Database Info

[Q] Rooting for Newbies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Q] Need app to backup game data

Hello. I have been searching and searching for an app to backup my woman's game saves and data. She is on a stock Nexus S 4G and we want to root and try some roms and themes. Problem is she is so into this game ( Tap Fish) she does not want to lose her fish tanks lol.. I know titanium backup only works on rooted phones. So i am looking for some help on how to accomplish this.
Basically: I want to unlock and root Nexus S 4G.
Need an app to backup game data (Tap Fish)
If i lose her game data i will be in the doghouse
Please help me!

What version of Android is on the phone?

Woops forgot that detail.. it is on stock 4.0.4
Sent from my CM9 ICS Epic, with a twist of Blue Mist boyyyy..

There is a thread on the galaxy nexus forums where this exact problem is solved, I'll come back when I get to a computer to post a link if you've not found it.
Edit
http://thesuperusersguide.weebly.com/adb-backup--restore.html
I would test this before using it on your SO's phone
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

Use this website to unlock bootloader, root your phone and save your data. Oh btw get rom manager aswell. Make sure you create a backup of your system, sd....etc using an application in rom manager. Once you have rooted your phone, install your custom roms kernels, themes.. etc. If you know how to use command prompt, it should be within 10 minutes to finish rooting your phone. If not, just google up how to use command prompt and there are good websites to tell you how to. Goodluck!
http://nexusshacks.com/nexus-s-root/how-to-root-nexus-s-or-nexus-s-4g-on-ics-or-gingerbread/
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1399035

Mybackup
Sent from my Nexus S

Accidentally hit thanks above (oops ). None of these options will work, there's no access to the /data partition. They all need root to work which, clearly, is not an option. At the moment there is no publicized way to root 4.0.4 without unlocking the bootloader, mainly because the phones running 4.0.4 are few and far between (and part of the Nexus line). Might be out of luck, for now at least.

Its alright
Sent from my Nexus S

Well looks like she's gonna have to run stock for now. Thanks for all the help everyone.

Rooted - What now?

Okay, I've just rooted my S3. First time ever rooting an android phone, so I was thrilled when Odin said "Passed" and I didn't brick it.
Now what? I've installed Titianium (Free) to backup the one app that I wanted fixed LV Sync. I only did this because everytime I rebooted my device it would delete the account that I created with LV Sync. Now after backing up, uninstalling with Titanium and then restoring, it no longer does that. Perfect.
Now what?? When I jailbroker my first iPhone I discovered after the fact that I couldn't go back because I didn't save my blobs. With everything I read about rooting, nothing said to backup first, so I decided I just did it.
Is there something that I should back up now? Is there something that I should do before anything else?
Would appreciate any guidance on this please.

jim.thornton said:
Okay, I've just rooted my S3. First time ever rooting an android phone, so I was thrilled when Odin said "Passed" and I didn't brick it.
Now what? I've installed Titianium (Free) to backup the one app that I wanted fixed LV Sync. I only did this because everytime I rebooted my device it would delete the account that I created with LV Sync. Now after backing up, uninstalling with Titanium and then restoring, it no longer does that. Perfect.
Now what?? When I jailbroker my first iPhone I discovered after the fact that I couldn't go back because I didn't save my blobs. With everything I read about rooting, nothing said to backup first, so I decided I just did it.
Is there something that I should back up now? Is there something that I should do before anything else?
Would appreciate any guidance on this please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will first you need to install cwm you can probably find that where you learned how to root then you can make a android backup which backups up your whole phone even the operating system then you can install a custom ROM I recommend the latest CyanogenMod 10.1 nightly there very stable
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

bbrad said:
Will first you need to install cwm you can probably find that where you learned how to root then you can make a android backup which backups up your whole phone even the operating system then you can install a custom ROM I recommend the latest CyanogenMod 10.1 nightly there very stable
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time I don't really want to install a custom ROM. I use the phone for work and I don't really want to go through the process of setting everything up again.
Also, the method that I used for rooting it was Chainfire's method which didn't use ClockworkMod. There was a comment about it interfering with something (can't remember what though).
Is there any other way to make a backup of the phone exactly as-is other than CWM?

