Database Info

[Q] Step by Step?

Hey guys!
Noob here who has flashed other phones in the past, but never anything Android based. Is there a step by step guide anywhere for the Mesmerize? Something generic and simple to follow from post root to a fully flashed phone?
Thanks for any input.
Tyler

Well our moderator is nowhere to be seen.. we should have a step by step sticked.. but we don't.
1) Root your phone. Search the forums to figure out how to do that.
2) Install RomManager and the ClockworkMod Recovery. There's a thread for that as well.
3) Download and install the ROM of your choice. Roms are located in the Dev Forums.
The details can be found in the Mesmerize General and the Mesmerize Development Forums. Search is your friend.

tyler.raven said:
Hey guys!
Noob here who has flashed other phones in the past, but never anything Android based. Is there a step by step guide anywhere for the Mesmerize? Something generic and simple to follow from post root to a fully flashed phone?
Thanks for any input.
Tyler
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I began this process about 2 weeks ago, I was at the same experience level as you Tyler. This is what worked easiest for me for my US Cellular Mesmerize.
(I'm just going to elaborate a bit on what Dcow posted, hopefully he doesn't mind .
Also keep in mind there are many variations to each step, this is what worked for me the easiest as a newb, hoping it does for you too.
And last but not least. There is always the disclaimer that attempting any of this can and will make your phone dysfunctional and or possibly bricked beyond repair (but most likely just dysfunctional which is a pain in the arse to deal with) if you do not follow steps completely (and of a trustworthy source such as xda).
So take your time, read each step that these people have taken the time to carefully write up, and you'll be just fine. Be patient as things don't always move fast and you never want to freak out as you may screw things up bad, when it's actually just taking longer than you would expect. There is alot going on behind the scenes so just give it time, trust me!
1) Root your phone. - Basically all this means is gaining the ability to give programs/apps and yourself SuperUser access (equivalent of being admin in windows) and also the ability to flash roms via recovery, detailed below.
The easiest way to root is to acquire the z4root.apk.
Download Here
After download, put z4root.apk on your SD card root directory
Then make sure in Settings->Applications that the "Unknown sources" box is checked.
If you don't have a file manager, download a free one from the market, using the file manager navigate to the z4root.apk and select to install it.
Reboot your phone
After it boots, open the z4root app and press root. At this point it is going to hang, give it 2 minutes and pull the battery. Count to 10, put it back in and turn it on. - This is normal, trust me.
After it reboots open z4root again and run it, this time it will run no problems and phone will reboot.
Once you are rooted (you will see the superuser icon in your apps, it will show apps you've given that permission to eventually) you will need to make sure you have a file manager that can request root permissions (read/write) before you will be able to complete the next step. Search the market for "root file manager" and pick one to download and install.
Also at this step I would download and install RomManager and TerminalEmulator as you will need these later.
2) Install RomManager and the ClockworkMod Recovery. These will basically just give you the ability to boot into recovery where you can more easily flash kernel's/rom's and anything else you wish to push to your phone.
I was able to install the Clockwork Mod Recovery very easily just by simply using the root file manager app I downloaded with these instructions.
Download the two zip files located in the first post here
Place both files on your SD card root
Using the root file explorer app, move the Redbend_ua file from the SD card to /system/xbin/
Long press on the Redbend_ua file and click permissions, there should be one check missing, check that.
Now open the TerminalEmulator
NOTE:The spaces below are actual spaces and the bml8 is a lowercase "L" not a "1" there is also a space after cd, after redbend_ua, after restore, and after recovery.bin
TYPE THIS ALL EXACTLY AS SHOWN BETWEEN THE QUOTES
at the command line ($) type "su" (then hit enter)
Type "cd /system/xbin" (then hit enter, which changes directory)
Type "redbend_ua restore /sdcard/recovery.bin /dev/block/bml8" (then hit enter, It will now scroll a bunch of text and reboot.)
After phone boots, open RomManager
Click on Flash ClockworkMod Recovery
Select the Samsung Fascinate your phone will still be the mesmerize
At this point you're all stock and ready for new kernel/rom.
3) Install Voodoo lagfix kernel and new 5.0 sound
If you want speed and good battery life (and high standard marks) +unlocking the headphone amp and eq controls (it makes even the samsung headset sound killer) go here and follow those steps for using your now functional recovery mode to flash the new Voodoo 5.0 kernel.
Note: There are a few ways of getting into this recovery mode, the best way if all else fails is to hold phone from the back with left hand (thumb on volume button, in the middle holding both down and pointer on power button) hold these down until the mesmerize logo pops up then slide your thumb down a bit to volume down only (if you slip don't worry it might blink but it'll still go to recovery)
Note: If you are more code/computer oriented there is a method using a program called ADB, which I'm not familiar with and seemed more complicated than what I went with. Search for that on the forum if you wish to do the above process that way instead.
4) Download and install the ROM of your choice.
Just pick one from this list Here, read through the first post of each before you decide, some are plug and play some take a few steps first.
Credit goes to all of the OP's and many others included in my sig, these people are awesome show them some love!

Thanks for the nice stepbystep. I wonder if pming the mod would help get it stickied? He still hasn't replied to my last pm though..

dcow90 said:
Thanks for the nice stepbystep. I wonder if pming the mod would help get it stickied? He still hasn't replied to my last pm though..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed this should be a sticky! Thanks for the AWESOME write up bdemartino!

dcow90 said:
Thanks for the nice stepbystep. I wonder if pming the mod would help get it stickied? He still hasn't replied to my last pm though..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you PM me? I don't recall ever getting one from you. If I did, I apologise! I always try to be proactive in my forums
I check in on all my forums many times per day (even at work ) so if I miss something, please feel free to PM me anytime and I'll try to help where I can
I'll get in touch with bdemartino regarding getting a guide together that I can sticky
In the meantime Ill move this to general.

I few days ago I found an explanation here on how to do this:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1694111-Installing-Clockwork-and-Voodoo-onto-the-Samsung-Mesmerize
(The same explanation bdemartino gave here today)
1. I used the files from there. How do I tell if I am running voodoo5?
2. If its not the same, I've read that I can install voodoo5 over another voodoo, correct?
3. Is anyone having trouble with 3g, vibrate, etc...on the mez? I saw in the voodoo5 thread that a few people were having trouble with these things. I couldn't tell if they were fascinate, mesmerize or captivate.
Sent from my voodooized Mesmerize using XDA App

gr4ybu5h said:
I few days ago I found an explanation here on how to do this:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ockwork-and-Voodoo-onto-the-Samsung-Mesmerize
(The same explanation bdemartino gave here today)
1. I used the files from there. How do I tell if I am running voodoo5?
2. If its not the same, I've read that I can install voodoo5 over another voodoo, correct?
3. Is anyone having trouble with 3g, vibrate, etc...on the mez? I saw in the voodoo5 thread that a few people were having trouble with these things. I couldn't tell if they were fascinate, mesmerize or captivate.
Sent from my voodooized Mesmerize using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the old Voodoo kernel, you will need to go to the link I listed in my post for Voodoo 5, and yes you can simply disable lagfix and flash the new one over the old.
And no problems on the write up, I spent a good amount of time digging up the links and stuff but I'll spend a little more time polishing it and will post it in another thread for Scotsman to stickie.
And to answer your last question, no I'm having no problems with any functions of my phone after upgrading to voodoo 5.

Thanks for the write up and nice job on it too. It seems, sometimes when people try and tell others how to do something, they don't break it down enough. But you did and made it easy for us noobs. Thanks again.
My clockwork ( or voodoo, not sure) didn't come with a "disable lag-fix" button. I just have to create an empty file called "disable_lagfix". I'm just unclear where to put it. I saw it somewhere before I just have to find it
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

gr4ybu5h said:
Thanks for the write up and nice job on it too. It seems, sometimes when people try and tell others how to do something, they don't break it down enough. But you did and made it easy for us noobs. Thanks again.
My clockwork ( or voodoo, not sure) didn't come with a "disable lag-fix" button. I just have to create an empty file called "disable_lagfix". I'm just unclear where to put it. I saw it somewhere before I just have to find it
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a button, per se. When you go in to recovery, there is a disable lagfix option under voodoo. You can put the file, disable_lagfix, in the voodoo folder on your sdcard to do the same thing.
He does write up a good how-to, though, doesn't he.

Haha thanks guys, and you're welcome!
I think the reason you don't usually see this much detail from others is because they are more developmentally enabled and therefore "forget" to break down the little steps that are second nature to them but foreign language to a non-developer.

Thanks. I found it. and disabled it aready. now i just download the file in the write-up and boot into recovery, install zip from sd card and select my file correct?

I always wipe dalvik cache (in advance settings within Recover) before flashing anything.
So it's;
Disable Lagfix
Reboot (you'll hear the chick reversing the process)
Clear Dalvik
Install voodoo 5.0 from zip
reboot
re-enable lagfix and reboot one last time.
Then you'll need to download the voodoo controller app from the market to control the amp gain and set a few other eq settings.

Man you guys are fast. Thanks for the quick replies. WOW
Ive done all that except re-enable lag-fix. Noone ever mentions that step. Do I just remove the "disable_lagfix" file from the voodoo file and reboot?

I just enable/disable it through the voodoo menu in recovery, much easier than pushing files around. In your case i think you should be able to delete the file and reboot, but if not you may just need to go into voodoo and enable it that way (after removing the disable file)

I guess if I edit a post and dont finish it, the post gets deleted. Oh well, I asked how to reenalbe lag fix but i figured it out. Like I said I had to put the disable lag_fix file in the voodoo folder. I just had to remove it from that folder.
Is there a way to tell (besides the quickness and the extended battery life) how do i tell if its voodoo5? just out of curiousity

Just a guess here but possibly under About Phone the kernel version might? Mine is listed as 2.6.29
I would also think that when trying to use the Voodoo app it would fail if you didn't have the kernel so that would be a sign too, if that's what you're looking for.

