and use search
then if you dont see question you want, you just ask it
And about Roms , well i tried that deox v2.2 and didnt like it , switched to stock with removed bloat and love it more but thats for different thread

Well thanks for you answers and I do apologize for posting this here. I didn't know. I think i will go with what you have done. Stock ROM without bloatware. Did you flash the Stock ROM from this forum? or did you just deleted the apps one by one?
I will do the fota fix as well.

moshe22 said:
Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.

ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Really helpful. I will read into these threads and probably will wait for the clockwork to work for SGS4G.
I really don't see the advantage of flashing to Deodexed. Maybe i'm missing something?

Should I root and put CWR on?

Hey guys, it seems as though things are a bit more complicated in the Tablet world. My Android phones I rooted right away and put CWR on right away however it seems as though the latest and greatest Android updates from Asus won't work if you do so. Are there available stock roms that are released that you can flash straight to the device while keeping CWR?
Oh the Galaxy S which I use, many people released rooted stock roms where you can flash if you so choose. I haven't seen any CWR flashable stock Android 3.2 roms for the Transformer.

Absolutely not, based on your question.

You should only root if you are not satisfied with stock roms or wish to run apps that require root (superuser permissions) - and of course are willing to assume the possibility of voiding your warranty or damaging your device. If you really want the flexibility and are willing to assume the risk, then, there are rooted stock roms available. Please check the developers forum for possible roms.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

If you want to root, for whatever reason, and just keep stock there is a zip file that is released in this forum to do updates with CWR. I rooted my tf just so I could easily change my speaker settings and do backups. Just put the zip on your sd card and boot into recovery and the latest updates are applied, nice and easy. The zip update was out the day before my tf downloaded it so they come out pretty quick.
The zip is in this thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1234734
Cheers.

Rooting is more of a personal question. There's no definite reason to root unless you want to improve something. By stock roms I'm assuming you mean official updates from Asus, so the answer is no.
There are 3 different roms for the Transformer that are CWR flashable...I have no idea where you are looking.