jim.thornton said:
At this time I don't really want to install a custom ROM. I use the phone for work and I don't really want to go through the process of setting everything up again.
Also, the method that I used for rooting it was Chainfire's method which didn't use ClockworkMod. There was a comment about it interfering with something (can't remember what though).
Is there any other way to make a backup of the phone exactly as-is other than CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

bbrad said:
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as mentioned, the guide that I used did not show CWM. Is there a guide that I can use that will work? Will CWM work on all versions of the S3? I have the Canadian version SGH-I747M. I just want to be careful not to brick it.
Also... If I use CWM, will that allow me to make a backup ROM? Meaning, that if I install a custom ROM and don't like it for any reason or run into problems that I can put my phone back exactly as it is now?

CM allows you to do a compete backup of your ROM. I don't think that includes media FYI
Google how to install Cwm on your S3 Version which you should initially flash to device through Odin.
I believe using ROM MANAGER you can locate download and flash your recovery.
International S III 16GB / CM10.1 / Gokhan's SK

Bricking
I wouldn't worry too much about bricking your phone. most of the time when people say they bricked their phone all they need to do is restore it using recovery mode/a computer.
To actually brick your device it needs to stop turning on and stop responding to it being plugged into the computer which is quite unlikely to happen.
If your phone turns on but just doesn't boot into a ROM that is not bricked!

I would just throw in that I have used both CWM ("Clockwork Mod") and TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and I like TWRP better. It's not a pain to change if you decide to, but doing backups can take a while. You can get TWRP with the Goomanager app in the Play Store. If I were you, I'd recommend researching both a bit and then deciding for yourself.

Brick itttt!!!!!!!
wanna thank xda? here

Well now roms
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app

If you gamers, cusrom with gamming tweaks recommended. But first, you must backup your rom if you don't like the cusrom gamming mode
Sent from my GT-I8150 using xda app-developers app

Don't worry, within a few weeks you'll probably unlock the bootloader and flash custom roms.
So first step would be to install cwm. Even if you are not gonna unlock bootloader, it will help you to FULLY backup, restore your phone and install modules.
Just for safety keep an ftf file of your stock version with you (on pc).
And do a backup before flashing any custom roms.
Just dig around a lot before doing anything and there won't be any chance of bricking it.
Sent from my Xperia Mini Pro

jim.thornton said:
Well, as mentioned, the guide that I used did not show CWM. Is there a guide that I can use that will work? Will CWM work on all versions of the S3? I have the Canadian version SGH-I747M. I just want to be careful not to brick it.
Also... If I use CWM, will that allow me to make a backup ROM? Meaning, that if I install a custom ROM and don't like it for any reason or run into problems that I can put my phone back exactly as it is now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use rom manager or rom toolbox (available in the play store) to flash cwm. then use CWM to make a nandroid back of your rom. then try new roms if you don't like them you can unse recovery to reflash your stock rom. after you flash a custom rom play store shoud reinstall you apps for you and your google account will sync your contacts so setting up your phone after a fresh install is not very hard or time consuming

You shouldn't have to worry about setting up your phone all over after flashing a new ROM if you have titanium backup. Just get on Google play and re download titanium, run it and reboot. Your apps and even how you at up your home pages are back to normal, but you'd have the benefits of the new ROM. I love Synergy ROM. there are a lot of good ones.

bbrad said:
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use my backup pro. It's simple and works well for me.
I flash a lot of roms to check them out and my backup pro restores all my apps, contacts, txt messages every time without issue. It will even restore your shortcuts on your home screen if you'd like.
I also use TWRP. like it a lot.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app

