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I am getting my new Thunderbolt tonight. After some research, I have decided for some specific reasons I would like to root this phone. I have never rooted a phone before and would like some direction.
The first step as I understand it is to back up the original operating system. How is that done? After that what's next? What I need is the wifi hotspot feature unlocked. Is there a specific root to accomplish this? What's been proven the best so far?
If someone wants to email me personally on this, feel free. I need to do this, but can't afford to brick a brand new phone.
Thanks.
Rooting is just a way to gain complete control of your phone. There aren't different types and the best way to do it is in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996616.
Just follow those steps and you should be fine. You don't need to back up your entire operating system to root but you might want to back up your applications so you can easily reinstall them. After you follow the steps in that thread and are rooted just search for wireless tether in the market and it lets you tether for free.
You. said:
Rooting is just a way to gain complete control of your phone. There aren't different types and the best way to do it is in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=996616.
Just follow those steps and you should be fine. You don't need to back up your entire operating system to root but you might want to back up your applications so you can easily reinstall them. After you follow the steps in that thread and are rooted just search for wireless tether in the market and it lets you tether for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can second that. I literally just completed rooting my Thunderbolt that I received today. I followed the 10 step program from the thread (my wife thinks I need a 12 step program with my phone addiction ). It ran without a hitch just type (or cut and paste) exactly as written. I wanted to thank the OP in the development thread, but I need 10 posts so this is another one!
I believe what you've heard about backing up the original operating system is what you do right after you've rooted before you begin flashing custom roms and kernels which is the main reason you root in the first place. There is plenty of info but here's a little list.
1. Follow the rooting thread that You posted above me (Who's on first? What's on second?)
2. Install Rom Manager (RM).
3. Launch Rom manager and install clockwork recovery(first option on RM)
4. Second option on RM is boot into recovery.
5. Once in recovery go into Backup /Restor
6. Choose Backup - This is called a Nandroid Backup and is a snapshot of your phone in it's current state. It saves the backup onto the phone under /clockworkmod/backup place a copy of the backup on your computer for safe keeping and leave the copy on your phone in case of worries.
That should get you started.
Those are the steps I took to root.
Sent from my rooted Thunderbolt with VirusROM AirborneTB. Xda premium
Another option is the easyroot method:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1005292
I just rooted my thunderbolt last night using the easyroot method and didn't run into any major issues. Had to rerun a couple steps, but nothing more than that.
I'm now running BAMF-Remix 1.5 with the radio upate and status bar clock removed.
I literally had zero experience in regards to this and am still confused by some of the terminology, so if I can do it, I have no doubt you should be able to accomplish rooting your phone!
Good luck!
I would suggest using the procedure that jcase posted. It is simple, easy, and you will gain some valuable knowledge of adb which could be useful to you in the future. The process is simple, just copy and paste the commands. The adb knowledge will definitely help you down the road, even though it is minor. Also any problems can be traced to a step. With a one click process it is tough to determine where an issue went wrong.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
jmiller98 said:
I would suggest using the procedure that jcase posted. It is simple, easy, and you will gain some valuable knowledge of adb which could be useful to you in the future. The process is simple, just copy and paste the commands. The adb knowledge will definitely help you down the road, even though it is minor. Also any problems can be traced to a step. With a one click process it is tough to determine where an issue went wrong.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easier said than done coming from someone who has been around for a while. I couldn't even figure out how to get adb installed... I installed the Android SDK and had to install the Java SDK but I was still clueless how to actually get adb going... I downloaded the ADB+Drivers for 64bit which had the adb.exe but obviously this can't be ran standalone. So being a complete ignorant fool, is the reason I ended up opting for the easyroot method. That being said, I did intially try for the manual method lol.
I knew nothing about rooting and followed the steps after not being able to do the quick root. AND learned a lot about adb. Good Luck
Your no fool. Alot of the adb setup videos and tutorials are old. It change the execute file from the "tools" directory to "platform-tools" directory. That did stump me since i had to reset up adb on a new computer. I have not been around that long, just did alot of reading, and came from the incredible forum where i turned into a flash junkie with alot of help.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
after you are done rooting deffinately flash clockworkmod recovery and flash a custom rom. I trouble getting root to stay without a custom rom.
