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To prevent new users asking the same questions again and again, i decided to write this little FAQ and introduction about ROM flashing.
To all of you who are new to ROM flashing: Don't mind to ask, we all will help you if possible, but you should understood that it is annoying when the same question is asked 20 times a week. So please first search, then ask. Thank you.
If someone finds an error please do not post it, just send me a pm and I will correct it. Additional FAQ entries will be added regulary. If someone likes me to add a question, please send the question and the answer to me via PM and i will add it asap.
Thank you to the whole community, because without all of your information, this FAQ could not be possible.
If you are new to ROM flashing, please read this thread. It will give you information about your device and a short introduction on how to flash another ROM to your phone.
Below you will find the ROM flashing FAQ and the Introduction to ROM flashing.
Please feel free to add links to this thread to your signature using the following code:
[b][url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1790046#post1790043]ROM flashing FAQ[/url][/b]
[b][url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1790046#post1790046]Introduction to ROM flashing[/url][/b]
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ROM flashing FAQ
ROM flashing FAQ:
Q: What is a ROM?
A: A ROM contains the operating system and often additional software which can be “installed” to your mobile device. Most ROM’s provided by the chefs (people who create cutomized ROM’s) just contain the operating system and additional applications. Shipping ROM’s (ROM’s provided by the manufacturer or official providers) also contain a Radio ROM and a bootloader.
Please notice: A ROM can ONLY be flashed to a device it is made for.
Q: What is a bootloader?
A: A bootloader contains information about your device. It is quite similar to a computer’s BIOS. Official bootloader also have a security option called CID (Carrier-ID) which allows you just to install ROM’s from the provider of your phone. So, if you want to flash another ROM, you first have to turn off this security option by “CID-unlocking” your device. Check the flashing instructions below on how to do this.
Q: What is a Radio ROM?
A: The Radio ROM contains the drivers for the communication devices of your phone. Some ROM’s need one or more specific Radio ROM’s to work properly. Usually the chef, who created the ROM recommends a Radio ROM. But don’t mind, if your Radio Rom does not match, you can always flash another without needing to flash the ROM containing the Operating System (OS) again.
You can check the version of your Radio ROM when you click Start > Settings > System > Device Information or booting your device (there will appear three lines of red text. The Radio ROM version is the number after the R:.
You can download Radio ROM's at the xda-developers FTP-Server in the Uploads/Kaiser/Radio-Folder. Username and password are both 'xda'. To install it, download, extract and execute it. Then follow the instructions on your screen. Flashing a Radio does not delete any files on your device's ROM.
To choose the perfect Radio ROM for you check this thread.
Q: What means CID(-unlock)?
A: All known providers add a Carrier ID to their devices. This CID is added to prevent a device being flashed with a ROM which is not from the provider and/or not designed for your device. Be sure to brick your Kaiser, if you try to flash a ROM designed for a Wizard.
To flash other ROM's, you have to unlock the CID. If you flash another ROM on a CID-locked device, the new ROM will not work properly.
Q: What means SIM-Unlock?
A: Lots of providers want to bind their customers. So they add a SIM-Lock to their devices with only allows to use SIM-Cards using their networks. If you want to use a SIM-Card from another provider, you need to SIM-unlock your device. This can be done by contacting the phone's provider (paid & sometimes free), using a service like www.imei-check.com, or using Jockyw2001's Kaiser SIM Unlocker.
Q: Can I brick my phone by flashing a ROM?
A: To be true… YES. But if you follow all instructions, it is quite implausible that your device bricks.
Q: Does flashing affect the warranty of my device?
A: Yes, but, as long as your device can be flashed again, you will find some help at jcespi2005's thread where you can find dumped original ROMs.
Q: What can I do, if i gain problems with the ROM i flashed to my device?
A: First of all you should inform the creator by posting in the ROM's thread if the problem is not described yet. Then you should wait for an update/fix or, if the issue is a showstopper for you, try another ROM.
Q: Which is the best/fastest/... ROM?
A: Nobody can answer you this properly. There are nearly daily new ROM's here and everybody has different demands to a ROM. If you want to know, which fits best for you, read the ROM description and try the ROM('s). Only you can decide, which ROM is the best (for you).
Q: I own an AT&T Tilt. After flashing another ROM, my hardkeyboard does not work properly.
A: AT&T uses another keyboard layout than HTC. To fix this, install the tilt keyboard fix.cab. You can download it at Dutty's Kaiser CAB Collection.