[INFO] What you need to know about ICS and your Atrix 2

I have been seeing MANY threads lately involving questions such as, "How do I get on ICS?", "Should I update to ICS?", "I think I am bricked, how can I fix this?", and "How do I FXZ back to GB?" So I am creating this thread as an information only thread to answer these questions and more with links to proper threads that have already been posted for your benefit. Unless otherwise noted by the OP's or myself the following threads apply to the AT&T MB865. So without further ado....
What you need to know about ICS and your Atrix 2
The first link you need to look at is the Noob thread. I am going to be using terms like "Bootloader", "Soft-Brick", "Hard-Brick", "FXZ", "Fastboot", "OTA", and the like and user/developer JRW28 has posted a FANTASTIC thread to help you familiarize yourself with certain Android terminologies and certain HOWTO's that will help you understand and accomplish much of what I am going to be referring to. So with the Atrix 2, if you are confused with something. START WITH THE NOOB THREAD. Find it here: JRW28's NOOB Thread
Done? Well read it AGAIN.
Oh, what's that? You read it twice and memorized it? Okay, moving on....
The first question that needs to be answered is:
SHOULD I UPDATE TO ICS?
Well, we have all been waiting for ICS to come out, and it has officially been running on the Atrix 2 for a while via a find through Cheesecake. The initial leak is NOT the final OTA that is still trickling out. You need to first understand that. Is ICS better than GB? Of course it is. No one will argue that here, but what we are tackling is, should you upgrade to it?
When it comes to XDA, we are always looking for ways to improve our phones. That's why we're all here right? This is a DEVELOPERS site. With developing comes trials, and with trials comes ERRORS. Now when it comes to the Atrix 2 (A2 from here on) we have a locked bootloader. This means that recovering from developing, and/or modding errors is not as easy as recovering from errors and mistakes with phones that have unlocked bootloaders. Normally, on phones with unlocked bootloaders, it is easy enough to jump into Clockwork Recovery and restore a previously saved nandroid backup, because with unlocked phones the modified recovery REPLACES the original. Poof. Back to normal.
On locked down phones such as the A2, we have to depend on either a bootstrap recovery or the like to make up for the lack of our locked phones. Do we have recoveries? Sure, but they DO NOT replace the original stock recovery and therefore we depend on things such as Bootmenu and Safestrap to makeup for this. While this works it is definitely not ideal. So what happens when the recovery get's borked, ROM goes belly up, or your phone is stuck at the splash screen and won't boot into recovery?
Well this is where the ICS upgrade question comes into play. This phones DEPENDS on FXZ's (see noob thread for more info). If the above scenario(s) happen then we depend on being able to jump into Fastboot (FB from here on) and reflash our phone back to stock. With Gingerbread this was easy enough as we had an FXZ for GB.
With ICS, ONLY THE FIRST LEAK IS ABLE TO REFLASH BACK TO GB! WE HAVE NO WAY TO REFLASH BACK TO GB WITH THE LATEST LEAKS AND THE SOON TO BE OTA UPDATE!!!!!!
Only when we find an ICS FXZ will this be possible!
Now I can hear it now. Some might say at this point, "Well once I'm on ICS, I won't want to go back to Gingerbread." The point, my friend, is not WANTING to go back to GB, it is needing a way to fix your phone. I myself have a paperweight for an A2 for EXACTLY this reason. I was running the latest of the leaks (NOT the first, which we can go back with). I had made a couple of mods, as bootmenu was working for it, and I made a backup. Well, I flashed a mod, rebooted and BOOM. Bootloop. No biggie, I thought, I will just restore my backup. But apparently I had deleted my backup. I tried, with the help of Devs (whom will be named later) to FXZ back and quickly found that this was impossible to do at this point. Now I have a phone that is able to boot in FB, with no way of restoring it. Fastboot does us no good without a proper working FXZ to flash.
So upgrading to ICS at this point, is fine, but be warned, if you make just the littlest boo boo, you might have a paperweight on your hands. Myself, many of the other Senior Members, and many of the A2 developers are recommending to run the first leak, because it is the most stable and dependable as far as getting yourself out of a jam. Also, many of the the more stable leaks have been baked into the current ICS ROMS we have. Now once you are on the first leak, you will have no problems flashing these ROMS with the more stable versions on them, but you MUST be on the first leak beforehand!!!!! As always read carefully the install instructions from the developer and if you're unsure, ask a question in the ROM's thread before flashing!!!!
UDPATE 9/20/12 It seems as though Moto and AT&T are now releasing OTA updates to our leak! Remember the reasons as to why we are advising against them! IF YOU GET A MESSAGE TO UPDATE WHILE ON THE FIRST LEAK, COMPARE THE FIRMWARE INFO WITH THOSE LISTED IN THE THREAD BELOW BEFORE UPDATING!!!!!
THREAD WITH INFO ON OTHER ICS LEAKS AND WHY WE ARE ADVISING AGAINST THEM AT THIS POINT. Originally posted by alteredlikeness
The rest of this will mainly be references to threads as most questions have already been answered in other threads as I just felt we needed a place to consolidate all the info out there on this. Here goes...
In the following theads, PLEASE thank the OP's!
HOW DO I UPDATE TO ICS?
Other than the OTA method that has been trickling out at this point, I am ONLY going to refer you to the thread to get you onto the initial leak. Because at this point many of us see this is as the safest leak. As you have a way out. Because we want to do what is best for you and YOUR phone.
NOTE: The rest of these threads (unless otherwise specified) refer ONLY to the first leak, and to NOTHING ELSE!!!!
How to get your phone on ICS, and how to root it: Originally posted by Jimbridgman
Ok so now that you are comfortably running ICS and rooted.....
HOW DO I INSTALL A RECOVERY?
We currently have two recoveries for the first ICS leak. Both are very stable and work well, but are slightly different. Read each of the following threads for how to install and the differences between them.
BOOTMENU RECOVERY Originally posted and developed by lukensteinz and Whirleyes
SAFESTRAP RECOVERY Originally developed and posted by Recognized Developer Hashcode
And FOR PETE'S SAKE, now that you have a slick recovery working MAKE A BACKUP!. And then copy it and put one on your desktop!!!!
I MADE A MISTAKE, HOW DO I FXZ BACK?
You are ONLY going to be doing this if you somehow messed up a MOD, didn't make a backup, and now you are in a bootloop. REMEMBER, THIS IS ONLY FOR THE FIRST LEAK. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DID NOT READ THROUGH FAR ENOUGH AND BRICK YOUR PHONE. If you managed to try and FXZ back while NOT on the first leak, or your phone won't turn on or go into FB, then, well sorry mate, but you are HARD-BRICKED. But if you are on the first leak then the following should work.
HOW TO FXZ BACK TO GINGERBREAD FROM THE FIRST ICS LEAK Originally posted and developed by Jimbridgman
ROMS TO INSTALL BASED ON THE FIRST LEAK
NOTE: You must be on the first ICS leak in aforementioned post to properly install the following ROMS, unless otherwise noted by the devs! And as always read CAREFULLY the installation procedure as laid out by the developer!!!
ScV7 - ICSupercharged Originally developed and posted by rdavisct
De-odexed and De-bloated basic ROM Originally developed and posted by timmytim
ROMS THAT ARE STILL A WIP:
MIUI PORT FOR A2 V4 2.8.17 Originally developed and posted by rdavisct
CYANOGENMOD 10 - JELLYBEAN Originally posted and ported by wanggjghost with continued help and fixes by rdavisct and Jimbridgman
In closing, hopefully this will answer all your who's, what's, and how's of ICS on the A2. Please DO NOT post questions regarding the threads themselves here. Post those in the appropriate posted thread, as this is what this is for. TO KEEP THINGS ORGANIZED!!!!!
If I need to update the OP, or have left something out. Feel free to post it here.
Enjoy ICS! And remember! ALWAYS MAKE A BACKUP!!!!!!!
Special thanks to the following: Jimbridgman, rdavisct, alteredlikeness, Apex_Strider, DX2Trip, Mtnlion and any others I left out.