As said previously, install cwm(through romantic manager) or twrp (through goo manager) (I personally prefer twrp) and make a full nandroid backup.
This backup will be your goto stock image in case you flash something else.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Thanks to Everyone! Your help has really made the process easy and worry free. I've completed the rooting, installed goomanager and installed TWRP and run a full backup. I'm even starting to get the itch to look at some ROMs... I guess you were right mnishamk.
I have a few questions and was hoping for some clarification please:
1. What is nandroid? I installed the TWRP and clicked "BACKUP". Is that a nandroid backup?
2. Is there a resource that I can go to that will list all of the ROMS that are available and the differences? I'm not really into tweaking a lot of things, but love smooth running/looking apps and efficiency.
3. My mom has a Galaxy Nexus (not sure which version/baseband -- does it matter). I would like to root her device.
4. My Dad has a Toshiba AT100 tablet. I would also like to do that.
I'm not sure where to find the guides for each of the devices.

jim.thornton said:
Thanks to Everyone! Your help has really made the process easy and worry free. I've completed the rooting, installed goomanager and installed TWRP and run a full backup. I'm even starting to get the itch to look at some ROMs... I guess you were right mnishamk.
I have a few questions and was hoping for some clarification please:
1. What is nandroid? I installed the TWRP and clicked "BACKUP". Is that a nandroid backup?
2. Is there a resource that I can go to that will list all of the ROMS that are available and the differences? I'm not really into tweaking a lot of things, but love smooth running/looking apps and efficiency.
3. My mom has a Galaxy Nexus (not sure which version/baseband -- does it matter). I would like to root her device.
4. My Dad has a Toshiba AT100 tablet. I would also like to do that.
I'm not sure where to find the guides for each of the devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes that's nandroid
2.Not really but I suggest cm10 its smooth stable and efficient
3.You can look at the thread for the galaxy nexus and there's probably a rooting guide stickied
4 Look at 3
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

I might suggest not rooting your mom's device/dad's tablet. I have helped my mom set up her tablet, but I'm not going to root it unless there's a really good reason where root is absolutely the only solution to what needs to be done.
The problem is, if she doesn't understand what rooting is and what's going on, she can mess up the phone much more than get any advantage. It's not really necessary unless you have a specific goal. I rooted my tablet because I wanted to flash custom ROMs because ASUS no longer supports this tablet. I rooted my phone because I wanted to install Google Wallet. I helped my friend root her phone so she could try out custom ROMs - she is computer literate unlike my mom and understands the risks involved.
Maybe your mom is much more into computers than mine is, but I wouldn't root a device for someone who doesn't understand it and doesn't have a reason to. While a custom recovery is useful for people who want to mess with their phones, it's not something a regular user really needs to the point that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app

Look for a rom that incorporates the CM/AOKP theme chooser. So many really nice looking themes. Alloy ui is a favorite of mine
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Rooting problem

Hi folks,
There was this wonderful guide on how to root a phone. Well, I'm stupid. I admit it.
I have NO idea what flashing means or what ROMing does...
regardless, my sole aim & purpose here was to figure out a way HOW to get my phone in a state, where i can delete ANY APPLICATION tmobile puts on my bloody phone that i don't want or need. much like getting a new HP laptop...i buy my own OS and delete everything and start from scratch...
so first i got my unlock code from tmobile...so my phone is unlocked...but i still can't delete any app
so guy next to me who i know and writes apps for android says i should root my phone
well i think i'm rooted...but can't confirm...
regardless, going through this process of rooting...it cleared out phone contents...which i knew it would...you know SD data, sim card data...photos, etc etc...
lol...well now i forgot what gmail ID i used to store all my phone contacts that sucks for me...
So HOW do i get my phone to a state where i can delete anything i want on my phone?!! Thx

Unlock bootloader, flash recovery e.g twrp (v 2.3.3 recommended, higher versions have problems) flash super user then download system tuner and delete the bloat or stuff u don't want under system tab
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app