Q: What is the difference between a hardreset and a softreset?
A: A softreset reboots your device. A hardreset sets all settings back to the ROM's defaults. All of your data, settings and additionally installed programs will be deleted.
Q: What are *.CAB-files and/or how do i use them?
A: Cab-files for WINCE-Devices are different to the files you may have seen (e.g. on your Windows Installation CD). They do not only contain files but also installation information similar like a MSI package. To install them, just copy the *.cab to your Mobile Device and run it from there. Most shipped ROMs delete cab-files after executing, most cooked do not. To be sure, check the registry. If HKLM\Software\apps\Microsoft Application Installer\nDynamicDelete = 0 (DWORD decimal), cab-Files will not be deleted after execution.
Q: I have questions which are not described in this FAQ. What shall i do?
A: First of all search the forum and the wiki (http://wiki.xda-developers.com). Maybe the question has been already answered. If you don't find an answer, create a new thread. As i know from experience, the community will always try to help you as soon as possible.
Introduction to ROM flashing
Introduction to ROM flashing
These are the steps on how to flash your device the first time:
1: CID-unlock your device by following the instructions at pof's HTC Kaiser Hard-SPL v1 - CID Unlock & Flash any ROM to your device (4 free)-thread
This needs to be done to flash a ROM to your device which is not created from your provider (or HTC if you own a device with HTC branding).
Additionally you may check persianowns Kaiser HardSPL Walkthrough Video.
If you are running in a white screen running HardSPL, please read this thread.
2: Search this forum for the ROM, you like to flash. Then download and, if needed, extract it.
3. Check, if your Radio-ROM matches the new ROM. If you don't find any information in the ROM's thread don't mind. You can update your Radio ROM later if you gain any problems.
4. Make sure, your devices battery status is NOT LESS than 50%.
5. Connect your device to your computer and wait until activesync/Windows Mobile Device Center recognizes it
6. Last chance to synchronize and/or backup files. All files and databases will be deleted after performing the next step!
(Optional: If you want to save your text messages and/or eMails, use a tool like DotFred's PIM Backup.)
7. Execute the .exe file you downloaded with the ROM.
8. Follow the instructions and DO NOT disconnect your device until flashing is finished.
9. Disconnect your device from your computer.
10. You need to delete the old activesync/Windows Mobile Device Center partnership, because it thinks, your device is not the same as before... and it is right ^^. Deleting an old partnership is only possible, if the device is not connected.
(Optional) If you want to change the name of your device, do that now by clicking Start > Settings > System > About > Device ID. Enter the new name of your device and click on Ok.
11. Connect your device to your computer, create a new partnership and synchronize. Then configure your device to your needs and if needed install additional software.
Congratulations! You succeed flashing your device!
Great FAQ....simple, concise, and informative
Well done
Excellent post bmueller77!
This should clear up a bunch of the questions that are asked.
thanks for that
its hard to find some basic info on here like this, so can we please sticky
Really Good Thank you...
Can you please make a general version of it and put it in general wiki so that it can benefit all not just kaiser guys
Although I am more interested in HTC Elf Touch version []
you could add my video to it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaCt5pUn6iI
shows how to hardspl
verysmartncool said:
Really Good Thank you...
Can you please make a general version of it and put it in general wiki so that it can benefit all not just kaiser guys
Although I am more interested in HTC Elf Touch version []
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Let's see. I am already working on a more general FAQ version including info on Windows Mobile but, to be honest, a general flashing introduction would be much more complicated and i want to make it as easy as possible for newbies.
I think it would be better, if someone grabs this thing and would edit it for another device to keep it concise. If anyone is interested, just ask me via PM and i'll send you the whole including vbCode.
persiansown said:
you could add my video to it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaCt5pUn6iI
shows how to hardspl
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Got it. Thank you.
I have made this thread a sticky upon request.
I feel that this info should be ported to the wiki so that it can be found and edited by all.
At the momnet we have FAR to many sticky's in this section which makes finding anything hard to say the least.
Have a look at the BA section (in my signature) to see what I mean.
Aright, will add a general version to the wiki at the weekend.