Well thanks alot. Thats what mine was listed as also. And the voodoo app did work, so I guess I've got it. And I think thats all for now.
Now I think I might wait to see the awesome developers come up with for 2.2. I dont mind the stock 2.1 for now. I just dont want to keep flashing ROM's, if they might be close to getting a version of 2.2 going. I can wait....I think.
Thanks Again

gr4ybu5h said:
Well thanks alot. Thats what mine was listed as also. And the voodoo app did work, so I guess I've got it. And I think thats all for now.
Now I think I might wait to see the awesome developers come up with for 2.2. I dont mind the stock 2.1 for now. I just dont want to keep flashing ROM's, if they might be close to getting a version of 2.2 going. I can wait....I think.
Thanks Again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.2 is so close, you should be able to smell it. I've had it's froyo-ey goodness all over my phone and even with the issues we're still having, I flash it back every night when I get home to play with it.

phidelt82 said:
I've had it's froyo-ey goodness all over my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what she said....

Just rooted! A couple notes if you want to root

First off, this is where I got all the below info: (kudos and good job!)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005292
Ok. So I just rooted my Thunderbolt using these instructions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=552281&d=1301123842
This download:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=28H4U0QS
And this download (if windows 64 bit):
http://www.mediafire.com/?nbm7bpa0lnqp3si
Download the megaupload files first and unrar them. If using Windows 64 bit, download the mediafire files and unrar them into the Thunderbolt Root folder that was just unrared and replace the files it asks to replace.
Use the PDF instructions to start.
A couple of corrections which I came across...may not be the same for all rooters:
First,,,make sure you take off "fast boot" as suggested.
For step one, I had to redo step one for reboot to go forward but that worked as stated.
In "Before Step 2", under the "Note", you will see "After flashing hbooteng.nb0 your phone will reboot". Actually, for me, it was the next step of flashing the "PG05IMG.zip" which it then rebooted. These kind of things get you a bit worried at the moment if everything doesn't go as written
At the end of the rooting, when you "Click on Step 3", My phone immediately rather than the phone sitting there as stated, showed that "You have been successfully rooted...congratulations" -- without rebooting the phone. What I did was the suggestion to close the rooter.exe and restart it and then click on step three again and Presto, same message but the phone rebooted into root
The suggestion to go to clockwork mod is go to all programs and open ROM Manager and do the same...haha...I couldn't find "clockwork"..I was looking for it for about 2 minutes All went well, all permission ran and I rebooted and all is good!
All in all, nice directions and pretty user friendly...Thanks all!!!

thanks for the notes im thinking of rooting my phone and all the extras of people doing it and saying how good it is helps alot when trying to decide if i really want to do it or not.

spunry said:
thanks for the notes im thinking of rooting my phone and all the extras of people doing it and saying how good it is helps alot when trying to decide if i really want to do it or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can think of no reason to NOT root this phone.

spunry said:
thanks for the notes im thinking of rooting my phone and all the extras of people doing it and saying how good it is helps alot when trying to decide if i really want to do it or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Love to help make it easier for anybody

How's this working for you all??
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

Forgive me for intruding, but there are already excellent guides on how to root in the development page. http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=943
Please route people here, as I am sure this is based off of Team AndIRC's work (including, but not limited to jcase, the original poster of the root method.) and it in no way credits them
Shady stuff.

IISiDeK1CKII said:
... this is based off of Team AndIRC's work (including, but not limited to jcase, the original poster of the root method.) and it in no way credits them
Shady stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Just updated my initial post

I am rooting AS we speak using the one click method from XDA post, everything is working so far I am at the point where it says " This process may take some time "

[Q] How to restore phone from backup made prior to ROM download

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1875914
Hi I used the above guide to root my phone and I also did the backup from recovery mode thing AND I backed my phone up with Kies on my computer beforehand. Well I messed my phone up and had to use Odin to restore it and now I'd like to see how I can restore my phone from the backup I made in recovery mode. Every time I try to backup using kies it crashes on my computer. Also, if possible, I'd like to know a way to not have to use the same app I used to back the phone up to restore it. I used an app called EZ Recovery or something like that. If someone could help with this I'd appreciate it thank you!

gamer6592 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1875914
Hi I used the above guide to root my phone and I also did the backup from recovery mode thing AND I backed my phone up with Kies on my computer beforehand. Well I messed my phone up and had to use Odin to restore it and now I'd like to see how I can restore my phone from the backup I made in recovery mode. Every time I try to backup using kies it crashes on my computer. Also, if possible, I'd like to know a way to not have to use the same app I used to back the phone up to restore it. I used an app called EZ Recovery or something like that. If someone could help with this I'd appreciate it thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So currently you are unrooted and still using the Odin factory rom? If so, the first steps are to:
1) Re-root
2) Unlock your bootloader using EZ Unlock v1.2 found here: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/32456-app-920-ez-unlock-14-easiest-way-to-unlock-your-bootloader/
3) Custom Recovery backup files are proprietary, they only will restore using the same recovery you used. For the GSIII, you have two custom recoveries to use: ClockWorkMod or TWRP. If you want to restore to your previous backup that you made using your linked guide, then EZ Recovery will be the absolute easiest to use.
Two questions:
A) Why don't you want to use EZ Recovery? It's the easiesr way to install CWM recovery and you only use it once.
B) Which recovery did you select to make a backup using EZ Recovery? Was it touch based?
3) [Edit] Disregard my question about Kies, I believe I misinterpreted what you asked.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
So currently you are unrooted and still using the Odin factory rom? If so, the first steps are to:
1) Re-root
2) Unlock your bootloader using EZ Unlock v1.2 found here:
3) Custom Recovery backup files are proprietary, they only will restore using the same recovery you used. For the GSIII, you have two custom recoveries to use: ClockWorkMod or TWRP. If you want to restore to your previous backup that you made using your linked guide, then EZ Recovery will be the absolute easiest to use.
Two questions:
A) Why don't you want to use EZ Recovery? It's the easiesr way to install CWM recovery and you only use it once.
B) Which recovery did you select to make a backup using EZ Recovery? Was it touch based?
3) [Edit] Disregard my question about Kies, I believe I misinterpreted what you asked.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I didn't want to use EZ Recovery is because I thought it was an app that requires root, and I didn't want to root anymore because I thought that was why my phone jacked up in the first place, even though it was probably just because I'm dumb.
I did the backup as explained in that guide, as well as the one explained in the video I have posted. I didn't know if they were both necessary or if they were different types of backups or something so I did them both. Neither were touch based. The only thing that was touch based was when I touched the part in the apps to go into the recovery mode that I used to backup my phone. One just said to click on "backup" the other tutorial said click on "backup to ext sd card" so I did both. Both were initiated through the recovery mode thing though where you use the volume buttons and the power button. Thank you for the help!
Edit: I realized I can't link so if you go to "that place where you broadcast yourself" and after it says "watch?" And "v [equals]" in the link, paste the following: cgvEYCXHy7k&sns=em
(Sorry I deleted the link and it still kept saying I had a link in here I didn't know what was triggering it. Lol)

gamer6592 said:
The reason I didn't want to use EZ Recovery is because I thought it was an app that requires root, and I didn't want to root anymore because I thought that was why my phone jacked up in the first place, even though it was probably just because I'm dumb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you want to restore to that exact ClockWorkMod (CWM) backup, you do in fact need to be rooted. Even if you don't want to do anything else.
Just reboot into recovery using EZ Recovery, select "Backup and restore," then restore your backup. It's relatively easy honestly.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Well if you want to restore to that exact ClockWorkMod (CWM) backup, you do in fact need to be rooted. Even if you don't want to do anything else.
Just reboot into recovery using EZ Recovery, select "Backup and restore," then restore your backup. It's relatively easy honestly.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SlimSnoopOS said:
Well if you want to restore to that exact ClockWorkMod (CWM) backup, you do in fact need to be rooted. Even if you don't want to do anything else.
Just reboot into recovery using EZ Recovery, select "Backup and restore," then restore your backup. It's relatively easy honestly.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks I'll do that. I suppose it can't hurt to do it again. If it does I'll just have to restore my phone yet again. Couple questions though:
1: Is my phone any different right now since I used that Odin thing? I honestly didn't know what it was. I just looked up how to unbrick your phone because I tried downloading jelly bean and I got that software not authorized by verizon message so I followed another youtube video's tutorial and they said download that app and do a bunch of other stuff with it.
2: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840414
In this thread, his first link (Titled "this page") has a bunch of things called nightlies. Wtf are those? Just a crap load of re-issued versions of the same software (jelly bean)? Are they all from trusted developers or could anybody post one there? Should I take any precautions in making sure I don't get a messed up version/virus? I would assume in that video I referenced, the two downloads he was talking about were just the top/newest "nightly" in that link and the other download he was talking about (GAPPS or Google Apps) is the second one from the top in that other link, right? The one that says it's for Android Version 4.1.x?
3: In that first link I sent you, the guide to rooting, at the bottom it says that rooting and bootloader unlocking are completely finished but the reason everyone says they think my phone messed up and gave me the unauthorized software message was because I didn't unlock my bootloader. There is a second link in the jelly bean download guide for downloading a different boot unlocker. Is that the one I should be downloading? Should I do that on top of everything else I did in that rooting guide?
4 (last question I promise): Also, in that bootloader unlocker he said I should really "know what I'm doing" if I am running windows because it was intended for Mac and Linux. I run windows and I really don't want to run linux or Ubuntu or anything and i don't have a Mac. I haven't actually downloaded or tried to run the BL unlocker yet but I mean is it really that hard to use on Windows? I know it may sound quite hard to believe because of how much of an idiot I sound like when it comes to rooting and crap but I really AM, at least in my opinion, quite good with computers. At the very least as far as fundamentals go. But yeah when it comes to programming and all this stuff, I'm as dumb as a rock. But what does "know what I'm doing" mean? Is the BL Unlocker you linked to different? Should I just use yours?
Thanks man you're the ****.