In rom manager it gives me an option to flash cwm. What does it do when I flash clockwork recovery?
Sent from my rooted Thunderbolt with VirusROM AirborneTB. Xda premium
Rooting my TB was a pain but it was well worth it. Hopefully there is a faster, easier method now.
Battery life on my rooted TB with leankernel is comparable to what my battery was on my Droid x, if not better
If you're having problems with getting started, you can check out this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=502010
Breaks it down and walks you through setting up ADB. Had I found this prior to doing the easyroot method, I'd have gone through the manual way as well.
Just got ADB installed and gonna start tinkering around with the manual way of things.
Good luck.
Hi, I'm sorry to ask this question as I'm sure it's one that "floods" your boards more often than most but I have not found a decent answer yet in the several topics I've browsed. Basically, like the topic says, I want my phone back the way it was before I rooted it and before I installed the custom ROM of Jelly Bean. I want it to go back to before like it was, so I can start receiving OTA updates again and get the "official" Jelly Bean update from Verizon. I don't want to do the whole "unlock your boot loader" thing anymore. I want my phone to be able to boot up the right way and NOT have Verizon try to brick my phone.
The main problems with these other topics I've browsed are 1: I don't want my phone to be "restored to the point that I could take it back into Verizon" because A: I don't need to take it back to Verizon and B: I still need all of my phone data. I don't want to lose my pictures, contacts, etc. Also, 2: because all of these other topic speak in gibberish to me. Everyone who responds to other people asking this question speak all technical and say it as if the topic creator has done this 1000 times. I need a step-by-step response PLEASE on exactly what I need to do. Saying "oh yeah use odin" tells me NOTHING. I need to know EVERY step to do this, I don't even know wth odin is.
Also, last question, I am backing my phone up by hooking it up to the computer via USB and dragging each folder and everything into a folder on my computer as a backup. That being said, since I want to UNDO my root and custom ROM and everything, are there any files I should NOT copy to my computer that might mess this up or make my phone think it's still rooted or anything?
If someone could PLEASE help me with a detailed guide on how to do this I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thank you!
gamer6592 said:
Hi, I'm sorry to ask this question as I'm sure it's one that "floods" your boards more often than most but I have not found a decent answer yet in the several topics I've browsed. Basically, like the topic says, I want my phone back the way it was before I rooted it and before I installed the custom ROM of Jelly Bean. I want it to go back to before like it was, so I can start receiving OTA updates again and get the "official" Jelly Bean update from Verizon. I don't want to do the whole "unlock your boot loader" thing anymore. I want my phone to be able to boot up the right way and NOT have Verizon try to brick my phone.
The main problems with these other topics I've browsed are 1: I don't want my phone to be "restored to the point that I could take it back into Verizon" because A: I don't need to take it back to Verizon and B: I still need all of my phone data. I don't want to lose my pictures, contacts, etc. Also, 2: because all of these other topic speak in gibberish to me. Everyone who responds to other people asking this question speak all technical and say it as if the topic creator has done this 1000 times. I need a step-by-step response PLEASE on exactly what I need to do. Saying "oh yeah use odin" tells me NOTHING. I need to know EVERY step to do this, I don't even know wth odin is.
If someone could PLEASE help me with a detailed guide on how to do this I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so basically, you just want to unroot your phone? Go into super user and there is an option to unroot your phone OR, use any file explorer like ES explore, root explore and navigate to this directory /system/xbin and delete su file.
May I ask, what you about to do is really a big waist of time, it doesn't help you anyway in installing custom rom or make your phone run better!! what is the reason for this??
buhohitr said:
Ok, so basically, you just want to unroot your phone? Go into super user and there is an option to unroot your phone OR, use any file explorer like ES explore, root explore and navigate to this directory /system/xbin and delete su file.
May I ask, what you about to do is really a big waist of time, it doesn't help you anyway in installing custom rom or make your phone run better!! what is the reason for this??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st: I bolded the part in your statement that I was talking about in my first post. I appreciate the help a lot, so no offense, but I have no idea what that sentence even meant.. Will you please speak more clearly, and, to be honest, dumb it down a lot for me. I seriously know nothing about this stuff.