Thank You but still have a question
Hi, I just got my HTC TyTn 2 as a present from my dad he got it from orange and got it sim unlocked for me. But I don't like it because Orange has their crappy stuff on it I wont the original stuff from HTC on it like HTC Home etc. I've got my phones detail in my signature can some one plz help i jus want to know if i can use it on my rom n radio version. Thanks.
thx
Super! Thank you!
this thread is awesome...it really help a newbie like me
the wiki is also very helpful
keep up the good work
I've been flashing ROMs for a long time. There is one thing I don't know. Does anyone know what is the reason behind stopping flashing RadioROMs at 95%? Whatever RadioROM I want to flash to my Vario III (keeping the standard T-Mobile ROM) it stops. In the RadioROM thread, there were several cases like mine. Can it be that for being able to flash another RadioROM you have to flash a custom ROM like Dutty or Schaps before flashing the Radio? I cannot recall such problems with Hermes.
Thanks for the guide. Also am not new to this I haven't done this in a while. ROM Flash went without a hitch. Keep up the good work.
haamedullah said:
Hi, I just got my HTC TyTn 2 as a present from my dad he got it from orange and got it sim unlocked for me. But I don't like it because Orange has their crappy stuff on it I wont the original stuff from HTC on it like HTC Home etc. I've got my phones detail in my signature can some one plz help i jus want to know if i can use it on my rom n radio version. Thanks.
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So long as your phone is SIM unlocked as in you can use any sim card in it then you flash it exactly the same as described in this thread. I flashed mine no problems. Does that answer your question or are you just wanting the home screen without flashing? If so Im not sure if thats possible, I heard some people say that you can enable it on orange phones but I flashed mine before I ever tried it.
Excellent FAQ!
Now i can get my hands dirty with that so called "ROM flashing" .
noobie question, but how do i install a cab file? thanks
well someone from goapk.com emailed me saying they like one of my apps, and they want to convert it to Chinese and upload on their website and android market.
anyone ever heard of this place b4? and is there any chance they can just rip off my app and copy the source code?
they are asking just for the data where i keep my text so they can convert it to chinese, then i make a new apk for that and email it to them.
I got an email from them and from others. Each time, I replied saying I wasn't looking to distribute outside of the Android Market. They can't rip off your source code from the strings file, but it's possible to find out how it works using tools like baksmali. They are probably legit since they wouldn't contact you first if they wanted to do that
haxxo said:
they are asking just for the data where i keep my text so they can convert it to chinese, then i make a new apk for that and email it to them.
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I don't understand, why to email it to them and not just upload to Market by yourself? Then they will be able to install it normally and they will get it in their language.
haxxo said:
and is there any chance they can just rip off my app and copy the source code?
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Even now they could download your app from Market and localize it by themselves very easily, really
I was helping Chinese people in fixing their issues in Google Maps. They are good guys mostly, they just have problems with English.
goapk
goapk is apparantly the build of my htc desire. as is whenever i turn it on it says HTC then goapk.com then something in chinese. i bought it in china...
It sucks. it has the chinese GoMarket, not the android market. cant download anything!
Please tell me if i can download an apk version of the real android market from anywhere..
goddlike said:
goapk is apparantly the build of my htc desire. as is whenever i turn it on it says HTC then goapk.com then something in chinese. i bought it in china...
It sucks. it has the chinese GoMarket, not the android market. cant download anything!
Please tell me if i can download an apk version of the real android market from anywhere..
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I'm having the exact some issue! Just bought an HTC Desire in China, no Android market, just this terrible Chinese market called GoMarket by goapk. Super annoying. If anybody has a solution, please let me know!
Btw, I already tried rooting the phone using Unrevoked, but my phone has hboot 0.93 which seems to be impossible to root at this point in time.
Solution for goapk.com (or just rooting branded phones)
Ok, I've managed to solve the issue based on the information from this forum, so here's the solution (which is unfortunately quite long, but it works... at your own risk, of course):
The issue: A bought-in-China HTC Desire, branded by the horrible goapk.com with no Android market access. Could only access some Chinese market called GoMarket created by goapk.com. This could also apply to anyone with a branded phone (eg. branded by a carrier) that could not be rooted with UnrEVOked3.
Solution: Downgrade the OS to an unbranded HTC Sense Android 2.1 with a goldcard inserted in the phone. This makes it possible to root the phone using Unrevoked and then you can install any of the Android ROMs you like on it. Technically you could stop after downgrading to Android 2.1 and not bother rooting (since you'll already have Android Market access by then), but you'll probably want to continue so you can finish with Android 2.2 on your phone.