gamer6592 said:
Okay thanks I'll do that. I suppose it can't hurt to do it again. If it does I'll just have to restore my phone yet again. Couple questions though:
1: Is my phone any different right now since I used that Odin thing? I honestly didn't know what it was. I just looked up how to unbrick your phone because I tried downloading jelly bean and I got that software not authorized by verizon message so I followed another youtube video's tutorial and they said download that app and do a bunch of other stuff with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever you use Odin, it's primarily to return to stock or flash a modified image to your Samsung device. In essence what you want to only use Odin for, is to return to the way you purchased your phone: fresh out of the box. You "should" be on a stock image if that's what resolved your previous issue which led to you creating this thread. In all honesty, I'm amazed that you fixed your phone via youtube. Going forward, all that you need to know about the Verizon GSIII is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Stick to using XDA for now.
2: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840414
In this thread, his first link (Titled "this page") has a bunch of things called nightlies. Wtf are those? Just a crap load of re-issued versions of the same software (jelly bean)? Are they all from trusted developers or could anybody post one there? Should I take any precautions in making sure I don't get a messed up version/virus? I would assume in that video I referenced, the two downloads he was talking about were just the top/newest "nightly" in that link and the other download he was talking about (GAPPS or Google Apps) is the second one from the top in that other link, right? The one that says it's for Android Version 4.1.x?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nightlies = a new version of that rom is updated each night. Some things may break, some things may be fixed but from nightly to nightly, there are new things introduced and new things broken. A nightly is essentially a prolonged "beta" of the overall rom. You can update from one nightly to another or even choose to update weekly if that works best for you, it's all about choice. Now in regards to CM10, CM10 = CyanogenMod10. This is the most popular Android rom and is supported on the most amount of Android phones. The [OFFICIAL] Verizon GSIII CM10 rom is one rom that is pulling software and improvements that are being worked on hourly by the "lead" or primary CyanogenMod team. If that doesn't make sense, the Verizon GSIII version of CM10 is one branch from the giant, ever growing tree that is CyanogenMod.
The "OP" or original post is the very first post, on the first page of any thread. It is also labeled #1. So, the OP of your thread would be your initial post which I responded to. When reading rom threads, the OP is where all the primary information and download links are. People will use this term all the time. I'm just dropping knowledge on this for future reference.
Usually, developers or respected developers have that title just below their name. For example, look at my name and it does not say "recognized developer." This is a title granted by the awesome people that run XDA to people who apply for this title. If accepted, this is a label that informs new users that this is someone of knowledge. Now, if someone doesn't have this title, then this does not mean they did not develop said rom or that they do not know what they're doing. Anyone can be a developer, but just know that there are people here who will easily put you in your place if you pretend to be one.
The thing about XDA is, you download anything and everything at your own risk. By modifying your phone software, you and you alone voided your warranty and accept this. Now, to answer your question. The OP in any thread that is in the Development or Original Development section is supposed to be a "true and reliable" link. If there were ever a virus or malware posted in the Development section, this is unquestionably a website that will remove it. For any and every phone that has a forum on XDA, there are moderators (or mods) who patrol and work for XDA to keep this place awesome, concise, and welcoming to new and old users alike. If you look at any given world/regional/carrier phone, there are a team of moderators who govern those entire threads. Sure, someone can post a spam link at any time but you should feel relatively safe knowing that there are people in place to control for those things. Now, if you see links ANYWHERE else, then I don't suggest downloading it unless you see others have done so as well and provided significant feedback as well.
This is by no means a rule but if a thread has over maybe 30 pages, then it's something that many others have used. Read a few pages if you have any doubts. The most recent posts about the rom are always at the end of the thread. The CM10 link that you posted has over 600 pages...it's trusted lol. The nicest way to say this is...the most popular roms may be the threads with the most pages.
Also, stick to downloading roms from XDA or Rootzwiki and download only what you feel comfortable with downloading to your phone. You mentioned a youtube video earlier, disregard it and refer to DroidStyle's Guide that I linked after your first question. Rooting may not be for you and that is perfectly fine because this is a hobby. As you can tell, there's a LOT to learn and I've barely scratched the surface.
3: In that first link I sent you, the guide to rooting, at the bottom it says that rooting and bootloader unlocking are completely finished but the reason everyone says they think my phone messed up and gave me the unauthorized software message was because I didn't unlock my bootloader. There is a second link in the jelly bean download guide for downloading a different boot unlocker. Is that the one I should be downloading? Should I do that on top of everything else I did in that rooting guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To properly unlock the bootloader on the GSIII, you need to be rooted first then you need to download EZ Recovery v1.2. I provided and labeled that in a prior post. The "unauthorized software" message occurred because you (I am assuming btw) watched that youtube video from July which predates when our bootloader was officially unlocked (August) and followed its instructions. Since our bootloader was unlocked on August 15, 2012: you must be rooted and unlocked prior to flashing roms or kernels.
You can use that thread to root BUT for the sake of helping you, just download EZ Unlock v1.2 (bootloader unlock tool) that I linked to on Rootzwiki.
4 (last question I promise): Also, in that bootloader unlocker he said I should really "know what I'm doing" if I am running windows because it was intended for Mac and Linux. I run windows and I really don't want to run linux or Ubuntu or anything and i don't have a Mac. I haven't actually downloaded or tried to run the BL unlocker yet but I mean is it really that hard to use on Windows? I know it may sound quite hard to believe because of how much of an idiot I sound like when it comes to rooting and crap but I really AM, at least in my opinion, quite good with computers. At the very least as far as fundamentals go. But yeah when it comes to programming and all this stuff, I'm as dumb as a rock. But what does "know what I'm doing" mean? Is the BL Unlocker you linked to different? Should I just use yours?
Thanks man you're the ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I do not want to confuse you further, the only bootloader unlock tool you need to know of is EZ Unlock v1.2 which is located on Rootzwiki. If you rooted with your laptop, just install EZ Unlock v1.2 and press "Unlock." You only need to do this one time and can uninstall the app afterwards.
To restore your CWM backup, you need to:
1) Root
2) Unlock via EZ Unlock v1.2
3) Install CWM using EZ Recovery
4) Reboot into recovery
5) Restore your backup in CWM recovery
6) Enjoy your backiup predating the triangle warning "Unauthorized software on this device" incident
Did I cover everything? haha

SlimSnoopOS said:
Whenever you use Odin, it's primarily to return to stock or flash a modified image to your Samsung device. In essence what you want to only use Odin for, is to return to the way you purchased your phone: fresh out of the box. You "should" be on a stock image if that's what resolved your previous issue which led to you creating this thread. In all honesty, I'm amazed that you fixed your phone via youtube. Going forward, all that you need to know about the Verizon GSIII is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Stick to using XDA for now.
Nightlies = a new version of that rom is updated each night. Some things may break, some things may be fixed but from nightly to nightly, there are new things introduced and new things broken. A nightly is essentially a prolonged "beta" of the overall rom. You can update from one nightly to another or even choose to update weekly if that works best for you, it's all about choice. Now in regards to CM10, CM10 = CyanogenMod10. This is the most popular Android rom and is supported on the most amount of Android phones. The [OFFICIAL] Verizon GSIII CM10 rom is one rom that is pulling software and improvements that are being worked on hourly by the "lead" or primary CyanogenMod team. If that doesn't make sense, the Verizon GSIII version of CM10 is one branch from the giant, ever growing tree that is CyanogenMod.
The "OP" or original post is the very first post, on the first page of any thread. It is also labeled #1. So, the OP of your thread would be your initial post which I responded to. When reading rom threads, the OP is where all the primary information and download links are. People will use this term all the time. I'm just dropping knowledge on this for future reference.
Usually, developers or respected developers have that title just below their name. For example, look at my name and it does not say "recognized developer." This is a title granted by the awesome people that run XDA to people who apply for this title. If accepted, this is a label that informs new users that this is someone of knowledge. Now, if someone doesn't have this title, then this does not mean they did not develop said rom or that they do not know what they're doing. Anyone can be a developer, but just know that there are people here who will easily put you in your place if you pretend to be one.
The thing about XDA is, you download anything and everything at your own risk. By modifying your phone software, you and you alone voided your warranty and accept this. Now, to answer your question. The OP in any thread that is in the Development or Original Development section is supposed to be a "true and reliable" link. If there were ever a virus or malware posted in the Development section, this is unquestionably a website that will remove it. For any and every phone that has a forum on XDA, there are moderators (or mods) who patrol and work for XDA to keep this place awesome, concise, and welcoming to new and old users alike. If you look at any given world/regional/carrier phone, there are a team of moderators who govern those entire threads. Sure, someone can post a spam link at any time but you should feel relatively safe knowing that there are people in place to control for those things. Now, if you see links ANYWHERE else, then I don't suggest downloading it unless you see others have done so as well and provided significant feedback as well.
This is by no means a rule but if a thread has over maybe 30 pages, then it's something that many others have used. Read a few pages if you have any doubts. The most recent posts about the rom are always at the end of the thread. The CM10 link that you posted has over 600 pages...it's trusted lol. The nicest way to say this is...the most popular roms may be the threads with the most pages.
Also, stick to downloading roms from XDA or Rootzwiki and download only what you feel comfortable with downloading to your phone. You mentioned a youtube video earlier, disregard it and refer to DroidStyle's Guide that I linked after your first question. Rooting may not be for you and that is perfectly fine because this is a hobby. As you can tell, there's a LOT to learn and I've barely scratched the surface.
To properly unlock the bootloader on the GSIII, you need to be rooted first then you need to download EZ Recovery v1.2. I provided and labeled that in a prior post. The "unauthorized software" message occurred because you (I am assuming btw) watched that youtube video from July which predates when our bootloader was officially unlocked (August) and followed its instructions. Since our bootloader was unlocked on August 15, 2012: you must be rooted and unlocked prior to flashing roms or kernels.
You can use that thread to root BUT for the sake of helping you, just download EZ Unlock v1.2 (bootloader unlock tool) that I linked to on Rootzwiki.
Because I do not want to confuse you further, the only bootloader unlock tool you need to know of is EZ Unlock v1.2 which is located on Rootzwiki. If you rooted with your laptop, just install EZ Unlock v1.2 and press "Unlock." You only need to do this one time and can uninstall the app afterwards.
To restore your CWM backup, you need to:
1) Root
2) Unlock via EZ Unlock v1.2
3) Install CWM using EZ Recovery
4) Reboot into recovery
5) Restore your backup in CWM recovery
6) Enjoy your backiup predating the triangle warning "Unauthorized software on this device" incident
Did I cover everything? haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. PERFECT. Last couple loose ends though.
1: Will the restore take me to the last time I did all this recovery mode backup crap? The main reason I'm concerned about all this is because I have a game I've put hundreds of hours into that I'm trying to recover my progress on. I'd like it though if when I do restore, I still remain rooted because once I retrieve my game I'd like to try once more to get JB.
2: Is there a way, if my recovery is successful, to get Jelly Bean and THEN recover all this?
Yet again, you rock man. Lol Thanks
Edit: I restored anyways and THANK GOD found that my game save data was still intact. Everything is exactly the way I had it, with root and everything. So NOW my only questions are:
1: Since i rooted my phone the way in the guide I linked to the first time and then the second time I did it the way your guide link said, but the restore was made from the first time I rooted, is that restore I just did from your guide completely gone and now my phone is 100% back to as if I hadn't done anything else after rooting it my way yesterday? If so, should I root my phone yet again except doing it the way your guide said to again because apparently the first way I did it from my guide is what messed my phone up initially, right? So what should I do? Just download EZ-Unlock and keep my phone like it is or start all the way over with your method?
2: Since it was possible to retrieve my game save data with my previous root, do you think if I root again successfully or w/e I need to do and then get Jelly Bean, that my save data and stuff will transfer over as is to Jelly Bean also?

gamer6592 said:
2: Is there a way, if my recovery is successful, to get Jelly Bean and THEN recover all this?
Yet again, you rock man. Lol Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you just restored using CWM correct? First step would be to download "titanium backup" via the Play Store and now you can back up app data (don't do system data) so that when you wipe/flash roms you can restore that app data. Last time I used the free version (a year ago) the free version did app backups/restore but app restores were one at a time and you have to tap install for each app. The paid version (proud paid user here!) does app restore without you having to press "install" for each app you're restoring. There are other app backup utilities but this is likely the most popular and most powerful. You will have to manually recreate your homescreen layout.
Step 2 would be to download a rom, boot into recovery, factory reset then wipe dalvik cache, then flash your rom. Once the rom boots up and you've signed into Gmail, re-download Titanium Backup and restore your apps.
If you were to try this of course.
Edit: I restored anyways and THANK GOD found that my game save data was still intact. Everything is exactly the way I had it, with root and everything. So NOW my only questions are:
1: Since i rooted my phone the way in the guide I linked to the first time and then the second time I did it the way your guide link said, but the restore was made from the first time I rooted, is that restore I just did from your guide completely gone and now my phone is 100% back to as if I hadn't done anything else after rooting it my way yesterday? If so, should I root my phone yet again except doing it the way your guide said to again because apparently the first way I did it from my guide is what messed my phone up initially, right? So what should I do? Just download EZ-Unlock and keep my phone like it is or start all the way over with your method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just did a restore via CWM, you're still rooted. Have any doubts? Download "Root Checker" from the Play Store and it will tell you if you're rooted. Your CWM backup is already rooted, you need to be rooted to install a custom recovery so you're set. The CWM restore file is actually located on sdcard/ClockWorkMod/Backup (or something to that effect) and onside should be a file name that contains "1970" and resembles a calendar date. The date is wrong, unfortunately that's just how recovery is. I'm not sure how to rename CWM backups because doing so incorrectly changes the file integrity and will cause your CWM restore to fail should you try restoring it. Your CWM restore file does not delete itself once you use it, it continues to take up space and sits there until you need it or you delete it using CWM.
What messed you up the first time was the fact that you didn't unlock your bootloader before flashing CM10. There's nothing wrong with the CWM backup that you have. Do you have just the one CWM backup or two?
TWRP recovery allows you to name backups but I wouldn't get into that until you're more familiar with CWM and the flashing process.
2: Since it was possible to retrieve my game save data with my previous root, do you think if I root again successfully or w/e I need to do and then get Jelly Bean, that my save data and stuff will transfer over as is to Jelly Bean also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely do and you don't need to root again btw.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Whenever you use Odin, it's primarily to return to stock or flash a modified image to your Samsung device. In essence what you want to only use Odin for, is to return to the way you purchased your phone: fresh out of the box. You "should" be on a stock image if that's what resolved your previous issue which led to you creating this thread. In all honesty, I'm amazed that you fixed your phone via youtube. Going forward, all that you need to know about the Verizon GSIII is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
Stick to using XDA for now.
Nightlies = a new version of that rom is updated each night. Some things may break, some things may be fixed but from nightly to nightly, there are new things introduced and new things broken. A nightly is essentially a prolonged "beta" of the overall rom. You can update from one nightly to another or even choose to update weekly if that works best for you, it's all about choice. Now in regards to CM10, CM10 = CyanogenMod10. This is the most popular Android rom and is supported on the most amount of Android phones. The [OFFICIAL] Verizon GSIII CM10 rom is one rom that is pulling software and improvements that are being worked on hourly by the "lead" or primary CyanogenMod team. If that doesn't make sense, the Verizon GSIII version of CM10 is one branch from the giant, ever growing tree that is CyanogenMod.
The "OP" or original post is the very first post, on the first page of any thread. It is also labeled #1. So, the OP of your thread would be your initial post which I responded to. When reading rom threads, the OP is where all the primary information and download links are. People will use this term all the time. I'm just dropping knowledge on this for future reference.
Usually, developers or respected developers have that title just below their name. For example, look at my name and it does not say "recognized developer." This is a title granted by the awesome people that run XDA to people who apply for this title. If accepted, this is a label that informs new users that this is someone of knowledge. Now, if someone doesn't have this title, then this does not mean they did not develop said rom or that they do not know what they're doing. Anyone can be a developer, but just know that there are people here who will easily put you in your place if you pretend to be one.
The thing about XDA is, you download anything and everything at your own risk. By modifying your phone software, you and you alone voided your warranty and accept this. Now, to answer your question. The OP in any thread that is in the Development or Original Development section is supposed to be a "true and reliable" link. If there were ever a virus or malware posted in the Development section, this is unquestionably a website that will remove it. For any and every phone that has a forum on XDA, there are moderators (or mods) who patrol and work for XDA to keep this place awesome, concise, and welcoming to new and old users alike. If you look at any given world/regional/carrier phone, there are a team of moderators who govern those entire threads. Sure, someone can post a spam link at any time but you should feel relatively safe knowing that there are people in place to control for those things. Now, if you see links ANYWHERE else, then I don't suggest downloading it unless you see others have done so as well and provided significant feedback as well.
This is by no means a rule but if a thread has over maybe 30 pages, then it's something that many others have used. Read a few pages if you have any doubts. The most recent posts about the rom are always at the end of the thread. The CM10 link that you posted has over 600 pages...it's trusted lol. The nicest way to say this is...the most popular roms may be the threads with the most pages.
Also, stick to downloading roms from XDA or Rootzwiki and download only what you feel comfortable with downloading to your phone. You mentioned a youtube video earlier, disregard it and refer to DroidStyle's Guide that I linked after your first question. Rooting may not be for you and that is perfectly fine because this is a hobby. As you can tell, there's a LOT to learn and I've barely scratched the surface.
To properly unlock the bootloader on the GSIII, you need to be rooted first then you need to download EZ Recovery v1.2. I provided and labeled that in a prior post. The "unauthorized software" message occurred because you (I am assuming btw) watched that youtube video from July which predates when our bootloader was officially unlocked (August) and followed its instructions. Since our bootloader was unlocked on August 15, 2012: you must be rooted and unlocked prior to flashing roms or kernels.
You can use that thread to root BUT for the sake of helping you, just download EZ Unlock v1.2 (bootloader unlock tool) that I linked to on Rootzwiki.
Because I do not want to confuse you further, the only bootloader unlock tool you need to know of is EZ Unlock v1.2 which is located on Rootzwiki. If you rooted with your laptop, just install EZ Unlock v1.2 and press "Unlock." You only need to do this one time and can uninstall the app afterwards.
To restore your CWM backup, you need to:
1) Root
2) Unlock via EZ Unlock v1.2
3) Install CWM using EZ Recovery
4) Reboot into recovery
5) Restore your backup in CWM recovery
6) Enjoy your backiup predating the triangle warning "Unauthorized software on this device" incident
Did I cover everything? haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay awesome. Haha. Perfect. I am wanting to try doing jelly bean again. I'm kinda lost though. That guide doesn't explain ****. So I go to that nightlies page and just download the top one, right? And then download the second from top GAPPS thing in that other link? I download them i.e throw them on my phone or ext SD card from my computer, right? If I do this I'd like to make another backup on my phone because I've even gotten more data on it since I just recovered my backup, but I don't want to have 2 backups just sitting there using up so much memory. How do I delete the old one and replace it with a new and more current one? Will anything mess up if I delete the old one? Also, I made both backups, the "backup" option one from the recovery mode screen, as well as the "backup to external SD card" option one from the same screen so I'd like to delete them both and just make a new one.
When I installed that app and just simply clicked the unlock button, that unlocked my bootloader, right? I keep hearing the word unlock so I can't help but feel like there's multiple things I need to be "unlocking."
So at this point, other than doing a fresher backup, the only thing I have to do is download the top nightly thing or w/e and that GAPPS thing to my computer, then drag them to the folder for either my internal memory or my EXT SD card? Then what do I do? I know I have to execute them from that recovery mode thing but which app do I use to enter recovery mode? Does it matter?
EDIT: Also, I downloaded and bought Titanium Backup and this thing is like trying to learn a foreign language. Wtf am I even supposed to be doing with it? Lol.