2nd: I don't want help installing custom ROMs. I want to go back to the way my phone was BEFORE having to use any custom ROMs. In other words, I don't even want Jelly Bean on my phone the way it is anymore. I want Ice Cream Sandwich back (I'm pretty sure that was the last one, right? Lol) so that from THERE I can update using VERIZON's Jelly Bean update.
The reason is that I've had problems with my phone that I NEVER had before rooting/downloading this custom "nightly" ROM. The main problem, I can not play ANY games on my phone without it crashing minutes in. I have a Galaxy S3, for crying out loud, so the games obviously aren't too much for the phone itself to handle. I think the nightly ROM I downloaded was just a bit buggy.
Another main reason I want to is because I miss all of the developer options my phone had before, i.e screenshots by swiping hand over screen, Kies Air, etc.
If someone could please help me a bit more in depth I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks again!
gamer6592 said:
Hi, I'm sorry to ask this question as I'm sure it's one that "floods" your boards more often than most but I have not found a decent answer yet in the several topics I've browsed. Basically, like the topic says, I want my phone back the way it was before I rooted it and before I installed the custom ROM of Jelly Bean. I want it to go back to before like it was, so I can start receiving OTA updates again and get the "official" Jelly Bean update from Verizon. I don't want to do the whole "unlock your boot loader" thing anymore. I want my phone to be able to boot up the right way and NOT have Verizon try to brick my phone.
The main problems with these other topics I've browsed are 1: I don't want my phone to be "restored to the point that I could take it back into Verizon" because A: I don't need to take it back to Verizon and B: I still need all of my phone data. I don't want to lose my pictures, contacts, etc. Also, 2: because all of these other topic speak in gibberish to me. Everyone who responds to other people asking this question speak all technical and say it as if the topic creator has done this 1000 times. I need a step-by-step response PLEASE on exactly what I need to do. Saying "oh yeah use odin" tells me NOTHING. I need to know EVERY step to do this, I don't even know wth odin is.
Also, last question, I am backing my phone up by hooking it up to the computer via USB and dragging each folder and everything into a folder on my computer as a backup. That being said, since I want to UNDO my root and custom ROM and everything, are there any files I should NOT copy to my computer that might mess this up or make my phone think it's still rooted or anything?
If someone could PLEASE help me with a detailed guide on how to do this I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How bout this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1867253
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
I assume you didn't root yourself. I would ask whoever did it for you to undo it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Unfortunately if you want to go back to stock ICS (before the updates and everything) without root or unlocked boot loader you are going to lose all your phone data. That's the price you pay for rooting. But you are doing the right thing by copying all the files you want to your computer, I assume you're copying your internal SD card. The best you could do for apps is to use titanium backup and backup your apps, and SMS.
Then follow this guide to go back to ICS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28530394
If you can't do this guide or don't understand it then I agree with the previous poster and get whoever rooted your phone top undo it.
Now that you are back on ICS reroot using the steps in the same guide I just linked download titanium backup and restore your apps and sms.
You can then select the option in the supersu app to full unroot.
Sent from my VS920 4G using xda app-developers app
kintwofan said:
Unfortunately if you want to go back to stock ICS (before the updates and everything) without root or unlocked boot loader you are going to lose all your phone data. That's the price you pay for rooting. But you are doing the right thing by copying all the files you want to your computer, I assume you're copying your internal SD card. The best you could do for apps is to use titanium backup and backup your apps, and SMS.
Then follow this guide to go back to ICS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28530394
If you can't do this guide or don't understand it then I agree with the previous poster and get whoever rooted your phone top undo it.
Now that you are back on ICS reroot using the steps in the same guide I just linked download titanium backup and restore your apps and sms.
You can then select the option in the supersu app to full unroot.
Sent from my VS920 4G using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it myself, eventually, but it was just as hard. So let me get this straight, you're saying that I need to follow that guide (I'm assuming the part that says how to Odin back from ROM etc), then I need to reroot in order for titanium backup to work so that I can restore everything, THEN unroot again? When you say reroot, will following that guide cause me to become unrooted already? Thx.
gamer6592 said:
I did it myself, eventually, but it was just as hard. So let me get this straight, you're saying that I need to follow that guide (I'm assuming the part that says how to Odin back from ROM etc), then I need to reroot in order for titanium backup to work so that I can restore everything, THEN unroot again? When you say reroot, will following that guide cause me to become unrooted already? Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should follow section 5 if that guide to return your phone to sick ICS. It will be just like you got it from Verizon. This means no root and your internal SD wiped.
Then you will want to root that to restore your titanium backup that you've already made. Again that guide will show you how.
Sent from my LG spectrum (that's right) blazing fast on cm10!
kintwofan said:
You should follow section 5 if that guide to return your phone to sick ICS. It will be just like you got it from Verizon. This means no root and your internal SD wiped.
Then you will want to root that to restore your titanium backup that you've already made. Again that guide will show you how.
Sent from my LG spectrum (that's right) blazing fast on cm10!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ok I'll do that. And last Qs (I think lol) unrooting again is just as fast as clicking unroot in superuser? and then last but not least once I do will I be able to update OTA to jelly bean again? Cuz I still want JB I just want official JB. If worst comes to worst I just use that Kies Air program? Thanks
gamer6592 said:
lol ok I'll do that. And last Qs (I think lol) unrooting again is just as fast as clicking unroot in superuser? and then last but not least once I do will I be able to update OTA to jelly bean again? Cuz I still want JB I just want official JB. If worst comes to worst I just use that Kies Air program? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes full unroot from app will unroot you. Or just delete the app and take the ota
Sent from my LG spectrum (that's right) blazing fast on cm10!
I'm really sorry to do this but.. Lol. This honestly should be my last Q. The rest seems quite clear to me but is the part of that guide under section 5 titled "*Flashing a Stock Radio with Odin or a Custom Recovery" applicable to what I'm trying to do as well? It's kind of offset like it's something optional/different but do I need to do that also to take my phone back today? Thanks.
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simplest way is to use RSD Lite to send your device back to stock 4.1.2 -- then you can use the recently posted root method to gain root back. It should take < 15 minutes to do, most of that spent flashing with RSDLite. It'll actually take longer to download all the ADB drivers, Moto drivers, etc -- if you don't have them already.
triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
I bought a used XT925 today. While the previous owner did go to some trouble to clean it, it still has a bunch of apps and some settings that I really don't want. Also, as a privacy paranoiac, I'm worried that there may be something malicious (however slight the possibility).
The device is rooted and running JB 4.1.2. I would love to factory reset it but having read a few reports of people losing root or worse (here, here, here and here, to list just a few) that plan seems ill-advised.
I've been toying with trying to script some kind of fs compare against a fs from a rom, but I'm not sure if this is even feasible. So far the only other thing I can think of to do is uninstall all the apps and manually sift through and delete all the other junk in the filesystem.
Does anyone have any suggestions on returning my device to the most "virgin" state possible while retaining root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats up,
Cpudan80 is right, your best bet is to flash stock 4.1.2, and to reroot. And it does take about 15 minutes if you don't already have drivers and stuff, but I can help you out, by linking you to my utility, which essentially does the heavy lifting of finding all of the programs and stuff, and puts it together into one convenient package.
Find it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2241788
Cpudan80 said:
Simplest way is to use RSD Lite to send your device back to stock 4.1.2 -- then you can use the recently posted root method to gain root back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mr.Parkinson said:
Cpudan80 is right, your best bet is to flash stock 4.1.2, and to reroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies! Would you link me to that root method, Cpudan80? All of the root methods I've been able to find say that you must flash 4.0 or CWM first in order to root, then protect root and upgrade to JB again. Is there a new better way which doesn't require downgrading?
triplexdoubledadevelopers said:
Thanks for the replies! Would you link me to that root method, Cpudan80? All of the root methods I've been able to find say that you must flash 4.0 or CWM first in order to root, then protect root and upgrade to JB again. Is there a new better way which doesn't require downgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a thread on here somewhere -- but here's the thread I followed (after using RSDLite to go back to clean 4.1.2). No hard steps at all, just run a bat file - press enter and viola - you're rooted.
http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/topic/15208-root-motochopper-yet-another-android-root-exploit/
Cpudan80 said:
There's a thread on here somewhere -- but here's the thread I followed (after using RSDLite to go back to clean 4.1.2). No hard steps at all, just run a bat file - press enter and viola - you're rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazing, thanks! I had seen that exploit at one point when I was considering getting an earlier RAZR version and was looking into how easy it was to root it. I thought that exploit didn't work with the XT925 since there was no link to it in the forum (and searches only revealed many tales of failed root attempts and downgrades). Thanks again!
My T-Mobile phone is this one:
model number: SGH-T959V
firmware: 2.2.1
kernel version 2.6.32.9
build number: FROYO.VUVKD1
My T959V is already unlocked but not rooted. Can I use superoneclick to root it? Everything I have read on this forum refers to FROYO.UVKJ6 - not my version. I want to start slowly with modding, and learn to walk before I run. Assumptions can prove dangerous when modding these Androids. Thanks in advance!
sveris
Yes, you can root with super one click.
Or, you could flash a new kernel that would root for you & give you cwm.
Don't use rom manager on this model.
There was a kernel named bali that gave you overclocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1080871
champ1919 said:
Yes, you can root with super one click.
Or, you could flash a new kernel that would root for you & give you cwm.
Don't use rom manager on this model.
There was a kernel named bali that gave you overclocked.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1080871
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for the prompt reply, and the suggestion, too. I'm surprised at how fast someone answered my question, considering the T959V is an older phone. I think I will hold off on the custom kernel with overclocking for right now.
My plan was to first root the phone, get rid of some of the applications that I never use, and proceed from there. I do want to retain a few applications which came with the phone, e.g., basic ones like the browser, news & weather, maps, voice dialer, etc. - just because I am familiar with them. I know I can always replace these with others from the Android Market, but don't want to cripple myself too much immediately.
Can you also recommend a bloatware removal tool that allows me to remove apps one at a time?
Now that I think about it a bit more, will I lose these apps anyway when upgrading to a newer/higher OS? Is there any advantage to trying an older/lower one like Gingerbread first before going to ICS, or should I simply jump over the middle ones and go right to KitKat?
I will search the forum for a thread or guide which compares the features of each OS.
I use titanium backup. The free version would work (pro version is worth it).
Here's an old thread about safe to remove.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044011
Have fun with trying all the different roms.
Definitely have fun with things. It's a great like phone and nearly impossible to brick permanently. The various "reviews" will always be in reference to what else was out there at the time. Titanium Backup and keeping backups current is a great idea as you get different ROMs.
A lot of the older ROMs were hosted on servers now shut down, but if there is something you're looking for, ask, as someone may have a backup floating around.
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
jeffsf said:
Definitely have fun with things. It's a great like phone and nearly impossible to brick permanently. The various "reviews" will always be in reference to what else was out there at the time. Titanium Backup and keeping backups current is a great idea as you get different ROMs.
A lot of the older ROMs were hosted on servers now shut down, but if there is something you're looking for, ask, as someone may have a backup floating around.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input, Jeff. I did some limited modding with a Motorola phone years ago, but this stuff seems a bit more complex and perhaps more unforgiving re: mistakes.
I definitely see the wisdom to backing up one's phone before beginning, but that alone seems like a daunting task. At least as outlined in some of the guides on this forum. The other thing I've noticed is that while the instructions can be step-by-step and quite complete, the first few steps can create problems.
For example, having the correct Samsung USB drivers installed is emphasized. But, even though I've searched and searched the forums for instructions on how to verify that I have the correct drivers installed, I can't find a thing. My T959V has always worked flawlessly re: its USB connection to my Dell notebook, but I never gave much thought to whether or not the correct Samsung 32-bit drivers were installed. And, does that mean installed on my phone or my notebook - or both? Perhaps I' getting bogged down with the details, but I don't want to end up with a brick!
I'll keep reading all the great info on the forum pages and proceed from there. From my limited info gathering, it would seem that some of the Vibrant ROMs will also work on the T959V. Is that true? I know the two models are actually a bit different.
Backup, for me, means recovery backups and Titanium Backup backups, both copied to another device (in case I wipe my microSD). Not so bad.
USB drives are a PITA under Windows. There isn't a sure-fire way to get the right one installed for Odin / heimdall, which is different than the one for adb on this build, which is different than the one for that build,... I try them out until I get one that works when I have to, but do everything I can on Linux or Mac.
Vibrant ROMs are basically not compatible with the T959V. The hardware is different enough in key places.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
champ1919 said:
I use titanium backup. The free version would work (pro version is worth it).
Here's an old thread about safe to remove.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044011
Have fun with trying all the different roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I'm almost ready to root and upgrade FROYO.VUVKD1 to stock GB 2.3.6, using Superoneclick, but I'm wondering about two things.
One guide method suggests using:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Another method begins by rooting the phone, then upgrading to stock GB 2.3.6 and offers more than one method to do the upgrade.
Seems I recall reading about disadvantages to using the Samsung Kies mini software, but I don't recall the specifics. So, should I avoid using Kies mini and should I upgrade first or root first? Thanks in advance for any input.
jeffsf said:
Backup, for me, means recovery backups and Titanium Backup backups, both copied to another device (in case I wipe my microSD). Not so bad.
USB drives are a PITA under Windows. There isn't a sure-fire way to get the right one installed for Odin / heimdall, which is different than the one for adb on this build, which is different than the one for that build,... I try them out until I get one that works when I have to, but do everything I can on Linux or Mac.
Vibrant ROMs are basically not compatible with the T959V. The hardware is different enough in key places.
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Posted from whatever phone booted today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the caution re: using Vibrant ROMs. I was a bit surprised to see posts in the T959V specific forum about it sometimes being okay to use them. I guess it's like Caveat Emptor, eh? Sometimes they work, but not necessarily on every T959V - even when starting from scratch with a stock ROM backup.
sveris said:
I think I'm almost ready to root and upgrade FROYO.VUVKD1 to stock GB 2.3.6, using Superoneclick, but I'm wondering about two things.
One guide method suggests using:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Another method begins by rooting the phone, then upgrading to stock GB 2.3.6 and offers more than one method to do the upgrade.
Seems I recall reading about disadvantages to using the Samsung Kies mini software, but I don't recall the specifics. So, should I avoid using Kies mini and should I upgrade first or root first? Thanks in advance for any input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3.6, you should give lumin's guide a shot since that's the best method to use in case you soft-brick your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1470716
That will get you a completely stock 2.3.6 rom. I don't recall if you can successfully root 2.3.6 with superone click though, but there are a lot more rooted gingerbread kernels out there that will be useful to you.
I recommend the blastoff kernel by @bhundven since he knows his stuff. I'm not biased 'cause we were both in Team Acid
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828171
FBis251 said:
If you're going to upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3.6, you should give lumin's guide a shot since that's the best method to use in case you soft-brick your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1470716
That will get you a completely stock 2.3.6 rom. I don't recall if you can successfully root 2.3.6 with superone click though, but there are a lot more rooted gingerbread kernels out there that will be useful to you.
I recommend the blastoff kernel by @bhundven since he knows his stuff. I'm not biased 'cause we were both in Team Acid
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1828171
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, lumin's guide is the one I was referencing when I posted those instructions. But, he didn't mention any issue about using Kies mini or that its use might limit future modding. I guess I'll keep searching the forums for more advice or a definitive answer. And I'll take a look at the description of the blastoff kernel you recommended.
Thanks again for taking the time.
Heimdall (the one clicks) and odin (kies) drivers will clash. You'll need to decide which method you will want to use (or use different usb ports for each method). Being new, I would suggest the one clicks for you.
Unless you wish to have the official, official release, there isn't really a need to go kies route imo. The one clicks are the same.
champ1919 said:
Heimdall (the one clicks) and odin (kies) drivers will clash. You'll need to decide which method you will want to use (or use different usb ports for each method). Being new, I would suggest the one clicks for you.
Unless you wish to have the official, official release, there isn't really a need to go kies route imo. The one clicks are the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for reminding me about the clash potential. But now I'm getting confused again. Lumin's guide suggested the following:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Would this be mixing and matching like you said, or am I missing something?
sveris said:
Thanks for reminding me about the clash potential. But now I'm getting confused again. Lumin's guide suggested the following:
1) Kies mini to first upgrade to stock GB 2.3.6, then,
2) Supermanager to make a backup copy of the EFS folder, and finally,
3) Superoneclick to root the phone.
Would this be mixing and matching like you said, or am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "problem" is that you want Froyo. You'll be stuck with basically three-year old tools. Froyo was incredibly painful to use, even compared with Gingerbread. There wasn't much of a demand to "go back to Froyo" once the stock Gingerbread upgrades hit people's phones. Edit -- Looks like there is a heimdall one-click for Froyo, thanks to @FBis251 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50931923&postcount=10
In my opinion, just go straight to stock Gingerbread. It shipped that way or OTA upgraded to it for most of the phone's life (until Apple sued Samsung and got it pulled from retail).
This is the thread you should be following for Gingerbread or later: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21953878&postcount=2
jeffsf said:
The "problem" is that you want Froyo. You'll be stuck with basically three-year old tools. Froyo was incredibly painful to use, even compared with Gingerbread. There wasn't much of a demand to "go back to Froyo" once the stock Gingerbread upgrades hit people's phones. Edit -- Looks like there is a heimdall one-click for Froyo, thanks to @FBis251 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50931923&postcount=10
In my opinion, just go straight to stock Gingerbread. It shipped that way or OTA upgraded to it for most of the phone's life (until Apple sued Samsung and got it pulled from retail).
This is the thread you should be following for Gingerbread or later: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=21953878&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you may have convinced me to upgrade directly to GB 2.6.3. Just a couple more questions and I'll be ready to take the plunge.
Will the upgrade lock my unlocked phone - back to T-Mobile? I'm on another carrier now. Other than that, I think I'm prepared.
I installed Supermanager and made a backup copy of the efs folder on my T959V, then copied it to the SD card and also to my PC. But, just when I decided to upgrade using Kies mini, I believe I found another contradiction.
In lumin’s guide, he says to do the following:
• - Download Kies mini if you do not already have it. When you follow this link you will see two tabs - 'Manuals' and 'Software ' - click [Software] and download.
• - Make sure your phone is charged.
• - Double check that USB Debugging is not enabled. Go to [Settings] > [Applications] > [Development] and UN-Check [USB debugging].
• - Start Kies mini on the computer.
• - Make sure phone is not connected to computer yet.
• - In USB Settings on my phone I select [Kies (Firmware update)] if it is not set to ask every time.
• - Plugged in phone, let device drivers install on computer. You will see a notification on your computer when complete.
• - Then Kies mini will recognize the phone.
• - Hit [upgrade] and wait.
• - Phone will eventually reboot. Check your IMEI.
I interpret that to mean – according to lumin’s guide - that USB debugging should NOT be enabled.
However, from the T-Mobile Support website, this link, http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1810 it says:
Prepare the Samsung Galaxy S 4G
1. From the Android home screen, press the Menu key and tap Settings.
2. Tap Applications.
3. Tap USB settings.
4. Tap Ask on connection.
5. Tap the Escape key once to go back to the Applications menu.
6. Tap Development.
7. Tap USB Debugging.
8. Tap the Home key to exit the settings menu.
9. Insert the USB data cable into the phone and then into an available port on the computer.
10. Select Samsung Kies at the phone prompt. The PC should recognize several devices and begin installation. This is normal and may take a few minutes. Unplug the data cable when completed.
I interpret that to mean – at least according to T-Mobile Support for the T959V - that USB debugging SHOULD be enabled.
So, which is correc: enable or disable USB debugging modet? Do I need a remedial reading course? Or, is lumin saying the same thing as T-Mobile, but in a different order? After reviewing both sets of instructions several times, this is what I think is the situation. Lumin first turns off USB debugging and instead of selecting Ask on connect for basic USB settings, he then selects the Kies firmware update option. However, T-Mobile Support instructs the user to select the Ask on connection option, first, followed by ENABLING the USB debugging function.
Does that mean either method works, just getting from point A to point B by taking different paths?
OK, heimdall will basically reset your phone to stock if you mess up.
Once a phone is carrier unlocked, it is carried unlocked (unless you restore a pre-unlock efs, which isn't something that is likely to happen inadvertently).
That said, you either should try something or decide that you are too risk-adverse for flashing and especially rooting a phone.
Again, heimdall one-click is probably the most robust way to get there
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
Decided to follow the instructions in lumin's guide to do the GB upgrade - rather than the ones from T-Mobile Support. It worked like a charm. All is well for now. Will check everything for a few days before rooting and removing bloatware. Thanks again to all for advice, recommendations, links, and guidance.
Glad you're able to enjoy an upgraded phone!
---
Posted from whatever phone booted today
sveris said:
Decided to follow the instructions in lumin's guide to do the GB upgrade - rather than the ones from T-Mobile Support. It worked like a charm. All is well for now. Will check everything for a few days before rooting and removing bloatware. Thanks again to all for advice, recommendations, links, and guidance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you'd like to debloat your phone, I made a site that lets you download a zip file that will do the debloating for you. All you need to do is pick which apps you'd like removed, then flash the zip.
http://teamacid.sourceforge.net/debloater/
Enjoy!
PS: You'll need a custom kernel and recovery to flash the zip.
I'll keep that in mind. Still want to check out everything for a few days, since I've noticed a few minor differences after the upgrade.
I just made another backup copy of the efs folder, and noticed something I did not expect. The copy I made when the phone was on Froyo looks empty, while the one for GB 2.6.3 is definitely not empty.
Froyo efs - 0 files - folders
GB 2.6.3 efs - updated file system plus 3 folders - root, .android, and imei
Did I do something wrong the first time I backed up the efs folder while running Froyo? Does it matter, now that the phone is running GB 2.6.3?
Hello. I am completely new to this forum and completely new to the phone modding world as well. So, please excuse me if I have broken any rules or am posting in the wrong section. I have a Galaxy S3 - Verizon 4G LTE phone. I use it on WIFI only. I do not use a sim card. Therefore, I cannot update the operating system at all, since Verizon requires a connection to their servers, through their connection. My android version is 4.1.1. I wanted to update this to the latest android version available. I haven't the slightest clue as to how to go about that. Whenever I've looked this up, I am always led to one program: Cyanogenmod. I don't understand how this works at all. Would anyone please be able to explain how I go about this in baby steps? What are the risks? What do I need? Would I ever be able to recover back to the original operating system that came with the phone? Is there a way to save my current app/games data before doing this, for example, Subway Surfers? I also do not know what rooting is but, it seems as though it gives you the option to go much deeper into the phone's customization. Is that required for this? Any information, pictures, step by step guides would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Ok first you need to read the stickies. Also just Google what root is. Do some research first man. Did I mention the stickies?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Are you talking about the "[How To] Reset your phone in order to return to Verizon(Updated 12/11/2012)" and "[GUIDE] Debrick your bricked SCH-I535! [BOOTLOADER/HARDBRICK]" stickies? Those are the only ones I see in this section. I currently haven't done anything to my phone so, those don't really apply to me yet. I did however browse through them. I saw the mention of Odin, a ROM flashing tool. And rooting would probably give you access to the system settings required to flash these ROMs onto your phone. This is all I can make out at the moment.
Nalil said:
Are you talking about the "[How To] Reset your phone in order to return to Verizon(Updated 12/11/2012)" and "[GUIDE] Debrick your bricked SCH-I535! [BOOTLOADER/HARDBRICK]" stickies? Those are the only ones I see in this section. I currently haven't done anything to my phone so, those don't really apply to me yet. I did however browse through them. I saw the mention of Odin, a ROM flashing tool. And rooting would probably give you access to the system settings required to flash these ROMs onto your phone. This is all I can make out at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are stickies in every section you should hop over to the general section and start looking there.