Database Info

[Q] Rooting for Newbies

I am getting my new Thunderbolt tonight. After some research, I have decided for some specific reasons I would like to root this phone. I have never rooted a phone before and would like some direction.
The first step as I understand it is to back up the original operating system. How is that done? After that what's next? What I need is the wifi hotspot feature unlocked. Is there a specific root to accomplish this? What's been proven the best so far?
If someone wants to email me personally on this, feel free. I need to do this, but can't afford to brick a brand new phone.
Thanks.

Rooting is just a way to gain complete control of your phone. There aren't different types and the best way to do it is in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996616.
Just follow those steps and you should be fine. You don't need to back up your entire operating system to root but you might want to back up your applications so you can easily reinstall them. After you follow the steps in that thread and are rooted just search for wireless tether in the market and it lets you tether for free.

You. said:
Rooting is just a way to gain complete control of your phone. There aren't different types and the best way to do it is in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996616.
Just follow those steps and you should be fine. You don't need to back up your entire operating system to root but you might want to back up your applications so you can easily reinstall them. After you follow the steps in that thread and are rooted just search for wireless tether in the market and it lets you tether for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can second that. I literally just completed rooting my Thunderbolt that I received today. I followed the 10 step program from the thread (my wife thinks I need a 12 step program with my phone addiction ). It ran without a hitch just type (or cut and paste) exactly as written. I wanted to thank the OP in the development thread, but I need 10 posts so this is another one!

I believe what you've heard about backing up the original operating system is what you do right after you've rooted before you begin flashing custom roms and kernels which is the main reason you root in the first place. There is plenty of info but here's a little list.
1. Follow the rooting thread that You posted above me (Who's on first? What's on second?)
2. Install Rom Manager (RM).
3. Launch Rom manager and install clockwork recovery(first option on RM)
4. Second option on RM is boot into recovery.
5. Once in recovery go into Backup /Restor
6. Choose Backup - This is called a Nandroid Backup and is a snapshot of your phone in it's current state. It saves the backup onto the phone under /clockworkmod/backup place a copy of the backup on your computer for safe keeping and leave the copy on your phone in case of worries.
That should get you started.

Those are the steps I took to root.
Sent from my rooted Thunderbolt with VirusROM AirborneTB. Xda premium

Another option is the easyroot method:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005292
I just rooted my thunderbolt last night using the easyroot method and didn't run into any major issues. Had to rerun a couple steps, but nothing more than that.
I'm now running BAMF-Remix 1.5 with the radio upate and status bar clock removed.
I literally had zero experience in regards to this and am still confused by some of the terminology, so if I can do it, I have no doubt you should be able to accomplish rooting your phone!
Good luck!

I would suggest using the procedure that jcase posted. It is simple, easy, and you will gain some valuable knowledge of adb which could be useful to you in the future. The process is simple, just copy and paste the commands. The adb knowledge will definitely help you down the road, even though it is minor. Also any problems can be traced to a step. With a one click process it is tough to determine where an issue went wrong.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

jmiller98 said:
I would suggest using the procedure that jcase posted. It is simple, easy, and you will gain some valuable knowledge of adb which could be useful to you in the future. The process is simple, just copy and paste the commands. The adb knowledge will definitely help you down the road, even though it is minor. Also any problems can be traced to a step. With a one click process it is tough to determine where an issue went wrong.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easier said than done coming from someone who has been around for a while. I couldn't even figure out how to get adb installed... I installed the Android SDK and had to install the Java SDK but I was still clueless how to actually get adb going... I downloaded the ADB+Drivers for 64bit which had the adb.exe but obviously this can't be ran standalone. So being a complete ignorant fool, is the reason I ended up opting for the easyroot method. That being said, I did intially try for the manual method lol.

I knew nothing about rooting and followed the steps after not being able to do the quick root. AND learned a lot about adb. Good Luck

Your no fool. Alot of the adb setup videos and tutorials are old. It change the execute file from the "tools" directory to "platform-tools" directory. That did stump me since i had to reset up adb on a new computer. I have not been around that long, just did alot of reading, and came from the incredible forum where i turned into a flash junkie with alot of help.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

after you are done rooting deffinately flash clockworkmod recovery and flash a custom rom. I trouble getting root to stay without a custom rom.

In rom manager it gives me an option to flash cwm. What does it do when I flash clockwork recovery?
Sent from my rooted Thunderbolt with VirusROM AirborneTB. Xda premium

Rooting my TB was a pain but it was well worth it. Hopefully there is a faster, easier method now.
Battery life on my rooted TB with leankernel is comparable to what my battery was on my Droid x, if not better

If you're having problems with getting started, you can check out this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=502010
Breaks it down and walks you through setting up ADB. Had I found this prior to doing the easyroot method, I'd have gone through the manual way as well.
Just got ADB installed and gonna start tinkering around with the manual way of things.
Good luck.

[GUIDE] Getting Started With Your G2x

Yes, this guide is outdated a bit. I lost my job and in between school, 3 kids, and writing resumes, I do not have the time to do the proper research and update this. I apologize for my desertion, however, if anyone would like to take it over, feel free to copy/paste the contents of this post and repost, update, and request a sticky from the mods.
Disclaimer
If you have an LG P999 (Not the P990!) you should not brick while using this guide. If you do happen to brick your device, I will not accept responsibility for it. Nor will I support you. There is more than enough information in our section to fully troubleshoot almost any known problem. If I link to a thread, please read AT LEAST the original post (OP) in its entirety before taking the steps it contains. If a method I linked does not work, please let me know. I don’t have the time to read every post on every thread on every section.
This guide is for Windows users only. If you are on a Mac or Linux box, there may be ways of doing this, but I don’t have any way of testing it. You’re on your own.
Purpose
So you just got the LG P999 (T-Mobile G2x or Wind O2x) or you’ve had it for a while and finally decided to root it. This is an updated step-by-step guide on what you need to do in order to unleash your device.
Credit
Thank you to all of the developers and scripters out there. I didn’t do any of the work and I claim no rights to anything linked in this guide.
Thanks to:
KiNG OMaR
jboxer
Volk
kairi_zeroblade
Mr Rusty
phburks
All the other people who contributed to all of these methods.
Anyone who spends their free time coding, modding, troubleshooting, helping, and a special thanks to anyone who does his or her research.
General Information
This guide assumes you’ve had your phone long enough to have gotten T-Mobile’s 2.3.3 Gingerbread update by now. If you’re on 2.2.2 Froyo, search on how to update to 2.3.3 Gingerbread as it will upgrade (maybe?) your radio as well.
If you are an advanced user and coming from a different phone and are used to different practices, let me break it down for you. The bootloader and radio are already unlocked (or S-OFF, if you will). There are only 2 radios which may actually be exactly the same, but they are not flashable zips. All ROMs are compatible with either radio.
All links are tested and up-to-date as of 11 April 2012.
Step 1: CWM
Install ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) via NVFlash. This should always be your first step no matter what you intend to do with your device. Installing CWM will allow you to flash roms, kernels, etc., as well as recover from minor bricks or bad flashes. DO NOT install CWM via Rom Manager. The following thread will help you install NVidia's APX drivers and flash CWM via NVFlash:
[RECOVERY]CWM-Based Recovery 5.0.2.8 For P999(Internal & External SD)
After completing this step, you will be able to access CWM at any time from a power off state by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons until the white “LG” logo goes away and the blue “LG” logo appears. Release the buttons when you see the blue "LG" logo and wait for the CWM menu to pop up. I recommend at this point that you test it out to make sure it works and that you perform a backup with CWM. Once backed up, copy it to your computer, burn it to a CD, archive it on your tape drive, whatever. It’s just good practice to keep these things in case someone’s link goes down and you really needed that file to return to stock.
Step 2: Decision
Here, you will make a decision:
Are there any apps that you need to save your progress in (for example, Angry Birds scores, etc.) and can’t simply be reinstalled?
If no, skip to Step 4: Flash
If yes, proceed with Step 3: Root
Step 3: Root & Backup
I know, I know. There are apps that can backup your angry birds scores and all that, but this makes reinstalling all of your apps easier. First, you need to download an app to backup your apps. Titanium Backup is my favorite. The price tag seems a little high at first glance, but it’s worth it, especially if you plan on doing this to other phones in the future. Download Titanium Backup from the market, and purchase the PRO key. If you want to go the cheap route, there are alternatives. Next, we need root access. Achieve this by following this post:
[ROOT] G2X Gingerbread 2.3.3. stock ROM with flashable zip in Clockworkmod Recovery
You have a rooted phone and Titanium Backup now. Open Titanium Backup and allow it root access. Press menu, then “batch” and backup user apps only. Never backup system data. You will only get yelled at when people find out that you backup system data.
Step 4: Wipe & Flash
Select a ROM. There are many to choose from (stock Gingerbread, AOSP-based Gingerbread, AOSP-based Ice Cream Sandwich, MIUI). If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, flash one from each category and play with it for 30 minutes to make a final decision. Please read the OP for the ROM you are flashing and follow their directions. If it is not based on the stock ROM, you will need to flash a zip that contains Google’s Apps (gapps). Read your ROM’s OP for the details on this.
When you flash a new ROM, at a minimum, perform the “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” in CWM just prior to flashing the ROM. This will clear old data and cache. I recommend using:
[TOOL] G2x Nullifier [UPDATED!] 26 March Cache only Nullifier!
The dual wipe nullifier is in my opinion, not needed. Single wipe will be fine. Keep in mind, once you nullify, you need to flash a ROM immediately after you nullify! If you reboot after nullifying, you have a soft-brick that should be recoverable, but that’s extra grief you don’t need. So, again, make sure you have a ROM ready to flash on your SD card BEFORE you use the Nullifier.
Step 5: Restore & Enjoy
If you backed up your apps in Step 3: Root & Backup, open up the Market and redownload Titanium Backup and the PRO key (or whatever cheap alternative you decide on) and start it up, granting root access. Press menu, “batch” and restore missing apps with data.
All done! If you want to underclock or overclock or flash kernels, you need to read up on it. They will not be included in this guide.
I am open to *constructive* feedback. If your feedback is “this guide sucks,” move on. I don’t need you here. If you have a legitimate problem with the contents and maybe a suggestion on how to fix it, by all means, let me know. I know there are a couple guides out there, but some are outdated. Just putting a fresh one up for those just joining the game.
I don’t ask for donations. Save them for the people who do the real work. If I helped you out, just hit the thanks button.

Very simple and easy guide, nicley done
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Awesome Guide. I was thinking of doing something like that for noobs like me. You can include OC/UV guide from Klatmon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1558080
Its a great guide. Plus you will have a complete G2x guide for dummies after this as Step 6 (optional) .

Great guide, only issue is in step 3 you say to gain root. The way we gain root is to flash a rom that already has it. I would recommend backing up data before that point us possible (i don't remember if backup apps can be run without root)
And, you might want to link to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24087341 thread for the cwm flashing, it's one file to download and one thing to run, helluva lot simpler for a first timer
Also, pm a mod and ask if you can get this stickied. We need something like this up top
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2

cricketAC said:
Awesome Guide. I was thinking of doing something like that for noobs like me. You can include OC/UV guide from Klatmon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1558080
Its a great guide. Plus you will have a complete G2x guide for dummies after this as Step 6 (optional) .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, my original thought was that the oc/uv guide was a little advanced for the level of the guide. I think I will add it though, thanks for the tip!
Klathmon said:
Great guide, only issue is in step 3 you say to gain root. The way we gain root is to flash a rom that already has it. I would recommend backing up data before that point us possible (i don't remember if backup apps can be run without root)
And, you might want to link to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24087341 thread for the cwm flashing, it's one file to download and one thing to run, helluva lot simpler for a first timer
Also, pm a mod and ask if you can get this stickied. We need something like this up top
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root method I linked to is merely a flashable zip with superuser. It keeps the current rom but adds root access so that people can back up their stuff prior to flashing.
I will add the easy flash for cwm for sure though. Thanks for the feedback!

r4d14n7 said:
Yeah, my original thought was that the oc/uv guide was a little advanced for the level of the guide. I think I will add it though, thanks for the tip!
The root method I linked to is merely a flashable zip with superuser. It keeps the current rom but adds root access so that people can back up their stuff prior to flashing.
I will add the easy flash for cwm for sure though. Thanks for the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol my bad i didnt even read the link
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2

Don't we also have the option to create an update.zip from TBuPRO to reinstall all previous apps from within recovery??? I have read about it but never done it. And thanks for this great tut.

harrytorta said:
Don't we also have the option to create an update.zip from TBuPRO to reinstall all previous apps from within recovery??? I have read about it but never done it. And thanks for this great tut.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would highly advise against this...
doing that across roms of the same version is risky, doing it across roms of different versions is down-right mad. it just plops them back into the rom pre-installed with data and everything, bad bad bad idea.

I tried searching about it on google but found nothing so thanks for the reply. Kinda sucks that it would muck with things though :\

I've never done it either. It's tempting to "flash" your old apps back over, especially with the amount of time it takes for Titanium Backup to run, but as Klathmon stated, it's probably a bad idea. Patience is a virtue, I suppose.

Very easy guide for noobs like me, I have a problem my phone shows p999 in about phone and its have a logo of videotron. but the sticker at the back cover shows p990 :S should i go with p999 method ??

Hasooboy said:
Very easy guide for noobs like me, I have a problem my phone shows p999 in about phone and its have a logo of videotron. but the sticker at the back cover shows p990 :S should i go with p999 method ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an interesting situation. I would install the LGMobile Support Tool and see what model it says you have. If I had to *guess* it's a P999 but you should definitely contact one of the other Videotron users and ask them. That is beyond my scope of knowledge, so proceed with caution!

r4d14n7 said:
That's an interesting situation. I would install the LGMobile Support Tool and see what model it says you have. If I had to *guess* it's a P999 but you should definitely contact one of the other Videotron users and ask them. That is beyond my scope of knowledge, so proceed with caution!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot

Hasooboy said:
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, enjoy your new G2x. haha...
Always nice to give back to the community! Give it a shot! I haven't seen much Videotron stuff here yet, just T-Mobile and Wind.

r4d14n7 said:
Yeah, enjoy your new G2x. haha...
Always nice to give back to the community! Give it a shot! I haven't seen much Videotron stuff here yet, just T-Mobile and Wind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more thing i just want to know what happen if i install CWM of p999 which its is most probably then what happened if its p990 :S

Thanks!
Easy to follow, thanks alot!

Good guide, one additional section would be a general overview of ICS-based vs GB-based ROMs, advantages of ICS are latest Android OS, but downside is non-working binary drivers for video camera & playback & uses more memory for OS. GB is more functional & stable, but older-style.

Great Guide!!!!!:

thanks for this amazing guide. Works perfectly without any problems.

Hasooboy said:
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol i wish i had you're problem. If my phone was doing that i'd have no issue what so ever getting the march 2012 baseband

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

Hello, XDA! and, even though we haven't met yet, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE STUFF ON MY PHONE!!!!!! This is my first, and dreaded post.
I'm new to smartphones. My first was an iSUCK 3g. Now, I have the SGS4G! I'm totally new to this wprld, and every day, I'm being blown away by something new. Anyways, I have read two guides on this site already, but I'm still suffering from a little confusion. I think my problem comes from when I first rooted my phone. I was in a hurry to root it, because I needed to unlock the carrier permissions, so I could use my ATT sim. I hadn't found this site yet, sadly. I had tried a few things, to no avail, until I came across a you-tube video with some kid showing me how it's done, and other littler kids screaming in the background. Following the video step, by step, got it done, but he failed to go over, and explain what we were actually doing. Now, I don't know what ROM I have, or what kernel. It's not a big issue, because this phone now totally blows me away, especially the launchers.
I really enjoy this phone over the iSucks, becuase I like computers, and I'm more tech savvy than most. Perhaps that's where more of my confusion comes from... the terminology. So, on to the issue:
My RAM seems to run unusually high! with the GOtskmanager, it's always clocking between %72 - %79. I got RAM Manager Pro, which sometimes brings me down to %65 - %69, but it usually doesn't last long. I think I have it nailed down. I think it comes from certain apps that seem to run themselves. I have auto sync off, and I've DONE MY RESEARCH (some of which, I've yet to comprehend) I know not to use a task killer to routinely kill apps, and I know how the OS works, and allocates its RAM. So, I won't even worry about it if someone says these levels are normal.
Any tips on what I should do with my new phone? I saw a video that I can't find again, where this guy had his homescreen set up in such away, that the apps made this 3d cube of tiny boxes (apps) that moved like a rubik's cube. HOW DO I DO THAT!? It's not in any of the launchers I've tried. Anyways, thank you once again, XDA, you guys are awesome. I'm just a newb. Thank you to the users who made the guides!!
Ram is at 84% right now, NOT DOING ANYTHING!

Look at my guide that i have linked in my sig and read through the second post to find a custom rom that you like (i suggest Valhalla Black) and my guide tells you how to flash it. If you have questions, feel free to ask in the guide thread or pm me
And I believe the 3d cubes are part of SPB Shell launcher
Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda premium

Thank you Julz! I have read your guide thoroughly. I know to search, and research before asking questions. Like I said, I'm just slightly still confused. Did I not put a custom ROM on my phone when I rooted it?
Do I have to factory restore, or uninstall the current ROM in some way before getting another?
Also, I think I fixed the RAM issue. What is normal levels for my device? I can't find normal RAM levels listed anywhere on the net for my device.

Read the first link in my signature as an addition to Juls' guide. After rooting GB you need a custom kernel. Look for SGS Kernel Flasher in either guide to take your next step.

I think you should research more. But to help you a bit...
How you rooted your phone? You know about ClockWorkMod Recovery? Know about Odin or Heimdall?
Also, there is a section in Setting that tells a lot of your phone that is called About Phone.

chris31jct said:
I think you should research more. But to help you a bit...
How you rooted your phone? You know about ClockWorkMod Recovery? Know about Odin or Heimdall?
Also, there is a section in Setting that tells a lot of your phone that is called About Phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware: 2.3.6
Baseband: TE59VUVKJ6
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-sms-kj6-vo.1.0+
Build: GINGERBREAD.VUVKJ6
I used Heimdall to do this, as per the video guide I followed. I just downloaded Odin, for future tasks. I love the Norse theme to this stuff, I know the Eddas practically by heart, as well as the elder Futhark, and actual history of the ancient Scandanavian Vikings.

Be sure to keep your ODIN and Heimdall ports seperate. You can get by with CWM for custom ROM's now except to recover or clean your phone up. Read the Gremlin Remover thread to consider using after a custom ROM flash or two. Your other option is KJ6 Heimdall One-Click.

lumin30 said:
Be sure to keep your ODIN and Heimdall ports seperate. You can get by with CWM for custom ROM's now except to recover or clean your phone up. Read the Gremlin Remover thread to consider using after a custom ROM flash or two. Your other option is KJ6 Heimdall One-Click.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the tip. Advice heeded! Now, do you know anything about my ram? Why my Go Task mnger is always reading that my RAM is almost always above 70% used?

Read the guide I mentioned above. Get on a custom ROM. Then look at RAM. You are on stock bloated ROM at the moment.

lumin30 said:
Read the guide I mentioned above. Get on a custom ROM. Then look at RAM. You are on stock bloated ROM at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read the guides, the only thing I don't understand about that process, is that, will I need to set up all my apps again, am I starting my phone from scratch? Which ROM would you personally suggest?
When I'm using a custom ROM, am I restricted in any way? Can I still use the market?

Did you read the guide in the first link in my signature as suggested above?
It is best to start fresh when flashing a new ROM. A lot of apps have back up features within the app for settings and such (i.e. GoLauncher).
I recommend Valhalla Black. But all the 2.3.6 ROM's are great.
No restrictions. Except maybe watching movies in the market on rooted devices.

lumin30 said:
Did you read the guide in the first link in my signature as suggested above?
It is best to start fresh when flashing a new ROM. A lot of apps have back up features within the app for settings and such (i.e. GoLauncher).
I recommend Valhalla Black. But all the 2.3.6 ROM's are great.
No restrictions. Except maybe watching movies in the market on rooted devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't read that guide, becuase I'm not on Froyo

Read it.

One more thing. You say start from scratch... Factory Reset? So I will need to root again? Also, I had to unlock the phone to use with ATT. Will I have to do that again?

I mean with your apps. Factory reset won't unroot you. It isn't a bad idea to do a factory reset between flashings as a precautionary measure.
You shouldn't have to unlock again either.

Wodensman said:
Also, I had to unlock the phone to use with ATT. Will I have to do that again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on ATT as well and flash my phone all the time. I've never lost the unlock.

My brother, thank you so very much for the info! I have been reading the guide you mentioned, and now I know why. 2 guides in there! I can't thank you enough, I've hit thanks on all your replies here, because little by little, you're really helping my understanding of it all. It must be frustrating trying to help people like myself! Thanks for trying to push this stuff through my thick head! However, I've encountered another problem, following your guide:
Trying to back up my efs folder, using Astro File Manager... says it cannot do it! I guess this means I need something that requests superuser permissions?
Any program you would recommend? or can I just do it manually with my computer, like save it on my comp or something?

I recommend starting where it talks about SGS Kernel Flasher. Then once you have the custom kernel with CWM - do and nandroid back up and save the nandroid back up on your computer for safe keeping. That will have your efs folder within it. And I recommended Super Manager

And flash this kernel -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25115050&postcount=1

I guess the kernel I have, doesn't have CWM. So, if I flash a new one, do I need to delete the one I have first or anything? Or just go about flashing a new one, like I never did one in the first place? I can try to find the video guide I followed if you think it will help.

newb: after root then what

Hi,
So I think this thread is pretty common to most other phones, but I couldn't really find a stickied one or anything of the sorts? After using the search function to the best of my ability, I would like to begin a thread on what's most important after rooting.
From what I understand, Supersu and BusyBox are a must (taken from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709296&highlight=no+such+file+or+directory)
Then, I went to remove the animation and music from startup (taken from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1645818&highlight=
remove+startup&page=2)
Last, I attempted this but I don't know if it actually works. This one-click tether tool has me guessing at its methodologies, but it seems to be working at the moment so I am happy? Haven't actually tested it, but here is link I used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1677261
Debranding seems like a great idea! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1634171 (edit1)
Unlocking bootloader, taken from the huge index of guides, but specifically this one. (edit2)
Getting TWRP, from their website: I used the automated one because I tried downloading and launching with no luck. Backing up currently, very easy through Goo Manager; all I did was click "boot to recovery" or whatever from the main page of the app. (edit3)
Here is how to disable software update/upgrade and generally protect yourself from AT&T updating your phone (don't know how to describe it) (edit4)
I humbly submit all the knowledge I have of my phone to the rest of the users. My technical experience is limited, am scared of recommended bootloader unlocks, but am willing to help bundle for newbies like me.
And thank you devs and mods for making this all come together!
(edit1) Because I was looking in the wrong section, I found this thread about the post I made later. Hopefully someone can learn from my mistake? For mod, should this be placed into Q&A at this point? Thanks!
(edit2) Having lots of fun just exploring what other people have recommended me do. So far, got root access and unlocked bootloader, am in the process of getting the "flash recovery" or something to that extent? Unsure of how much more research I should do before continuing to dive in! Thanks for all the input, will keep updating if only to provide log for myself, hoping that some users will find this helpful still
(edit3) Found time to play with TWRP! Really want to get the Sense 4.1 stuff, but scared!
(edit4) Forgot to update with the old post I found to work around the system update thing.
(edit5) useful thread I'm reading through for more information on odex/deodex, am about to update again soon so that I can explore roms and the such!

nutnub said:
Hi,
So I think this thread is pretty common to most other phones, but I couldn't really find a stickied one or anything of the sorts? After using the search function to the best of my ability, I would like to begin a thread on what's most important after rooting.
From what I understand, Supersu and BusyBox are a must (taken from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709296&highlight=no+such+file+or+directory)
Then, I went to remove the animation and music from startup (taken from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1645818&highlight=
remove+startup&page=2)
Last, I attempted this but I don't know if it actually works. This one-click tether tool has me guessing at its methodologies, but it seems to be working at the moment so I am happy? Haven't actually tested it, but here is link I used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1677261
Request: if someone could divulge how to remove the annoying Software Update message/prompt, I would be much obliged
I humbly submit all the knowledge I have of my phone to the rest of the users. My technical experience is limited, am scared of recommended bootloader unlocks, but am willing to help bundle for newbies like me.
And thank you devs and mods for making this all come together!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guessing you have AT&T HOX and you rooted it, next steps are explained here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671237 ....
Have fun
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

if your on att, use the link above my post. you want to go in this order.
root>super cid>unlock bootloader>flash recovery>make backup>save Sd card contents to PC>flash a rom "optional"

frozen at system update
XsMagical said:
if your on att, use the link above my post. you want to go in this order.
root>super cid>unlock bootloader>flash recovery>make backup>save Sd card contents to PC>flash a rom "optional"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a little bit of a pickle because I left my phone alone and luckily when I came back, I stopped the system update download at about 50%. So I'm paranoid to turn on any radio function. Would you happen to know if the methods you used above will disable the system update (permanently)?
As soon as I can get off this dilemma, I do want to try to unlock the bootloader, though it is a bit intimidating to realize that I could break my warranty if I fail...
Thanks in advance! Learning lots from this grand adventure with my AT&T HOX

Do a factory reset for now then run setup, after that go to system updates and uncheck, auto update or what ever it says. That will hold you off for now
Sent from my Nocturnal'd ONE XL Running Sense 4.1

If your rooted, use a file manager, go to the /cache folder and delete the chunk of the ota that downloaded, then untick sys. Updates in settings. Just a 2nd method.

if your rooted iI would do a factory reset and then use the one click unlock bootloader method to unlock the bootloader. then from the play store download Goo manager and from there flash the twrp recovery and finally flash a custom roms i recommend the nocturnal rom

edit3
XsMagical said:
if your on att, use the link above my post. you want to go in this order.
root>super cid>unlock bootloader>flash recovery>make backup>save Sd card contents to PC>flash a rom "optional"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kt086 said:
if your rooted iI would do a factory reset and then use the one click unlock bootloader method to unlock the bootloader. then from the play store download Goo manager and from there flash the twrp recovery and finally flash a custom roms i recommend the nocturnal rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can either of you point me to where to figure out all these rom things? To be honest, I just want to ask you guys straight out but I feel that's disrespectful to all the knowledge you have. I'm seeking more information about how the flashing thing works, whether it wipes everything outside of my twrp backup and/or whether they're exclusive to anything to that effect. Specifically, I'm debating between "[ROM][8/3] - Stock Rooted AT&T 2.20.502.7 - Android 4.0.4 - Odex or De-Odex", "[ROM][AT&T][08/18/12][2.29.207.1]Sandstorm_v2.1", and "[ROM][8/17] Stock Rooted 2.29.207.1 - Sense 4.1! o2 German Carrier!"
Any place that you can point me in the right direction would help me (and other readers for this post). Thanks again so much!

nutnub said:
Can either of you point me to where to figure out all these rom things? To be honest, I just want to ask you guys straight out but I feel that's disrespectful to all the knowledge you have. I'm seeking more information about how the flashing thing works, whether it wipes everything outside of my twrp backup and/or whether they're exclusive to anything to that effect. Specifically, I'm debating between "[ROM][8/3] - Stock Rooted AT&T 2.20.502.7 - Android 4.0.4 - Odex or De-Odex", "[ROM][AT&T][08/18/12][2.29.207.1]Sandstorm_v2.1", and "[ROM][8/17] op Stock Rooted 2.29.207.1 - Sense 4.1! o2 German Carrier!"
Any place that you can point me in the right direction would help me (and other readers for this post). Thanks again so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA is not a help site, and we don't encourage members to create help threads just to get someone else to show you, what you could have looked up yourself. The answers are there, if you put some effort into it. This is the wrong section, btw.
Thread Closed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice"
Sent from my HTC One X, using XDA Premium.

[Q] Suggestions for safe 'wiping'?

I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?

triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simplest way is to use RSD Lite to send your device back to stock 4.1.2 -- then you can use the recently posted root method to gain root back. It should take < 15 minutes to do, most of that spent flashing with RSDLite. It'll actually take longer to download all the ADB drivers, Moto drivers, etc -- if you don't have them already.

triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats up,
Cpudan80 is right, your best bet is to flash stock 4.1.2, and to reroot. And it does take about 15 minutes if you don't already have drivers and stuff, but I can help you out, by linking you to my utility, which essentially does the heavy lifting of finding all of the programs and stuff, and puts it together into one convenient package.
Find it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2241788

Cpudan80 said:
Simplest way is to use RSD Lite to send your device back to stock 4.1.2 -- then you can use the recently posted root method to gain root back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mr.Parkinson said:
Cpudan80 is right, your best bet is to flash stock 4.1.2, and to reroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies! Would you link me to that root method, Cpudan80? All of the root methods I've been able to find say that you must flash 4.0 or CWM first in order to root, then protect root and upgrade to JB again. Is there a new better way which doesn't require downgrading?

triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
Thanks for the replies! Would you link me to that root method, Cpudan80? All of the root methods I've been able to find say that you must flash 4.0 or CWM first in order to root, then protect root and upgrade to JB again. Is there a new better way which doesn't require downgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread on here somewhere -- but here's the thread I followed (after using RSDLite to go back to clean 4.1.2). No hard steps at all, just run a bat file - press enter and viola - you're rooted.
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/15208-root-motochopper-yet-another-android-root-exploit/

Cpudan80 said:
There's a thread on here somewhere -- but here's the thread I followed (after using RSDLite to go back to clean 4.1.2). No hard steps at all, just run a bat file - press enter and viola - you're rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing, thanks! I had seen that exploit at one point when I was considering getting an earlier RAZR version and was looking into how easy it was to root it. I thought that exploit didn't work with the XT925 since there was no link to it in the forum (and searches only revealed many tales of failed root attempts and downgrades). Thanks again!