One quick question what does bootloader, hard-brick and fastboot mean. JK
Thanks for the write up. I hope this saves alot of question's from being posted.
Sent from my MB865 on ICS

Good post man. Answered alot of my questions

Thanks for this, plenty of good information.

rdhoggattjr said:
One quick question what does bootloader, hard-brick and fastboot mean. JK
Thanks for the write up. I hope this saves alot of question's from being posted.
Sent from my MB865 on ICS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consider your bootloader a prison warden. Nothing happens unless the bootloader says so. Pretty much plain and simple really. It's the partition on your device, which initiates first. And it checks to make sure the OS is a legitimate one. Ultimate security. If it thinks everything is in order (after communicating with the kernel), it boots the OS. This is the security most devs have to work at, to allow installation of custom recovery and roms.
There are 2 types of "bricks". A hard and soft brick. Soft bricks you can usually recover from. A hard brick, well, it's not impossible, but difficult. Typically with a hard brick, your device is basically dead. No response, or stuck at the logo screen forever more. forever more. forever more...... Edgar Allen Poe. You always want to avoid a hard brick. In essence, your device becomes nothing more than a ....brick.
Fastboot, is a part of the Android SDK. It allows some types of files to be "flashed" to certain partitions of the device, without a need for a custom recovery. For example a boot.img (kernel for easier terms), a recovery image, and a few other image files. Of course depending on the Bootloader, depends on what fastboot capability you have.
Some devices, Devs have been able to re-write the Bootloader to enable fastboot when it wasn't there from the factory. See Iconia A500. By virtue of patching, and re-writing, the bootloader was stripped of all security and features added. But you can't do this with all bootloaders.
Hope this explained.
MD

Hey Bro I have an Ics ota now. Will that unroot the phone? If yes how do I root it back? And is there gonna b any problem if I update with root?
Sent from my stock rooted Atrix2!

If you are stock 2.3.6 rooted, then yes you will lose root.
As far as rooting ICS goes you should be able to root it with Jim's script from the thread I posted in the OP.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Just a question out of the discussion but not of the thread. Why does ATT gets last the ICS OTA?? I see Cambodia and India got it already while ATT phones are still on leaks!!! Isnt this weird considering that ATT is the biggest Moto fan?!

how is the battery life on ics? better or less than GB???

V1P3R92 said:
Just a question out of the discussion but not of the thread. Why does ATT gets last the ICS OTA?? I see Cambodia and India got it already while ATT phones are still on leaks!!! Isnt this weird considering that ATT is the biggest Moto fan?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahem, Viper? Did you not read my post man? TRUST ME. You want to be on the leak.

hemanbond said:
how is the battery life on ics? better or less than GB???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was on the leak, I personally was getting better battery life.
However, remember that battery life is all subjective. What might be good for me might not be others!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

and what about root checker?

Yes there is a "Root checker" however, it will not hinder your installation, but as far as long term issues? We have no idea as to what Motorola is going to do with this.

its obvious for voiding our warranty

hemanbond said:
its obvious for voiding our warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're rooting/modding/theming/tweaking/overclocking/underclocking/changing voltages/editing build.prop/etc./etc./etc. haven't you already thrown caution to the wind in regards to your warranty?
If you are concerned about it, they (Apple) just released a new iToy, so all you have to do is pull it out of the box and use it.. as is... unless you 'jailbreak it', in which case, warranty worries wander back into the equation, right?

once started how do i stop the ota download

You don't. You can download it, and then NOT install it if you like. Once downloaded it will be in your cache folder.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

it said update failed and now its asking me to download again....wth
---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:38 AM ----------
downloading was so slow that it took me 4 hrs...damn...and now it failed and asking me to download again

hemanbond said:
it said update failed and now its asking me to download again....wth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If update failed because of checksum error, downloading again won't be of help. Most likely you have changed a file that the update is trying to patch. Better you go back to stock 2.3.6 and then apply OTA.

Same happened with me as to the person above. Downloaded the update. I but it says update failed? Do I have to unroot or something?
Sent from my stock rooted Atrix2!

Few questions and thanks!

New to the S3 but not new to rooting. I came from an Incredible 2 that I was running Incredible HD with. Absolutely loved it.
Anywho, the thanks part in the title is in regards to all the wonderful tips and tutorials in these forums that I've used to successfully root, unlock, backup nandroid and IMEI, and finally flash CleanROM 5.0 on both mine and my wife's Verizon S3's that are less than a week old. I was blown away by the sheer amount of garbage on the stock phone and knew I had to root ASAP.
So far, CleanROM is running wonderfully with the stock kernel, radio, and RPM.
These questions I'm about to ask; I know they've probably been answered a dozen times already but when I search for, say "install rpm S3", I get tons of results. Basically anything that includes the word "install". So I apologize if these questions have been asked. I promise I will "pay it forward" and answer as many mundane questions asked by newbs like me so that all of you gurus can spend your time doing more productive things.
1) I haven't seen anything regarding tripping the flash counter by flashing CleanROM. Granted I don't really know exactly what this means, only that tripping the flash counter is bad. I used the tutorials here and the whole process went flawlessly. Have I tripped the counter? How can I check?
2) I have downloaded the VRBLK1 modem and rpm. To install these is it as simple as booting into recovery and installing these zips in TWRP?
That said, what is the general consensus on these modem/rpm variations? Are they bonafide improvements over the stock ICS 4.0.4 modem/rpm that are on my phone currently? My signal strength is currently around -97-105dba. My main concern is the rpm. If it will make cleanROM run more efficient battery-wise, I'll definitely install it.
3) Stock kernel seems to be running fine. I've read some positive things about various kernels ike KT747 and Imoson's Lean. Haven't found any concrete data on whether either of them are legitimately better than the stock kernel. I guess since I'm running fine with stock I'll stick with it however if there is a definite improvement over stock I'd like to change.
Thanks for your time and patience answering my newb questions.

Occidentalist said:
New to the S3 but not new to rooting. I came from an Incredible 2 that I was running Incredible HD with. Absolutely loved it.
Anywho, the thanks part in the title is in regards to all the wonderful tips and tutorials in these forums that I've used to successfully root, unlock, backup nandroid and IMEI, and finally flash CleanROM 5.0 on both mine and my wife's Verizon S3's that are less than a week old. I was blown away by the sheer amount of garbage on the stock phone and knew I had to root ASAP.
So far, CleanROM is running wonderfully with the stock kernel, radio, and RPM.
These questions I'm about to ask; I know they've probably been answered a dozen times already but when I search for, say "install rpm S3", I get tons of results. Basically anything that includes the word "install". So I apologize if these questions have been asked. I promise I will "pay it forward" and answer as many mundane questions asked by newbs like me so that all of you gurus can spend your time doing more productive things.
1) I haven't seen anything regarding tripping the flash counter by flashing CleanROM. Granted I don't really know exactly what this means, only that tripping the flash counter is bad. I used the tutorials here and the whole process went flawlessly. Have I tripped the counter? How can I check?
2) I have downloaded the VRBLK1 modem and rpm. To install these is it as simple as booting into recovery and installing these zips in TWRP?
That said, what is the general consensus on these modem/rpm variations? Are they bonafide improvements over the stock ICS 4.0.4 modem/rpm that are on my phone currently? My signal strength is currently around -97-105dba. My main concern is the rpm. If it will make cleanROM run more efficient battery-wise, I'll definitely install it.
3) Stock kernel seems to be running fine. I've read some positive things about various kernels ike KT747 and Imoson's Lean. Haven't found any concrete data on whether either of them are legitimately better than the stock kernel. I guess since I'm running fine with stock I'll stick with it however if there is a definite improvement over stock I'd like to change.
Thanks for your time and patience answering my newb questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No, you shouldn't haven't tripped it.
2. Yes, you just flash them like any other zip. And improvement just really depends on you. If you think it did, then awesome!
3. In my opinion, KT747 is amazing on whatever I'm running it on.
THE BEAST

To be honest, there is not a whole lot known about the RPM, except that it is a partition that has been updated with every OTA and leak. The common consensus is that it doesn't really seem to do a whole lot. There is no harm in flashing it though, as you would receive this partition update if you were to accept an OTA from Verizon. I personally choose to install them for peace of mind.
See the following thread for more information:
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/36114-wip-rpm-explained/

Thanks for the info!
One last question. In Settings>Phone Status, all the way at the bottom there is a section that says "Device Status" and the value is: Modified.
Is that normal? Is it something Verizon can see?

Occidentalist said:
Thanks for the info!
One last question. In Settings>Phone Status, all the way at the bottom there is a section that says "Device Status" and the value is: Modified.
Is that normal? Is it something Verizon can see?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is normal if you are running on a modified device, and yes Verizon can and will see that.
Which is why you should always return your device to stock before returning it to Verizon. Returning it to stock will change that status back to normal.

pdykstra said:
That is normal if you are running on a modified device, and yes Verizon can and will see that.
Which is why you should always return your device to stock before returning it to Verizon. Returning it to stock will change that status back to normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he means before he takes it back. Like right now can they see that my phone is modified so later on down the road if I do unroot to return can they say my phone was modified and will not be covered under Warranty. I also always wondered this.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

mikeman45 said:
I think he means before he takes it back. Like right now can they see that my phone is modified so later on down the road if I do unroot to return can they say my phone was modified and will not be covered under Warranty. I also always wondered this.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theoretically, yes I suppose they could monitor that with an app that checks in with them. But in practice, I have never heard of them actually tracking and logging this. You are fine as long as your return your phone to stock before bringing it in to them.

Questions regarding OTA and being rooted

Please forgive me if my questions have been answered many times but I really don't know what to look for in the search menu to address my questions.
1. I have rooted my phone and installed Liquid smooth but I went back to stock (still on 4.1.2 TW) and would like to update to at least 4.3 or higher. One issue I'm having is that when the OTA comes through and I go to update it gives me an error. But even before that as I am rooted it boots into TeamWin and wants me to install from there. It has been a while since I've done anything with the boot loader and I'm afraid to install from there and/or if that is wise. (frankly I've forgotten how)
Honestly I just want a quick way to install the update to 4.3 or 4.4 or whatever the next OTA is so that I can move on. I really don't even want to mess with it much right now as my life is way to busy.
2. My search so far has shown me that others are having similar issues but they are saying that the ota update is messing up certain things with their rooted phones (haven't found the answers I'm searching for either). Should I wait on updating? If so, how do I get the ota to stop wanting me to update my phone?
Thank you for any help you can provide.

wouldn't you know, that as soon as I submit this post I find another thread dealing with the same thing... Sorry for the clutter.
Here is the thread I found http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49249510

Sithlyone said:
Please forgive me if my questions have been answered many times but I really don't know what to look for in the search menu to address my questions.
1. I have rooted my phone and installed Liquid smooth but I went back to stock (still on 4.1.2 TW) and would like to update to at least 4.3 or higher. One issue I'm having is that when the OTA comes through and I go to update it gives me an error. But even before that as I am rooted it boots into TeamWin and wants me to install from there. It has been a while since I've done anything with the boot loader and I'm afraid to install from there and/or if that is wise. (frankly I've forgotten how)
Honestly I just want a quick way to install the update to 4.3 or 4.4 or whatever the next OTA is so that I can move on. I really don't even want to mess with it much right now as my life is way to busy.
2. My search so far has shown me that others are having similar issues but they are saying that the ota update is messing up certain things with their rooted phones (haven't found the answers I'm searching for either). Should I wait on updating? If so, how do I get the ota to stop wanting me to update my phone?
Thank you for any help you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since your life is too busy and you don't want to mess with your phone anymore, your best bet is go back to stock 4.3 which is very good by the way, very stable, smooth and bug free. After so many complaints from my wife I rolled it back to stock 4.3 and she's so happy now.
1. Flash stock MF1 here http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23134718111254196 , just unzip the flash with Odin
2. Your phone should take the 4.3 OTA update and you're home free.

buhohitr said:
Since your life is too busy and you don't want to mess with your phone anymore, your best bet is go back to stock 4.3 which is very good by the way, very stable, smooth and bug free. After so many complaints from my wife I rolled it back to stock 4.3 and she's so happy now.
1. Flash stock MF1 here http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23134718111254196 , just unzip the flash with Odin
2. Your phone should take the 4.3 OTA update and you're home free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much, but now that I've put a little more research into this update I'm seeing that others are having issues with tethering and that would be a serious issue for me.
Also I used twrp to root my phone and did not use odin so I don't know how to flash with odin (or even have the files on my computer) is there a way to us twrp?
It looks like I will need to put a little more time into this than I wanted. Anyway, thanks for the help.

Sithlyone said:
Thanks so much, but now that I've put a little more research into this update I'm seeing that others are having issues with tethering and that would be a serious issue for me.
Also I used twrp to root my phone and did not use odin so I don't know how to flash with odin (or even have the files on my computer) is there a way to us twrp?
It looks like I will need to put a little more time into this than I wanted. Anyway, thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issue with tethering for me, just root then install wifi tether router.