gamer6592 said:
Okay awesome. Haha. Perfect. I am wanting to try doing jelly bean again. I'm kinda lost though. That guide doesn't explain ****. So I go to that nightlies page and just download the top one, right? And then download the second from top GAPPS thing in that other link? I download them i.e throw them on my phone or ext SD card from my computer, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aight, my question to you is do you like TouchWiz? Because any AOSP rom (CyanogenMod, AOKP, Codename Android, etc.) will basically have the interface/UI of a Google Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus 4. It will not have anything Samsung related. Is this ok? If so, read on.
GApps = Google apps. When you see the GApps page, there should be a few dozen to choose from.
You have the proper steps. Once you download the AOSP rom and respective GApps, move these two zips outside of any folder on either your internal or external sd card. I'm going to stop here and tell you to backup your IMEI, which you only need to do this one time. Everything you need to know is described in this thread. Backup your IMEI:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
If I do this I'd like to make another backup on my phone because I've even gotten more data on it since I just recovered my backup, but I don't want to have 2 backups just sitting there using up so much memory. How do I delete the old one and replace it with a new and more current one? Will anything mess up if I delete the old one? Also, I made both backups, the "backup" option one from the recovery mode screen, as well as the "backup to external SD card" option one from the same screen so I'd like to delete them both and just make a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, nothing messes up. Just boot into CWM, go to "backup and restore," and delete the previous backups. Once it deletes them, select the option for "Free up space" for your internal sd card, then do this once more for your external sd card if you deleted backups. Now, make a new backup. I suggest keeping at least an old CWM backup or this new CWM from today on a computer in case of unforeseen issues down the road. This file will still be incomprehensible in the sense that the date on the zip is from 1970 and is off by at least 2-3 months.
When I installed that app and just simply clicked the unlock button, that unlocked my bootloader, right? I keep hearing the word unlock so I can't help but feel like there's multiple things I need to be "unlocking."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. It doesn't do anything more once you've selected "unlock." It serves one function, to unlock your bootloader.
So at this point, other than doing a newerbackup, the only thing I have to do is download the top nightly thing or w/e and that GAPPS thing to my computer, then drag them to the folder for either my internal memory or my EXT SD card? Then what do I do? I know I have to execute them from that recovery mode thing but which app do I use to enter recovery mode? Does it matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but first I need you to backup your IMEI. Once you've successfully done this, I or someone else will tell you how to wipe/install your first rom.
EDIT: Also, I downloaded and bought Titanium Backup and this thing is like trying to learn a foreign language. Wtf am I even supposed to be doing with it? Lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To backup app data
1) Open Titanium Backup
2)Tap "Backup/Restore"
3) Tap "Click to edit filters." Make sure "Filter by status" is set to "All", make sure "Filter by type" is set to "User" only. Press the green check mark on the upper right corner. What this does is filter the apps that show and limits them to just the user apps: apps that you downloaded and apps that came with the phone.
4) You should see a list of your apps now. Right? Good, now tap the grey checkmark on the top right then on this new screen tap "Run" for "Backup all user apps."
5) This new list of apps should have checkmarks next to them. Uncheck whichever apps that you do not want to backup. I usually Uncheck Google Apps because that data is backed up to the cloud. Everything checked will be backed up, tap the green checkmark to begin your backup and you're done.
To restore apps, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe a few apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom.
**This does not backup texts nor phone calls.
Most importantly, only download roms to your phone if it states: d2vzw or SCH-i535. This is our device's model name.

SlimSnoopOS said:
Aight, my question to you is do you like TouchWiz? Because any AOSP rom (CyanogenMod, AOKP, Codename Android, etc.) will basically have the interface/UI of a Google Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus 4. It will not have anything Samsung related. Is this ok? If so, read on.
GApps = Google apps. When you see the GApps page, there should be a few dozen to choose from.
You have the proper steps. Once you download the AOSP rom and respective GApps, move these two zips outside of any folder on either your internal or external sd card. I'm going to stop here and tell you to backup your IMEI, which you only need to do this one time. Everything you need to know is described in this thread. Backup your IMEI:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
Nope, nothing messes up. Just boot into CWM, go to "backup and restore," and delete the previous backups. Once it deletes them, select the option for "Free up space" for your internal sd card, then do this once more for your external sd card if you deleted backups. Now, make a new backup. I suggest keeping at least an old CWM backup or this new CWM from today on a computer in case of unforeseen issues down the road. This file will still be incomprehensible in the sense that the date on the zip is from 1970 and is off by at least 2-3 months.
Correct. It doesn't do anything more once you've selected "unlock." It serves one function, to unlock your bootloader.
Yes, but first I need you to backup your IMEI. Once you've successfully done this, I or someone else will tell you how to wipe/install your first rom.
To backup app data
1) Open Titanium Backup
2)Tap "Backup/Restore"
3) Tap "Click to edit filters." Make sure "Filter by status" is set to "All", make sure "Filter by type" is set to "User" only. Press the green check mark on the upper right corner. What this does is filter the apps that show and limits them to just the user apps: apps that you downloaded and apps that came with the phone.
4) You should see a list of your apps now. Right? Good, now tap the grey checkmark on the top right then on this new screen tap "Run" for "Backup all user apps."
5) This new list of apps should have checkmarks next to them. Uncheck whichever apps that you do not want to backup. I usually Uncheck Google Apps because that data is backed up to the cloud. Everything checked will be backed up, tap the green checkmark to begin your backup and you're done.
To restore apps, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe a few apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom.
**This does not backup texts nor phone calls.
Most importantly, only download roms to your phone if it states: d2vzw or SCH-i535. This is our device's model name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gosh this is a pain in my ass... I've been working on this ALL DAY. Kid you not.
I finally just figured out how to do everything with downloading that ADB crap and I am doing part B (SynergyROM's "Plan B" manual backup). I am really worried because I have a slight problem... Now whenever I boot into recovery mode (holding volume up+home+power) it doesn't look the same as when it did the previous times i had to boot into recovery. The options are completely different and there isn't one for "install zip from sd card". Following is a description of what it says/how it looks now:
(it says the following in blue letters)
"ANDROID SYSTEM RECOVERY <3e>
Volume up/down to move highlight;
power button to select.
reboot system now
apply update from external storage
wipe data/factory reset
wipe cache partition
apply update from cache"
____________________________________________________________
(then it says the following in yellow letters)
# manual mode #
-- Applying Multi-CSC...
Applied the CSC-code : VZW
Successfully applied multi-CSC
And it has that picture of the android in the background with the thing that looks like you could twist it on it's back and the hologram coming out of it's front.
Why is my recovery mode different all of a sudden? It's like I'm just getting the standard Android version of RM now.
EDIT: I clicked "flash CWM Recovery" and now it boots into the regular CWM RM screen.
Okay. I'm all done with the IMEI backups and stuff.
I can haz Jelly Bean now?
Man I wish there was an IM or something I could contact you at so I didn't have to have you keep coming back to this thread so many times. Plus, I'm impatient. I want JB already! Lol. I appreciate it though!

Go haz your jellybeans! Lol sorry for the delayed response, I just got off work. Keep a backup of the Synergy folder (the backed up IMEI file) on your laptop for safe keeping.
As a reminder, this AOSP rom you're installing is stock Jellybean aka what's on a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4.
To flash a rom:
1) boot into CWM recovery
2) Factory reset, wipe cache, go into "Advanced" and wipe Dalvik Cache
3) Install rom. If you're installing CM10, AOKP, or any Android Open Source Project (A.O.S.P.) rom then install GApps as well.
4) Reboot and enjoy.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Aight, my question to you is do you like TouchWiz? Because any AOSP rom (CyanogenMod, AOKP, Codename Android, etc.) will basically have the interface/UI of a Google Galaxy Nexus or a Nexus 4. It will not have anything Samsung related. Is this ok? If so, read on.
GApps = Google apps. When you see the GApps page, there should be a few dozen to choose from.
You have the proper steps. Once you download the AOSP rom and respective GApps, move these two zips outside of any folder on either your internal or external sd card. I'm going to stop here and tell you to backup your IMEI, which you only need to do this one time. Everything you need to know is described in this thread. Backup your IMEI:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
Nope, nothing messes up. Just boot into CWM, go to "backup and restore," and delete the previous backups. Once it deletes them, select the option for "Free up space" for your internal sd card, then do this once more for your external sd card if you deleted backups. Now, make a new backup. I suggest keeping at least an old CWM backup or this new CWM from today on a computer in case of unforeseen issues down the road. This file will still be incomprehensible in the sense that the date on the zip is from 1970 and is off by at least 2-3 months.
Correct. It doesn't do anything more once you've selected "unlock." It serves one function, to unlock your bootloader.
Yes, but first I need you to backup your IMEI. Once you've successfully done this, I or someone else will tell you how to wipe/install your first rom.
To backup app data
1) Open Titanium Backup
2)Tap "Backup/Restore"
3) Tap "Click to edit filters." Make sure "Filter by status" is set to "All", make sure "Filter by type" is set to "User" only. Press the green check mark on the upper right corner. What this does is filter the apps that show and limits them to just the user apps: apps that you downloaded and apps that came with the phone.
4) You should see a list of your apps now. Right? Good, now tap the grey checkmark on the top right then on this new screen tap "Run" for "Backup all user apps."
5) This new list of apps should have checkmarks next to them. Uncheck whichever apps that you do not want to backup. I usually Uncheck Google Apps because that data is backed up to the cloud. Everything checked will be backed up, tap the green checkmark to begin your backup and you're done.
To restore apps, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe a few apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom.
**This does not backup texts nor phone calls.
Most importantly, only download roms to your phone if it states: d2vzw or SCH-i535. This is our device's model name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SlimSnoopOS said:
Go haz your jellybeans! Lol sorry for the delayed response, I just got off work. Keep a backup of the Synergy folder (the backed up IMEI file) on your laptop for safe keeping.
As a reminder, this AOSP rom you're installing is stock Jellybean aka what's on a Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4.
To flash a rom:
1) boot into CWM recovery
2) Factory reset, wipe cache, go into "Advanced" and wipe Dalvik Cache
3) Install rom. If you're installing CM10, AOKP, or any Android Open Source Project (A.O.S.P.) rom then install GApps as well.
4) Reboot and enjoy.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Okay thanks but.. I don't remember if you ever answered me on whether it matters if I drag the thing to my phone or my SD card. And also, if I just download and drag the top "nightly" thing and then download and drag the 2nd from top GAPPS thing. Should I create a folder and put them both in or just leave them out by themselves in the main directory or does it matter?