This guide makes it pretty easy.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24478083
Follow the steps to unlock bootloader, get a new recovery, and a custom Rom.
Customs Roms don't come with all that tmobile bloat. If you like Sense, try Viper One S.
Goodluck and enjoy the wonderful world of xda.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

npiper05 said:
This guide makes it pretty easy.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24478083
Follow the steps to unlock bootloader, get a new recovery, and a custom Rom.
Customs Roms don't come with all that tmobile bloat. If you like Sense, try Viper One S.
Goodluck and enjoy the wonderful world of xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what a ROM is
But yes, I don't like ANY of the Tmobile bloated software...my INTENTION is to delete all the apps it puts on and just put my own on.
I also don't know what new recovery means.
I'm a guy that pretty much has used Win7 for ages & ages..this is my "realistically" first smartphone, because the "actual 1st" had a broken screen and didn't play with it much. All of this Android stuff is pretty new.
So yeah, I just like clean slates...I pretty much just want my phone to play the music I add on it, my Pandora & watch a few TV shows that I add to the phone via USB from my PC.
As a side question, is it OKAY to ask about "cracked" apps...meaning finding apps that are free but are normally billable..thanks.
Earlier this morning I did go to one of the threads here to start "rooting" but I don't know if I'm done or not...how do I know?

get to know xda, not just these threads--ck out the wiki
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Main_Page
i read and searched everything when i started
you cannot discuss cracked apps as the are illegal
if you are rooted you can dl and use apps like titanium backup and root explorer from market
all this takes time but effort like everything else we do
enjoy the advantages of being rooted
and once you are make a backup (nandroid) asap and a copy of your sdcard. put both on pc also

[Q] Root/Custom Rom Help LG LW690 (Optimus C)

Hello,
I am new to the forums and android in general. Anyways, I am wondering if any one could advise me on the best steps to root and update my oldish android phone. It is currently on android 2.2.1 and has no support for 2.2.3 which is why I believe I need a custom rom.. I have looked thru numerous threads and sources but have yet to find a method i fully understand and trust, as i hear it.. you guys are very helpful and i am hoping that is true cause im about to pull my hair out at this point
Thanks in advance for any help, its appreciated very much.

Its great that you are showing interest in this. (Edited out, the device is stated in title xD).
Rooting shouldn't be as hard at installing a custom ROM. Older devices are rarely supported nowadays, unless it's really popular like the HTC Wildfire or something.
The best way to root your Optimus C is by using GingerBreak. Many users that have your device use that.
Info on other useful guides (rooting,cwm,ROMs) go here - http://androidforums.com/optimus-c-all-things-root/
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Thanks for taking the time to repond/help. Anyways, after some more research I think I found a easy root solution.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13086954
This method seems both easy and very sraight forward. Could any one please confirm? Id just like a lil insight before taking the plunge. lol
Note* I would link the posts stating this does work to gain root access but i cant post outside links untill i have 10 posts on XDA.

Don't worry, the root method should work just fine.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Ok, got it rooted
The next step would be to download rom manager and make a custom recovery using clockworkmod?
Btw~ incase someone is confused in the future. The root procedure was a few simple steps.
Before doing these steps make sure usb debugging is active. Also temp disable your anti-virus as it will flag the apk as a virus, This is a false positive.
1. Download the file from the first post in the thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1049944. (the easy way for me "since i don't have a usb cord" was to click the QR code link on the first post and scan it with one of the many free qr scanner apps from the play store.
2. Navigate to the download and install the APK.
3. Open Gingerbreak.
4. Click "root" and wait for your device to reboot. Thats all :laugh: "if the process takes more then ten minutes reboot your device and run it again"
5. You can go ahead and uinstall/delete the apk once you have sucessfully rooted.

The next step would be to download and install the devices custom recovery.
Don't just install any, again go to that site I had provided you with earlier that have the stock and custom .imgs with steps on how to install it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Ok so.. I have a problem, I was about to setup a custom recovery when all of a sudden Super User decided to update and now im a little lost. I have still have root acess and all of my root only apps are working perfectly fine. but every time i use a root app or reboot my phone since the SU update i get a message saying my binary files need to be updated. I try to update them and it fails every time, I have looked though a few threads and the only fix i could find was to use busybox installer. But.. busybox will not install on my device. How do i go forward with this? I don't want to mess anything up.. specially since i just thought i had it all figured out. :crying:

Nevermind, I guess i found a decent work around, I uninstalled the update and forced it to not auto update. I don't know if this is a bad practice but it seems to have solved the issue.

I like LG' phones. I am using LG P500 and very like...:good::angel: