Database Info

Flashing the ROM

can someone post a good "how to flash a ROM" for beginners?
i looked in the ROM Development thread and read a bunch but can't seem to get familiar with all the terms.
anyway, i tried installing an HSPL, before flashing the ROM, and it said "Bad ID version".
now what?
and are these ROMs really worth it?
thanks

Just follow the instructions here...
And yes, custom ROMs are definitely worth the small effort, if you ask me.
But, if you´re fine with the stock ROM, you might consider keeping it...

AvatarOfFrost said:
can someone post a good "how to flash a ROM" for beginners?
i looked in the ROM Development thread and read a bunch but can't seem to get familiar with all the terms.
anyway, i tried installing an HSPL, before flashing the ROM, and it said "Bad ID version".
now what?
and are these ROMs really worth it?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Noob Flashing Tut is as good as it gets. There is however also a video version if you really can't make head or tail of it and if that's the case I'd question as to whether you should be flashing in the first place. The HD2 is an expensive device to be doing things with that you are familiar with. It is a relatively simple process however and often sounds a lot harder than it really is. Just follow the steps and they really are Foolproof. If you got a Bad ID version error that means that the hspl version you tried is not the right one for your device.
This thread is in the wrong space and if you want help, ask your questions in the Flashing guide thread.

[Q] absolutely new - where to start?

hi all,
I'm an absolute newcomer to android and smartphones. I bought a droid charge yesterday and I know I want to root it and install a leaner OS that gives me a lot of flexibility and less bloatware. However, I need to learn some basics before I blunder my way into this.
Looking around this forum, the jargon is all greek to me. Is there a good place to start for total noobs like me?
I'd like to learn:
* best and safest methods to root the phone
* what custom rom's are available
* how to ensure I can restore it to factory condition
If there is a FAQ somewhere that goes through the basics, pleas just point me to it.
Thx and apologies if this is redundant with other posts
sauhegan

I am in a similar position as you. Doing a lot of research before I root.
Check out this guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122657
and also browse the development section and in particular,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1107797

no1kung1 said:
I am in a similar position as you. Doing a lot of research before I root.
Check out this guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122657
and also browse the development section and in particular,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1107797
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I'll check that out. But I'm looking for something even more basic, if it exists. Like, what is Odin? What is the different between a Rom/Kernel and a Mod? What is a Theme? Are there any catalogues of the custom ROM's that give comparisons? As a professional software eng, I'll be able to get this done once I get the jargon, but I'm way behind the 8-ball here...
Thx

sauhegan said:
Thank you, I'll check that out. But I'm looking for something even more basic, if it exists. Like, what is Odin? What is the different between a Rom/Kernel and a Mod? What is a Theme? Are there any catalogues of the custom ROM's that give comparisons? As a professional software eng, I'll be able to get this done once I get the jargon, but I'm way behind the 8-ball here...
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is a wonderful thing. When you've done at least a little research then ask questions
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA Premium App

danalo1979 said:
Google is a wonderful thing. When you've done at least a little research then ask questions
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was a somewhat polite "RTFM" message. Thanks.
I'm looking for a FAQ or a beginner's guide. Sitting there googleing dozens of terms is possible, but I'm looking for a beginner's resource. But I do appreciate you pointing out the obvious ;-)
S

sauhegan said:
That was a somewhat polite "RTFM" message. Thanks.
I'm looking for a FAQ or a beginner's guide. Sitting there googleing dozens of terms is possible, but I'm looking for a beginner's resource. But I do appreciate you pointing out the obvious ;-)
S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are a few resources on this site:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Acronyms
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=FAQ

sauhegan said:
I'd like to learn:
* best and safest methods to root the phone
* what custom rom's are available
* how to ensure I can restore it to factory condition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a great guide in the Android Development section of the Charge Forums that'll shed a ton of light on your situation.
1. I find that the easiest way to root your phone is by flashing through Odin. It's basically a one-click root/flash kernel/rom. Even if Odin fails and your phone is soft-bricked you should be able to recover the phone by attempting to flash through Odin again. I've soft-bricked my Charge several times
2. Altered Beast was the first custom ROM available. Now you have GummyCharged, Eclipse, Humble and various GB molds. I think the main four ROMs available are Altered Beast, Gummy, Eclipse and Humble. I may be missing one but I'm usually on top of this crap
3. You should be able to restore it to factory condition by using Odin or Heimdall. I believe there is a Samsung utility that can be used as well. I wouldn't worry too much about restoring it back to stock

[Q] Is it worth it? Suggestions?

hey guys!
So I'm new to this forum, as well as android. I know of my friend who has a Samsung csptiate, and he loves it. I however just got a Motorola xoom, and was wondering if rooting and putting a custom rom is worth it?
If so, do you guys have any suggestions for roms?
Thanks guys!

It really depends what you want to do with your Xoom and your feelings of your Xoom's performance. If you are happy with what you can do and the speed of your Xoom then I say no do not bother with rooting and custom ROM's.
If on the other hand you want to do more and want more speed doing it, yes by all means root and install a custom ROM. I highly recommend the Tiamat ROM's. It will give you more features and more control over your Xoom. They have a new ROM in the works so you may want to take your time researching your options.
The best advice I can give you is to do your research. Find the how-to guides, download all the files and read and re-read all the instructions. Make sure you fully understand what you are doing before you do it. Most problems come from people making small mistakes and not following the instructions step by step and word for word. Make sure to use the exact versions of files specified. Do not assume that a newer version of something is better or has the same features. There is a risk of bricking your Xoom whenever you flash something, but if you are carefull and follow instructions the risk is minimal and there are people in the forums who are willing and capable of helping.

Honestly, I want more speed. Do you also have to put a custom kernel?
If so, which kernel do you recommend?

You do not have to load a custom kernel to overclock, but honestly if you are gonig to go through the hassel of unlocking and rooting you might as well. Just know that as soon as you unlock your Xoom, you will have to wipe it clean. So backup your data and record what apps you have installed.
I personally have been very happy with the Tiamat kernels/ROMS. I started only installing the Tiamat kernel but quickly installed the ROM. If you install the latest ROM it includes the latest kernel as well. As I mentioned they are planning on releasing a new version soon. I usually wait a couple days after a new ROM is released to see if there are any major issues before I make the jump.
Take a look at this thread, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1209341 . This should answer a lot of your questions and point you to the guides to get you as far as you decide to go.

The 10 Commandments For The SGS4G Forum

This is just a quick list of things I thought would be helpful to Noobs/Newbs. They're not in any particular order. Also, sticky if need be or just leave as is. Sticky would be preferred though so Noobs/Newbs can see it right away. Anyway, here are what I feel should be the 10 Commandments for the SGS4G Forum. You may agree or you may not. Think what you will. If you feel anything should be added, PM me and I'll make the changes myself. Thank you.
#1 - Search The Forum Before Asking Questions.
Unless you like getting flamed by people when you don't search before asking.
#2 - DON'T USE ROM MANAGER ON SGS4G EVER!!!!!!
Unless you really like ODIN that much.
#3 - DON'T TRY TO FLASH ANY ROMS OUTSIDE OF THE SGS4G FORUM
Unless you wanted a nice brick instead of a phone.
#4 - Read the "[Guide] *NOOB's* guide to flashing " Thread In The General Section Before Trying To Flash Anything.
You'll eventually get pointed to that direction anyway if you don't read it. Trust me, we can tell when people don't.
#5 - Read The Instructions For The ROM Before Installing.
Unless you really like reflashing or reverting back to STOCK. HELLO ODIN AGAIN.
#6 - When You Have A Problem With A ROM, Be Descriptive About The Issue.
Believe it or not, the Devs here can't read minds nor can they see over your shoulder to see what your issue is on your phone. They're good, but not that good.
#7 - Be Thankful Towards Our Devs.
If you like a ROM, show your appreciation. If not, then keep your mouth shut and use a different ROM or better yet go back to STOCK. ONCE AGAIN, HELLO ODIN.
#8 - POST IN THE RIGHT SECTION!!!!
Prepare to get flamed if you don't.
#9 - When Flashing From Froyo To GB, Follow FBis251's "[ODIN+CWM] GB Ext4 Starter Pack (Sep 27)" Thread or use the updated Kies Mini to upgrade to official KJ6.
If not, then yet again, HELLO ODIN.
#10 - For The Love Of Our Forum, Don't Ask A Dev For An ETA!!!!!
You'll only get one answer if you do. WHEN IT'S DONE!!!
Going to add one more thing until we actually get it for our phone.
#11 - If You're Coming From Another Device, Don't Come In Here Thinking You Can Get CM7 For The SGS4G.
This goes along with #3 in a way. Its being worked on. Now that we have the kernel source for GB, we are now one step closer. So, until the devs figure everything out with the source to get CM7 working, IT CAN NOT BE INSTALLED!!!
Now if you're wondering, "What is ODIN?" well, there's a guide for that...
[GUIDE] Noobs guide to Odin to flash your SGS4G (Windows)
Like I said, feel free to PM me if you feel something should be added.

Not bad.. I'd also add the noob's guide to ODIN, and put up a link to the Bible thread to find every ROM, guide, Kernel, modem, etc that's been put up in the dev section.

Nice Work Thanks
Deserves a Sticky

Nice list, glad to see it stickied.....hopefully it will cut down on the repetitive questions that have been plaguing the threads lately.
Sent from my SGH-T959V

Good thing no noobs are gonna read this. The newbs might since they're willing to learn, but not the noobs.

number 8 will never happen

Looks good +1

FBis251 said:
Good thing no noobs are gonna read this. The newbs might since they're willing to learn, but not the noobs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHAHA....i must be newb then,because i am reading this....you will be seeing more of me as i dig dipper into the expanse of knowledge you folks have here....glad to be here...

joeblow7272 said:
HAHAHA....i must be newb then,because i am reading this....you will be seeing more of me as i dig dipper into the expanse of knowledge you folks have here....glad to be here...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're the best kind of new user, the one who reads and tries to keep informed. I'll be glad to help if you have any questions.

well im glad its not overlooked

So, I think "Do NOT necro threads" should be added here. I'm seeing that a lot recently. It's just ridiculous.

I think that is general forum etiquette, not much SGS4G specific.

Updated #9 since we now have an official GB Upgrade. Will be taking #11 off as soon as we get new kernel working to run CM7.

Nice laws. I made the rom manager mistake when I was a noob. Seemed like the easiest way to go, until my phone wouldn't boot.

has anyone figured out why rom manager cannot be used...and if so what are proposed solutions

hey guys could you please direct me to the link on how to totally start over fresh.. basically if i want to do a complete wipe and start over on my phone ive got the kj6 version.. i think its probably a good idea for me to familiarize myself with it now thanks..

mysticfrog said:
hey guys could you please direct me to the link on how to totally start over fresh.. basically if i want to do a complete wipe and start over on my phone ive got the kj6 version.. i think its probably a good idea for me to familiarize myself with it now thanks..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look up Raver's Odin KJ6 rom. It'll leave your phone as if you had just downloaded the Kies official update.

Thanks alot... I've just been putting particular things on my phone.. Checked out and installed a few roms... I've read on some of these threads about ghost roms and other issues just want to make sure ive got my bases covered.. Thanks again..
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App

I know it's a little late, but updated #11 since we now have the kernel source for gb.
sent from within pure darkness.

Thanks for this thread. Took me over a week to wade through and find this starting point. I just rooted my phone and have been nervous about flashing a rom with all the different ways posted on how to go about it.

[Q] Updating my new Desire S

Hello,
First of all, thanks for this great forum, i'm new to android and being here is really helpful.
I've read some of the guides posted, still i'd like to have some tips and infos.
I'm from Italy and my Desire S is still working on Gingerbread (!). I would like to update the firmware, if not to Jelly Bean (since the custom one is still beta, but advise me here), at least to ICS, but i don't know the routine to follow (ROOT, then Flash one of the custom ROMS? Being in S-Off mode is needed i guess). Another thing i don't get is flashing radios..
Help would be really appreciated, THANKS.

There is nothing to tell you that you can't find by reading the stickies and understanding what to do.

SimonTS said:
There is nothing to tell you that you can't find by reading the stickies and understanding what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know, im asking just because im new and not secure of the routine to follow. thanks anyway

el_d4rio said:
Hello,
First of all, thanks for this great forum, i'm new to android and being here is really helpful.
I've read some of the guides posted, still i'd like to have some tips and infos.
I'm from Italy and my Desire S is still working on Gingerbread (!). I would like to update the firmware, if not to Jelly Bean (since the custom one is still beta, but advise me here), at least to ICS, but i don't know the routine to follow (ROOT, then Flash one of the custom ROMS? Being in S-Off mode is needed i guess). Another thing i don't get is flashing radios..
Help would be really appreciated, THANKS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't messed with your phone, i.e. rooted it, flashed any fancy thirty party rom, etc, and the phone is running official HTC ROM and in the exact same state as you bought it, I'd suggest OTA and upgrade to official ICS since you are new to android. Go to setting - about phone then update from there.
If you'd like to try other ROMs then there's plenty guide in this forum already.

Imo official 4.0.4 is a bad idea.
1) It has bugs
2) hboot 2.02 cannot be downgraded without htcdev
Sent from my HTC Desire S

amidabuddha said:
Imo official 4.0.4 is a bad idea.
1) It has bugs
2) hboot 2.02 cannot be downgraded without htcdev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Desire S is new and "untouched". For what i had got, the official htc release is to be installed manually and has some issues, so I had thought a custom and more recent ROM would have been better.

el_d4rio said:
My Desire S is new and "untouched". For what i had got, the official htc release is to be installed manually and has some issues, so I had thought a custom and more recent ROM would have been better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then use revolutionary (S-OFF) not unlock via htcdev.com, 4ext recovery and you are good to go
If you are on Sense 3 you will have to downgrade in order to use Revolutionary.io
And of course I concider the ROM in my signature as the best to date

amidabuddha said:
Then use revolutionary (S-OFF) not unlock via htcdev.com, 4ext recovery and you are good to go
If you are on Sense 3 you will have to downgrade in order to use Revolutionary.io
And of course I concider the ROM in my signature as the best to date
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, after revolutionary (i'm on sense 2) rooting? Is yours a JB ROM? Anyway, checking on updates from the phone, i got a client FOTA Update. Should i do it?

el_d4rio said:
Thanks, after revolutionary (i'm on sense 2) rooting? Is yours a JB ROM? Anyway, checking on updates from the phone, i got a client FOTA Update. Should i do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are going custom better not use OTA
Revolutionary will install custom recovery so the next thing will be a backup of your stock ROM and installing the Rom.zip from the sdcard via the recovery. No rooting, because all custom ROMs are pre-rooted.
My ROM is ICS, there is no complete stable JB yet but once you have s-off you can try them all within minutes. And do not forget to sync/backup your data (contacts, etc) to Google or with some app from the Play Store. And read some guides before starting anything. I am just giving you directions not a tutorial
Sent from my HTC Desire S

amidabuddha said:
If you are going custom better not use OTA
Revolutionary will install custom recovery so the next thing will be a backup of your stock ROM and installing the Rom.zip from the sdcard via the recovery. No rooting, because all custom ROMs are pre-rooted.
My ROM is ICS, there is no complete stable JB yet but once you have s-off you can try them all within minutes. And do not forget to sync/backup your data (contacts, etc) to Google or with some app from the Play Store. And read some guides before starting anything. I am just giving you directions not a tutorial
Sent from my HTC Desire S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why do you "root"? Just to unlock the phone without touching the FW?
Going custom i guess it's the only way, because htc is not going to update anymore, so better learn how to.
Anyway THANKS A LOT, it's more clear now

el_d4rio said:
so why do you "root"? Just to unlock the phone without touching the FW?
Anyway THANKS A LOT, it's more clear now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can root your current software (the stock one) if you need just root for an app or something specific without changing the software.
But going custom means to run Android and Sense version which you will never have officially. And they all come pre-rooted
Sent from my HTC Desire S

One last thing amida... What's the difference between the various Sense versions? Just the theme? Will it be updated along with the installation of a custom ROM?
THANKS AGAIN

el_d4rio said:
One last thing amida... What's the difference between the various Sense versions? Just the theme? Will it be updated along with the installation of a custom ROM?
THANKS AGAIN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have different versions, because they are ported from different devices and there are difference between them. Not only visual but also performance.
More info about each ROM you will find in the first post of its thread.
Sent from my HTC Desire S

hello amida, i'm starting to update now... so im gonna do: s-off, recovery, 4ext choosing one of the customs. Which step should i do an image of my stock ROM in (so i can go back if needed) and how? Can you also recommend me an application for my datas backup?
THANKS

el_d4rio said:
hello amida, i'm starting to update now... so im gonna do: s-off, recovery, 4ext choosing one of the customs. Which step should i do an image of my stock ROM in (so i can go back if needed) and how? Can you also recommend me an application for my datas backup?
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best app for applications and data backup is titanium backup. It also allows you to make a flashable update zip you can flash after installing a new rom
Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing. ~Wernher Von Braun

jugg1es said:
The best app for applications and data backup is titanium backup. It also allows you to make a flashable update zip you can flash after installing a new rom
Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing. ~Wernher Von Braun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, and for saving an image of my stock ROM, just in case i need to go back?

Nandroid backup is a part of the recovery and not an app.
Start reading instead of asking, please. The procedure is covered a million times in a million places.
To the answering guys, (almost) off-topic:
I have a riddle for you, or actually, a somewhat sad observation to share and see your opinions. Since this thread is one of the examples for what I'm going to talk about, and it's useless anyway, I won't feel any remorse diverting it.
I've seen several threads during the last couple of weeks where a random noob got the best out of one of the knowledgeable members of the community - in this and other forums - and they helped him instead of sending him to read stuff that he was supposed to be reading to know the answer.
In absolutely all of those threads, noob questions continued and deteriorated to the most basic ones. There wasn't even one thread where the noob wouldn't continue with flood of basic FAQ-sort of questions.
I've wrote in a couple of them more or less what I wrote here - an unpleasant message to stop the flood of baby questions.
All of the noobs were offended.
All of the noobs actually searched and found their answer after that message, and stopped the flood (with a message that here, they were so great they actually found everything themselves).
It's kinda sad, don't you think? Quite a few times bad treatment seems the most efficient way to achieve the best results... Guess there's no miraculous other way I'm missing, or maybe there is?
(P.S. I'm also moderating a local motorcyclists forum, and keeping the same harsh line in technical sub-forum. Works 100% for >5 years already. But sometimes it gets you wondering about human nature...)

Jack_R1 said:
Nandroid backup is a part of the recovery and not an app.
Start reading instead of asking, please. The procedure is covered a million times in a million places.
To the answering guys, (almost) off-topic:
I have a riddle for you, or actually, a somewhat sad observation to share and see your opinions. Since this thread is one of the examples for what I'm going to talk about, and it's useless anyway, I won't feel any remorse diverting it.
I've seen several threads during the last couple of weeks where a random noob got the best out of one of the knowledgeable members of the community - in this and other forums - and they helped him instead of sending him to read stuff that he was supposed to be reading to know the answer.
In absolutely all of those threads, noob questions continued and deteriorated to the most basic ones. There wasn't even one thread where the noob wouldn't continue with flood of basic FAQ-sort of questions.
I've wrote in a couple of them more or less what I wrote here - an unpleasant message to stop the flood of baby questions.
All of the noobs were offended.
All of the noobs actually searched and found their answer after that message, and stopped the flood (with a message that here, they were so great they actually found everything themselves).
It's kinda sad, don't you think? Quite a few times bad treatment seems the most efficient way to achieve the best results... Guess there's no miraculous other way I'm missing, or maybe there is?
(P.S. I'm also moderating a local motorcyclists forum, and keeping the same harsh line in technical sub-forum. Works 100% for >5 years already. But sometimes it gets you wondering about human nature...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't worry i'm not offended... i read most of the stuff and guides out here, not taking just a minute to post the thread and having everyhting done by someone else.. i just needed directions! Anyway, if you don't want this kinda stuff in the forum, just put it in the registration form, newbies not accepted, and the prolem is solved

There is another thing that's floating around
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmvCpR45LKA

yup