Just put both the nightly and Gapps on your internal storage for now. Leave them on the root of the sd card (in no folders).
If recovery let's you use your external sd card, then use that if you prefer cuz it doesn't matter. If recovery fails to see your external sd card (meaning it didnt let you perform a backup to the external sd) then it needs to be formatted to Fat32 before you can flash anything off of the external sd.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

SlimSnoopOS said:
Just put both the nightly and Gapps on your internal storage for now. Leave them on the root of the sd card (in no folders).
If recovery let's you use your external sd card, then use that if you prefer cuz it doesn't matter. If recovery fails to see your external sd card (meaning it didnt let you perform a backup to the external sd) then it needs to be formatted to Fat32 before you can flash anything off of the external sd.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay!!! I did it!! You rock man I owe you one. My only other question is how I get everything back on my phone like my apps and app data and stuff. Thanks dude!

gamer6592 said:
Yay!!! I did it!! You rock man I owe you one. My only other question is how I get everything back on my phone like my apps and app data and stuff. Thanks dude!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TB = Titanium Backup
Congrats! From my previous post on TB:
To restore apps with TB, do Step 3 but instead select "backed up" for "Filter by Status" and select "Uninstalled" for "Filter by type." Then for Step 4, scroll down and tap "Run" for "Restore missing apps with data." I strongly suggest only restoring just that one game's data and maybe data from a few other apps to minimize any issues that will occur once you use the rom. I rarely have force closes or random issues after restoring apps but that's a risk one takes when restoring apps and app data. If you notice an app is behaving unusually, uninstall it and then re-
download it from the Play Store.
Never restore system data.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

lol.. you're gonna hate me but... I'm pretty sure I want to switch back... TB messed up my game data so I can't recover it so I really want to at least recover my entire phone from the CWM backup and THEN maybe go back to jelly bean again because the game I'm playing let's you store your data on their servers so I'd rather do that and THEN come back to jelly bean and restore from their servers... but yeah my game is not working at all :'-( lol.. fml

Just restore your Nandroid backup in CWM then do whatever it was you needed to do
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

[Q] My Infuse upgrade journey to 4.x.x, I need help

Hi,
Background:
I am a retired software engineer. I worked on the windows platform and focused on the Visual Basic family of code though I was familiar with many languages from assembly to C. I am very familiar with the programming jargon but find myself at a loss when reading to posts here, so bear with me if I don’t have a complete grasp on the terminology.
My Story:
I have an AT&T Samsung Infuse with android v2.3.6 and have been very happy with it. This is my first smartphone and didn’t pay much attention to how it worked until now. I bought an irrigation controller that has an app for the phone. After installing the controller, I found out the app only runs on v3.0 or newer (mine is v2.3.6). So, here I am trying to upgrade my phone to a newer version so the app will work (trying not to buy a new phone for this). My first goal was to back up everything, so I spent a number of days reading threads here trying to understand what I needed to do. I discovered that v3.0 is a tablet only OS (not completely sure about this). I researched the different version and thought that v4.3 or v4.4 would be the final goal. This lead me to finding a path that required going through v4.0 to get there (please correct me if I have drawn the wrong conclusion on this). I could not find a way to back up the OS without stumbling on the instructions to either root the phone and/or wipe the data and cache to install something.
What I have done so far:
1). I paid to have my phone rooted. The apps I installed would not back up the entire OS and my recovery did not have an option to do that.
2).I followed [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions. I was able to back up the entire rom from the red recovery.
3).Next I followed the [Firmware][ICS]UNOFFICIAL CM9 for the Infuse 4G (07/28/2012) instructions. I was now up in the v4.0.4 OS but did not have any of my applications or any of my old data.
4). I redid step 2 and restored the backup I made and was back on v2.3.6 again.
5). I installed fx w/root, Easy Back, then step 3 and got some of what I wanted but no apps. So step 4 again. I did this again with My Backup Root (MBR). I had a backup of my apps this time but they would not install in v4.0.4. So I did step 4 once more.
And yes I have been bitten by a boot loop. I did something wrong after I got it to 4.0.4 once. Not sure what it was.
Questions:
1). Is (was) there a way to back up the OS(ROM) from my vanilla v2.3.6 so I had a true representation of my original phone? Seems like a bit of a catch 22.
2). When I was on v4.0.4, I could not find settings/application to change both my USB settings and Playstore options. This caused the restore to fail because it was not from the playstore. I was able to use fx to find the backup file, select an apk file and try to restore it that way. It told me it was not a playstore app, but gave me a link to settings/Application so I could change it. Then I restored the app successfully. Then I went back to MBR and tried to restore the data for that app, it failed. Now that the Playstore option was turned off, I tried to restore from MBR. This went successfully but the restore of the Data failed because the app was not installed. I am thinking that there is a difference in the folder structure that is causing this (maybe to do with MTD). I was not able to turn on the Setting/Application/Playstore option. Where did the Settings/Application option go in v4.0.4?
3) Is there a way to backup up applications from v2.3.6 and restore them to v4.0.4 (or any 4.0 + version)? I could do it one at a time from the MBR backup but not the applications data.
4). I noticed that in v4.0.4 there was a screen after the first Samsung one that said Galaxy S. Can this be changed?
5). After the Galaxy S screen (again in v4.0.4) came a screen with a stickman and real intense flashing. Can this be changed?
6). How can I find the most stable ROM to use? is there a list of available ROMs all the way to v4.4?
I am sure I will have more questions, Thanks

Shoraht said:
Hi,
Background:
I am a retired software engineer. I worked on the windows platform and focused on the Visual Basic family of code though I was familiar with many languages from assembly to C. I am very familiar with the programming jargon but find myself at a loss when reading to posts here, so bear with me if I don’t have a complete grasp on the terminology.
My Story:
I have an AT&T Samsung Infuse with android v2.3.6 and have been very happy with it. This is my first smartphone and didn’t pay much attention to how it worked until now. I bought an irrigation controller that has an app for the phone. After installing the controller, I found out the app only runs on v3.0 or newer (mine is v2.3.6). So, here I am trying to upgrade my phone to a newer version so the app will work (trying not to buy a new phone for this). My first goal was to back up everything, so I spent a number of days reading threads here trying to understand what I needed to do. I discovered that v3.0 is a tablet only OS (not completely sure about this). I researched the different version and thought that v4.3 or v4.4 would be the final goal. This lead me to finding a path that required going through v4.0 to get there (please correct me if I have drawn the wrong conclusion on this). I could not find a way to back up the OS without stumbling on the instructions to either root the phone and/or wipe the data and cache to install something.
What I have done so far:
1). I paid to have my phone rooted. The apps I installed would not back up the entire OS and my recovery did not have an option to do that.
2).I followed [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions. I was able to back up the entire rom from the red recovery.
3).Next I followed the [Firmware][ICS]UNOFFICIAL CM9 for the Infuse 4G (07/28/2012) instructions. I was now up in the v4.0.4 OS but did not have any of my applications or any of my old data.
4). I redid step 2 and restored the backup I made and was back on v2.3.6 again.
5). I installed fx w/root, Easy Back, then step 3 and got some of what I wanted but no apps. So step 4 again. I did this again with My Backup Root (MBR). I had a backup of my apps this time but they would not install in v4.0.4. So I did step 4 once more.
And yes I have been bitten by a boot loop. I did something wrong after I got it to 4.0.4 once. Not sure what it was.
Questions:
1). Is (was) there a way to back up the OS(ROM) from my vanilla v2.3.6 so I had a true representation of my original phone? Seems like a bit of a catch 22.
2). When I was on v4.0.4, I could not find settings/application to change both my USB settings and Playstore options. This caused the restore to fail because it was not from the playstore. I was able to use fx to find the backup file, select an apk file and try to restore it that way. It told me it was not a playstore app, but gave me a link to settings/Application so I could change it. Then I restored the app successfully. Then I went back to MBR and tried to restore the data for that app, it failed. Now that the Playstore option was turned off, I tried to restore from MBR. This went successfully but the restore of the Data failed because the app was not installed. I am thinking that there is a difference in the folder structure that is causing this (maybe to do with MTD). I was not able to turn on the Setting/Application/Playstore option. Where did the Settings/Application option go in v4.0.4?
3) Is there a way to backup up applications from v2.3.6 and restore them to v4.0.4 (or any 4.0 + version)? I could do it one at a time from the MBR backup but not the applications data.
4). I noticed that in v4.0.4 there was a screen after the first Samsung one that said Galaxy S. Can this be changed?
5). After the Galaxy S screen (again in v4.0.4) came a screen with a stickman and real intense flashing. Can this be changed?
6). How can I find the most stable ROM to use? is there a list of available ROMs all the way to v4.4?
I am sure I will have more questions, Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. when updating unless you have a google account synced for contacts and apps....it all disappears when you jump from gb to ics to jb to kk
2.the only apps that will back up to the google account will be ones downloaded from the playstore..minus the data
3. that galaxy s screen will stay all the way to 4.4.3 kk
4.you can always change the bootanimation in custom roms (the stickman screen)
5.CarbonRom so far most stable 4.4.3 kk rom https://carbonrom.org/downloads/?device=infuse4g&type=nightly flash with these gapps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397942
6. after a certain point you cant flash a GB backup on KK cwm cause it will cause brick so if you want to go back to stock use heimdall or odin to do so
7.most of the apps on a gb roms wont run on ics or higher same with ics apps and jb apps

6th_Hokage said:
5.CarbonRom so far most stable 4.4.3 kk rom https://carbonrom.org/downloads/?device=infuse4g&type=nightly flash with these gapps http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2397942
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply
Can I go directly to 4.4.3 from 2.3.6 or do I need to step through 4.0.x like the others? I can't seem to find any specific instructions for them.
There are only nighty's at that link, no releases. How do I know what version they are (4.4.2/4.4.3)? I think it is the one dated 4/19/14.
Thanks again.

Shoraht said:
Thanks for the reply
Can I go directly to 4.4.3 from 2.3.6 or do I need to step through 4.0.x like the others? I can't seem to find any specific instructions for them.
There are only nighty's at that link, no releases. How do I know what version they are (4.4.2/4.4.3)? I think it is the one dated 4/19/14.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go to the channel log https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zcp6iVWVw_7iH-ErnKgkYy3r5QuqV8PHFoQMb8hoBwQ/pub if you look at it itll tell you updating to 4.4.3 no nightlys or something like that but right now all the latest nightlys are 4.4.3......sorry not linking you to that before and they may be nightlys but they are stable im running the latest one at the moment
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 PM ----------
and som infuse phones have been able to jump to kk from stock with red cwm with lagfix turned off.....http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2773833 look here for som more info

6th_Hokage said:
go to the channel log https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zcp6iVWVw_7iH-ErnKgkYy3r5QuqV8PHFoQMb8hoBwQ/pub if you look at it itll tell you updating to 4.4.3 no nightlys or something like that but right now all the latest nightlys are 4.4.3......sorry not linking you to that before and they may be nightlys but they are stable im running the latest one at the moment
---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 PM ----------
and som infuse phones have been able to jump to kk from stock with red cwm with lagfix turned off.....http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2773833 look here for som more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
I missed your update

Shoraht said:
Thanks,
I missed your update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you been able to update?

6th_Hokage said:
have you been able to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try tomorrow. I will post the results
Thanks.

6th_Hokage said:
and som infuse phones have been able to jump to kk from stock with red cwm with lagfix turned off.....http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2773833 look here for som more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got RiseFox to try my method and it work out for him also and probably work for others too.. Skip ICS and JB

scmfxt said:
Got RiseFox to try my method and it work out for him also and probably work for others too.. Skip ICS and JB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i went back to stock to see if your method would work and it did even jumping to 4.4.4 kk

scmfxt said:
Got RiseFox to try my method and it work out for him also and probably work for others too.. Skip ICS and JB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I am about to try this but have a couple questions. In other instructions, the clear cache (step 6a,b and c) is done before the flash, yours is after. What is the difference between the two methods? In step 3 you say "DISABLE vodoo lagfix and /system lagfix". I have CWM v2.5.1.3. I can see the option for vodoo lagfix but not /system lagfix. What is /system lagfix and where can I find this option?
[UPDATE] I found /system lagfix. it shows after selecting the voodoo lagfix option.
I am also making the assumption that because I got CWM v2.5.1.3 through [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions, that I can skip step 1 thru 2c and start at step 3

OK,
Everything went well. Even better than I hoped. I can't remember what setting I changed to make this happen, but all the apps in playstore have been restored to the phone, even the free ones. I used Titanium to backup all my apps and then used it to restore the data for some apps like color notes. There is a setting that tells it to use the new locations instead of the original locations. I am a happy camper.
It will take a while for all this to finish, but this is what I was expecting.
I still can't find the equivalent option for Settings/Application from v2.3.6. Like, let me chose what USB mode when I plug it in? Most of the time I just use it to charge the phone. And where can I change the permission to restrict installing only apps from playstore?
Thanks your input.

Shoraht said:
I still can't find the equivalent option for Settings/Application from v2.3.6. Like, let me chose what USB mode when I plug it in? Most of the time I just use it to charge the phone. And where can I change the permission to restrict installing only apps from playstore?
Thanks your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you got most everything working. The option you are looking for is under Settings > Security > Device Administration (heading), and it should be called Unknown Sources. Hope this helps.

Ok,
Now I am having a new issue. I can't seem to get any of the apps that move apps to the external sd to work. The option to move is missing in the storage section. I am running out of space in the 2gb partition. AppMgr III and App to SD can show me a list of apps that can be moved, but when selected, there is no Move button present. Am I using the wrong app for 4.4.3?
It would be nice if that 2gb partition could be made bigger.
Thanks for any advice.

Shoraht said:
OK, I am about to try this but have a couple questions. In other instructions, the clear cache (step 6a,b and c) is done before the flash, yours is after. What is the difference between the two methods? In step 3 you say "DISABLE vodoo lagfix and /system lagfix". I have CWM v2.5.1.3. I can see the option for vodoo lagfix but not /system lagfix. What is /system lagfix and where can I find this option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't hurt to clear them and safer for new rom to boot up w/o residual data from previous version. Flashing from odin would wipe all data from your phone.. not your Internal SD card. Reason I did it after is because of the installing of sgs kernel flasher to flash Synthesis GB Kernel. If you didn't install anything then just wipe cache partition and dalvik cache are good enough.
[UPDATE] I found /system lagfix. it shows after selecting the voodoo lagfix option.
I am also making the assumption that because I got CWM v2.5.1.3 through [ODIN][UCLB3] AT&T 2.3.6 Gingerbread with root and CWM recovery option - Infuse 4g instructions, that I can skip step 1 thru 2c and start at step 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes skip them if you already reached that part. The rest is simple enough to do once lagfix is disabled.

joel.maxuel said:
Glad you got most everything working. The option you are looking for is under Settings > Security > Device Administration (heading), and it should be called Unknown Sources. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
That solves the Application install option. I still need to find the USB connect option so I can select at connect.

OK, New problem,
Everything was working just fine. Then I unplugged the USB cable and went for a ride. No Mobile Data (no Internet). I checked all the settings That I know about (They moved them all of course) and it looks like everything is set right (though I am not an expert). Can anyone help me with this?
Thanks again

Shoraht said:
OK, New problem,
Everything was working just fine. Then I unplugged the USB cable and went for a ride. No Mobile Data (no Internet). I checked all the settings That I know about (They moved them all of course) and it looks like everything is set right (though I am not an expert). Can anyone help me with this?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I found out that the APN was changed, not sure how. It is a good think my wife has the same phone that I can check or I would be going back to my stock image to find this.
Thanks,

[ROOT]Samsung SM-J120A Galaxy Express 3 / Galaxy J1 2016

Below you will find instructions how to root this device.
The following procedure has been tested up to firmware J120AUCU2APJ2
KNOX should remain 0x0
However you undertake this at your own risk.
Issues:
Wifi passwords not remembered (fix below)
Stock Flashlight app not working.
Model number may be missing from build.prop (fix below)
Instructions
1. Flash the eng boot image.
This is a special boot image normally used by engineers, it allows selinux to be booted in permissive mode with relaxed root restrictions.
Do not replace this image with the stock image after rooting your device or you will possibly soft brick your device.
(See below for how to recover)
ENG_BOOT_J120A_PG1
Download Odin v3.11.1
Reboot Phone in Download Mode (press and hold Home + Power + Volume Down buttons)
Connect phone and wait until you get a blue sign in Odin
Download the ENG_BOOT_J120A_PG1.tar to your PC and add it to AP / PDA in ODIN.
Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked
Click the start button, sit back and wait few minutes
2. Install and run Kingroot:
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/kingro...-release/kingroot-5-0-5-android-apk-download/
You may need to run Kingroot several times to gain successful root.
3. Install and run SuperSU me to remove Kingroot and convert to SuperSU (not required) :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...ore&pcampaignid=APPU_1_uzPDVbGyFcGNyATHrqmoCA
Alternative (free) method to replace Kingroot:
Follow Steps 3 to 12.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ide-how-to-root-tripping-knox-kitkat-t3129484
Don't flash the boot partition with Flashfire, uncheck.
You will also need to flash the system version of SuperSU not EverRoot.
When you get to step 12, don't flash the firmware. Disable EverRoot and just flash this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/v2-64-2-66-supersu-mode-t3286120
4. Wifi fix:
modify the line below in /system/build.prop:
ro.securestorage.support=true to false
5. To fix “Unauthorized actions have been detected”
disable 'security log agent'
6. Model number missing fix:
http://www.techgainer.com/change-fake-android-device-model-number-and-brand-name/
Enjoy your rooted device
To recover from a soft brick flash the firmware below.
https://firmwarefile.com/samsung-sm-j120a
FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED PLEASE.
THANKS.
DONATE ME HERE IF YOU WANT TO BUY ME A BEER OR HIT THE THANKS BUTTON IF I HELPED YOU

Still no TWRP, though, right?

fbueller said:
Still no TWRP, though, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible I'm afraid.

ashyx said:
Not possible I'm afraid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As ashyx mentioned in a previous post, Flashfire works. Loaded Xposed for Samsung via the Wa?? version.
spicybeansandricey, to clarify, Wanam is a modified version of Xposed for Samsung phones. Google is my friend, Google is your friend and Google is our friend. If you Googled it, you will find links to the same/similar packages linked by ashyx to get Xposed on Samsung phones. Since I was skimming the articles and successfully installed on a 4" screen, I wasn't sure about the name but only remembered the first 2 letters. In fact, the tutorial I followed was different from ashyx's post and gave no credit to XDA.
As an addendum, Flashfire works great and was able to back up EFS files. I just chose to backup EVERYTHING since I don't know what I will need later. My 128GB sd card cost more than the phone! LOL As for my vacation reading list and Google, I still have to read up on new superuser and root that can survive OTAs and root detection.

shirleys143 said:
Flashfire works. Loaded Xposed for Samsung via the Wa?? version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeh flash fire is pretty much the next best thing to custom recovery with a few little tricks of its own.

Anyone have a list of garbage that can be safely removed? Even after stripping some of the obvious stuff there's over 4Gb of system stuff.
Can I remove the Samsung stuff like Galaxy Apps and such? I don't want to remove anything that will make it unstable so that I can still reset it back to fresh and begin over, but without the bloat ware of that makes sense?

ViralThread said:
Anyone have a list of garbage that can be safely removed? Even after stripping some of the obvious stuff there's over 4Gb of system stuff.
Can I remove the Samsung stuff like Galaxy Apps and such? I don't want to remove anything that will make it unstable so that I can still reset it back to fresh and begin over, but without the bloat ware of that makes sense?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No matter how much you remove from system the size will never change, it's rather a pointless exercise. All you're doing is creating unused space.

ashyx said:
Yeh flash fire is pretty much the next best thing to custom recovery with a few little tricks of its own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SO i tried to flash xposed via flashfire and got the old "system software not authorized by at&t has been found on your phone..." brick.
How to get xposed on there without bricking?

ashyx said:
No matter how much you remove from system the size will never change, it's rather a pointless exercise. All you're doing is creating unused space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what's the point of rooting? The primary reason was to remove the bloat and recover some usable space on the device. Out of 8GB there's less than 3gb of usable storage on it rendering it mostly useless for anything but a media player or emulator box loading crap off the SDCard.
What a waste.

ViralThread said:
So what's the point of rooting? The primary reason was to remove the bloat and recover some usable space on the device. Out of 8GB there's less than 3gb of usable storage on it rendering it mostly useless for anything but a media player or emulator box loading crap off the SDCard.
What a waste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is about more than debloating. It's about having control over your device.
Why don't you use adoptable storage if you need more space?
You can always move user apps to system to take up the space you've created. There are plenty of apps that can do this such as system app remover. That way not only do you utilise that space but you also free up storage space.

spicybeansandricey said:
SO i tried to flash xposed via flashfire and got the old "system software not authorized by at&t has been found on your phone..." brick.
How to get xposed on there without bricking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you class a message, which is easily removed, as a brick?

ashyx said:
Rooting is about more than debloating. It's about having control over your device.
Why don't you use adoptable storage if you need more space?
You can always move user apps to system to take up the space you've created. There are plenty of apps that can do this such as system app remover. That way not only do you utilise that space but you also free up storage space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adoptable storage is useless. Most of the apps will not see it and refuse to install data there, making it impossible to install anything large on the device or more than a few small apps/games.
I hadn't considered moving installed apps to system space I will give system app removed a glance. Thx

ashyx said:
How do you class a message, which is easily removed, as a brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just asked how to install xposed on there, who cares about what i feel is a brick or not. a brick, soft or hard is still a brick.
is there a way to get xposed on the j120a without custom recovery? i tried flashfire, maybe my setting were incorrect? do you have a method?
thanks in advance.

spicybeansandricey said:
i just asked how to install xposed on there, who cares about what i feel is a brick or not. a brick, soft or hard is still a brick.
is there a way to get xposed on the j120a without custom recovery? i tried flashfire, maybe my setting were incorrect? do you have a method?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is, but due to your attitude sort yourself out. I honestly don't know why I bother sometimes with this forum.

ashyx said:
Yes there is, but due to your attitude sort yourself out. I honestly don't know why I bother sometimes with this forum.
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Click to collapse
thats kind of harsh considering i just asked for instructions on how to get xposed on my phone. instead of helping you wanted to put me down for not using the word "brick" in a manner thats acceptable to you.
im sorry that we dont agree on semantics. i really have no "attitude" and how one can attribute an attitude to text on a website is debatable at best.
I have no ill-will, malice, or attitude, i had a general question that i was asking about and was looking to someone who looked like they had the answer for it. Normally, i "sort" these things out myself, but i went against my better judgement and asked here...(hence my 2 reply post history.)
if you can help me, i would gladly reward you for your time, via bitcoin, etc; I honestly have no issue other than i dont have the time to sit and look into this stuff like i use to 4-5 years ago. I promise you, i have no sort of attitude. this is just a forum FFS, and above all else, im not an 'ingrate.' i am always appreciative for any help that i receive.
If you could find the will to help me i would greatly appreciate it, otherwise lets not part ways with any ill-will, that's the last thing that i would ever want to happen.
thanks again for your time.

Ok so here's what my experience with system app remover was, and I hope I wasn't sounding rude or unappreciative, Immsimply trying to work towards a certain endpoint solution if possible.
System app remover did not permit me to relocate user apps into system space, in fact it won't let me move any apps as it claims "sdcard share the same disk with os", both in "move to phone" and in "move to sdcard" options.
Is there any reliable way to install apps directly to the external SDCard? Maybe install them to internal storage and then manually move them and symlink them? That wouldn't work for large apps but might allow installation of more smaller apps?
Essentially what you've stated means even the system is on its own "partition" right? So as I remove stuff that's stored in the /system folder, it's freeing space but not space my Android can access for the purpose of installation ?
Is that a proper summary of my situation?
Thanks in advance

spicybeansandricey said:
thats kind of harsh considering i just asked for instructions on how to get xposed on my phone. instead of helping you wanted to put me down for not using the word "brick" in a manner thats acceptable to you.
im sorry that we dont agree on semantics. i really have no "attitude" and how one can attribute an attitude to text on a website is debatable at best.
I have no ill-will, malice, or attitude, i had a general question that i was asking about and was looking to someone who looked like they had the answer for it. Normally, i "sort" these things out myself, but i went against my better judgement and asked here...(hence my 2 reply post history.)
if you can help me, i would gladly reward you for your time, via bitcoin, etc; I honestly have no issue other than i dont have the time to sit and look into this stuff like i use to 4-5 years ago. I promise you, i have no sort of attitude. this is just a forum FFS, and above all else, im not an 'ingrate.' i am always appreciative for any help that i receive.
If you could find the will to help me i would greatly appreciate it, otherwise lets not part ways with any ill-will, that's the last thing that i would ever want to happen.
thanks again for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, let's start again. Maybe I mistook your response, it just seemed a little snipey. To get help in the right direction, proper details of what the actual issue is goes a long way to obtaining the solution. Stating a message caused a brick isn't anything I've ever come across before which is why I asked the question? However it seems further to that post you actually meant Xposed caused the brick after you saw that message and rebooted.
So going back to what I previously stated about correct details, here we are 3 unnecessary posts later.
Moving on...to install Xposed you need to ensure you use the wanam build of Xposed.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-xposed-samsung-lollipop-t3180960
.

ashyx said:
OK, let's start again. Maybe I mistook your response, it just seemed a little snipey. To get help in the right direction, proper details of what the actual issue is goes a long way to obtaining the solution. Stating a message caused a brick isn't anything I've ever come across before which is why I asked the question? However it seems further to that post you actually meant Xposed caused the brick after you saw that message and rebooted.
So going back to what I previously stated about correct details, here we are 3 unnecessary posts later.
Moving on...to install Xposed you need to ensure you use the wanam build of Xposed.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-xposed-samsung-lollipop-t3180960
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much!! that was what the "wa???" was in the first few post of this thread that i didnt understand. i sincerely was not trying to come off as pompous, snipey etc; so thank you for helping me. I run a vbulletin forum myself so im no stranger to miscommunication.
I appreciate your help, honestly and sincerely. ill give this a try and be back, my sincerest thanks again.

ViralThread said:
Ok so here's what my experience with system app remover was, and I hope I wasn't sounding rude or unappreciative, Immsimply trying to work towards a certain endpoint solution if possible.
System app remover did not permit me to relocate user apps into system space, in fact it won't let me move any apps as it claims "sdcard share the same disk with os", both in "move to phone" and in "move to sdcard" options.
Is there any reliable way to install apps directly to the external SDCard? Maybe install them to internal storage and then manually move them and symlink them? That wouldn't work for large apps but might allow installation of more smaller apps?
Essentially what you've stated means even the system is on its own "partition" right? So as I remove stuff that's stored in the /system folder, it's freeing space but not space my Android can access for the purpose of installation ?
Is that a proper summary of my situation?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoops, my bad. That's was the wrong app to suggest. I actually meant this one that DOES move user apps to system. You can see the mistake with the similar names!
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...CBowAA&usg=AFQjCNFe58rupOZgD6hS3UfXr-2rkHxsyQ[/url]
By the way I suggest this busybox:
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...CB8wAg&usg=AFQjCNGS1LQ2kB8PZ4Y--lzVTOG1SKQWvA

ashyx said:
Whoops, my bad. That's was the wrong app to suggest. I actually meant this one that DOES move user apps to system. You can see the mistake with the similar names!
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...CBowAA&usg=AFQjCNFe58rupOZgD6hS3UfXr-2rkHxsyQ[/url]
By the way I suggest this busybox:
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...CB8wAg&usg=AFQjCNGS1LQ2kB8PZ4Y--lzVTOG1SKQWvA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick response.
I installed /system/app/remover and it seemed to offer a solution. However upon moving few apps to system with the app, it's merely removing them. So more tweaking needed.
Will keep update on progress.
Thanks again
---------- Post added at 03:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:29 PM ----------
Is it safe to remove all of the Samsung stuff? Will that break the reset ability?