Method:
Step 1:
Get an extra MicroSD card (2gig or whatever) and create a goldcard. You need this because your phone is branded with goapk.com and this is part of getting rid of that. Find out how here: android.modaco.com/content/general-discussion/305672/creating-a-goldcard/#entry1233023
Tip: you don't need an microSD card reader. You can format the microSD card in your phone by connecting your phone as a USB drive, and right-clicking the drive and formating. It MUST be FAT32 format, NOT FAT, so do it from the computer controls, not on the phone itself (because the phone itself does it in FAT format)
Step 2:
With your goldcard in your phone, you can now downgrade to Android 2.1. This kills two birds with one stone. A. It removes the horrible goapk.com branding and B. Lowers your hboot from 0.93 to 0.83 which makes it possible to root your phone. Instructions here:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=768256
Tip: if it fails the first time (as mine did) and it can't find the zip file at the end, make sure your goldcard was FAT32.
Now your phone will be running HTC Sense 2.1 unbranded, with access to Android Market. The next two steps will allow you to put any of the Froyo versions (with Sense or without, your choice) on your phone.
Step 3:
Root your phone with UnrEVOked. Instructions here:
rootmydroid.co.uk/guides/general/howto-root-your-htc-desire-wildfire-evo-incredible-with-unrevoked/
Tip: His instructions are great. His download pages are horrible, but they work eventually, just keep clicking.
Step 4:
Install any of the custom Android ROMs available. Instructions are also found on the above link for rooting the phone.
You can choose from any of the ROMs listed here: forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=809328
I went with DeFroST, which is a nice Android ROM without Sense, since Android is better off on it's own, IMO.
Tip: If you don't have an MicroSD card reader, make sure you put the ROM's zip file on your MicroSD before you wipe your phone (Pt. 3, point 4 in the guide).
That's it! When you finish, you'll have rooted phone with full Android Market Access and any version of Android you want on it. Sorry I couldn't recommend an easier way. Now if I could just get my hands on this damn person at HTC who let goapk.com crap all over this phone to begin with (or Google for not putting any rules in place)...
wow thanks a bunch. I hope this will work...
need to get hands on an extra microSD card for the moment
idasein said:
That's it! When you finish, you'll have rooted phone with full Android Market Access and any version of Android you want on it. Sorry I couldn't recommend an easier way. Now if I could just get my hands on this damn person at HTC who let goapk.com crap all over this phone to begin with (or Google for not putting any rules in place)...
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I just debranded my phone and holy crap its working! but i have a question:
Can i put initial sd card in it now? or do i have to use the goldcard forever??
Wow
Many thanks and 'holy crap' - this worked like a charm. My Android Desire is now fully functional!! FYI, if you have a Chinese simcard, you will still have restricted access to the Android Market but it will be much much better than goapk.com. However, if you insert a North American sim card, it works perfectly. Thanks again!
Robert to be able to gain full access to Market you can use something like MarketEnabler, which I'm sure you can find somewhere on the internet as .apk, since you won't be able to find it in the localized "chinese" Android Market..
getting rid of goapk
Have a Chinese HTC Legend, which came with goapk which was awful - slowed the phone down but also blocked the Android Market so that I should buy apps at the goapk market.
Thanks to Idasein, I got the idea of how to get rid of it, but had some problems with the files in the links mentioned (Kaspersky screamed that there was a trojan)
If anyone needs to get rid of goapk, then you can alternatively have a look at the easy instructions on Unlockr for how to downgrade a Legend - create goldcard, make the phone downgradeable, then downgrade. This leaves it with a clean Android 2.1 (minus goapk) which you can then root and do custom ROM or, as I did, then update to Froyo. Worked beautifully for me!
Search theunlockr.com for "how-to-downgrade-the-htc-legend-to-1-31-so-it-can-be-rooted"
thanks a bunch, idasein
finally got rid of the f***er, too, and installed leezoid instead.
Hello all you experts.... ;-)
I've spent days looking for a 'definitive' article on how to get Android OS onto a P3700 Touch Diamond, but of course, the more I read, the more confused I become.
Can anybody point me to a set of comprehensive instructions on how to do this?
This page seems to be the most informative, but it leaves many unanswered questions:
ghost301tech.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/how-to-run-android-in-htc-touch-diamond
Here are my questions:
1) How do I know which version of Android will work best on the P3700?
[I have tried 2.2.1 AOSP FRX03.21.11.10 Full, but when I executed the Haret.exe, it started (eventually) briefly then re-booted to Windows]
2) Is this page the best place from which to download XDAndroid? -
//files.xdandroidDOTcom
3) Is using Gen.y dual boot the best method from this Win Mobile 6.1 phone?
4) I have copied it (Gen.Y) to the phone's internal (not the 4GB storage) but it doesn't start.
5) There is mention of editing the registry on the phone to allow the boot utility to start, but I cannot see how to do this. Can anybody assist?
6) The 'Bible' page mentioned on this site no longer exists - is it located anywhere else now, or has it closed?
Thank-you for any help here.
How to get Android on Touch Diamond P3700
I guess all the experts have other interests now. Oh, well. My fault for being 2 years too late. :-(
LOL
I'm not an expert, and yes I have many doubts just like you. Maybe we can build a FAQ and ask for donations eeheh
I have tried two ways: XDAndroid, and the Cherry Pie v3 (CP3). XDAndroid works in LOOP mode (the filesystem is a file called system.ext2) and CP3 runs in a native ext2 partition created in the same place as the Internl Storage.
If your XDAndroid is giving troubles, do this:
1- delete data.img and try again
2- if the above didnt work, delete all xdandroid files and install arghhh's package: http://www.multiupload.com/XD023XA5AH I get it from here --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=6967724&postcount=3
cheers
Thanks iRiKi . I'll follow your advice. Cheers.
wreckage said:
Thanks iRiKi . I'll follow your advice. Cheers.
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Don't forget to reply if you need any help m8
Hello guys i have a problem with my HTC HD7...i install the 8112 update then 8773 with languages ( from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27960331&postcount=929 ) but without a backup ... "C:/ no space" and all goes right.. but when the phone was on the start screen and go to settings: "wifi, emails+accounts, messaging, about phone" - doesn't work
I tried to install O2-DE ROM's ( from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1000467 ) and i get the [226] error - flash write , i tried to install a DFT ROM but SPL-5x.. and doesn't support it... please guys i am new in ROM's and stuff's and i am really desperate and don't know what to do to fix my phone.. if you can send me a good custom ROM or someone who fixed the [266] error please help.. and just in case if someone has a mango BACKUP and it can be send... via link that would be awesome
Thanx
Sorry for bad english.
Why did you start a new thread for this? This should be part of the CAB Update thread.
Your problem is very obvious if you just read the instructions for CAB updating. You needed to send the language packs along with your OS update. Language packs are in their own CAB files, but can be sent at the same time as the update CAB. There are instructions for figuring out which ones you need to send.
You're messing with things here that can really screw up your phone, much worse than it is now. *ALWAYS* read the instructions first. Read what problems others have had, and how they fixed them. Follow the steps, don't cut corners.
That said, if you really want to install a custom ROM, this is possible. You'll need a GoldCard, which is to say a USB Mass Storage device like a SD card or a flashdrive with a special file on it, plus some way to connect it directly to your phone and power the device at the same time (typically a USB Y-cable). There are full instructions, with links to parts and pictures of how to set it up, available on this forum. That will let you downgrade your bootloader version so you can install HSPL.
Phone status: Updated
Problem solved, finally i upgraded my HTC HD7 to 8773 by reinstall the 8112, 8773 again +languages and it worked
-So for those who think that their phones are lost (Walshed) repeat this step 1-2 times
Hey Guys!
I tried to put the whole Question in the Title, but now the long form:
As you may imagine, i got a MTK-Based Phone. An Octacore to be precise (Elephone P8). Now there isnt much development going on, so i thought of jumping on the Developement-Train, and begin with something easier.
I thought of bringing a few fixed apk's and workarounds for known Problems into the standard rom.
My Question is:
So i have now a rar, which i have to extract, Open in Flashtool, load the Scatterfile and im ready to flash my Phone. Fine with that, but in the rar are only img-files i cant edit.
(i found a ext4-edit-tool for img-files here on xda, but its not functioning at all.)
But there is a P8update.zip on needrom, someone was keen enough to convert the rar-image into a zip-image, which is flashable through recovery, and the best is: i can just open the zip, and i can edit everything i want!
But how did he do it?
The Rom is JB, and i have KitKat installed and i want to edit a KitKat-Rom.
So how can i convert the rar-kind of rom to the easy editable zip-kind of rom?
Or am i understanding this completely wrong?
Thanks in Advance for any kind Tip youre sure going to give
Greetings from Berlin,
a clueless guy.