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[Q] HTC noob

Hey all new HTC guy here and owned a Captivate since release. I'm trying out the Inspire (Tried the Atrix but it was kinda meh). I just have a few questions that I couldn't find answers to. What the heck is a Gold Card and how do I use it? I actually made one with the prog in the Dev section and when I put it in my PC or phone it says it's corrupted or needs to be formatted, is that normal? On the cappy I just flashed Rom manager and installed CWM and installed the roms from there, I'm assuming it's the same for the Inspire? If anyone could toss me a few links or a step by step to get this thing going I'd really appreciate it! I'm sure this has been answered a million times so I apologize.
Thanks!

There are some directions and explaining what it is, I havent messed with it yet but I believe you have to format the sdcard to make it? and to root u have to downgrade roms and then reupgrade or switch to custom rom that is already rooted.

Just follow the directions in the hack kit...takes 30-45 minutes to go through the process. I made my gold card using the hex editor method but I know there is a gui in the kit to "automate" the process.
Once you get through that you just use rom manager like normal to do your rom flashes.
Edit...on your gold card corrupt question, it did not work correctly if you are seeing those errors. The card can still be used for storage after it has been made.

Clienterror said:
Hey all new HTC guy here and owned a Captivate since release. I'm trying out the Inspire (Tried the Atrix but it was kinda meh). I just have a few questions that I couldn't find answers to. What the heck is a Gold Card and how do I use it? I actually made one with the prog in the Dev section and when I put it in my PC or phone it says it's corrupted or needs to be formatted, is that normal? On the cappy I just flashed Rom manager and installed CWM and installed the roms from there, I'm assuming it's the same for the Inspire? If anyone could toss me a few links or a step by step to get this thing going I'd really appreciate it! I'm sure this has been answered a million times so I apologize.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem it has to do with the SD card your using. I think that the one your using cannot be edited in the way you need. Try another card. For me it took three different cards and the one that actually worked was the Samsung one that came with the phone. Hope this helps!
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

[Q] General Xoom Root Questions

Greetings to all Xoom users!
I'm a happy Xoom Wifi user (HWI69) with some basic root questions.
- If I unlock and root my Xoom will I be able to unroot and relock my xoom since the official motorola files are out?
- If I follow the procedure to unlock and root the xoom will I lose all the apps/configuration that I have customized?
- Is there a way to make a full backup without rooting?
- Is there anyway to use the sdcard slot without rooting the xoom?
- Any news on a motorola update that will activate the sdcard slot?
- I saw quite a lot of users who have bricked their wifi xoom trying to root the beast. Since the official motorola wifi files are available is it guaranty that I will be able to unbrick my xoom if something goes wrong?
- Is there a difference between soft brick and hard brick?
I think that's all for the moment
Thanks for your help!

spirouzbe said:
Greetings to all Xoom users!
I'm a happy Xoom Wifi user (HWI69) with some basic root questions.
- If I unlock and root my Xoom will I be able to unroot and relock my xoom since the official motorola files are out?
Possibly
- If I follow the procedure to unlock and root the xoom will I lose all the apps/configuration that I have customized?
If you don't back them up .... Yes
- Is there a way to make a full backup without rooting?
Yes and No
- Is there anyway to use the sdcard slot without rooting the xoom?
Not currently
- Any news on a motorola update that will activate the sdcard slot?
No Answer
- I saw quite a lot of users who have bricked their wifi xoom trying to root the beast. Since the official motorola wifi files are available is it guaranty that I will be able to unbrick my xoom if something goes wrong?
No Answer
- Is there a difference between soft brick and hard brick?
I would think Yes
I think that's all for the moment
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my .02 but more detailed information is available in the forum.

spirouzbe said:
- I saw quite a lot of users who have bricked their wifi xoom trying to root the beast. Since the official motorola wifi files are available is it guaranty that I will be able to unbrick my xoom if something goes wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have had problems only because they attempted to relock without flashing the official Motorola images first; Motorola did not have these available for download until very recently. So long as you don't try and relock without the correct images on the device first, you should be fine.

Land Master said:
That was my .02 but more detailed information is available in the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answers ! I have read about all the posts on the Xoom section and i asked those questions because im kind of confused as the informations found are quite different depending on the model/date of the posts.
Some more questions
- For the unrooted backup do you have any app suggestions ?
- What is the purpose of ClockWorkMod Recovery ? Will it protect me from flashing the wrong xoom files (boot ?) ? Kind of a HardSPL/USPL we use with the HTC custom roms ?
ydaraishy said:
They have had problems only because they attempted to relock without flashing the official Motorola images first; Motorola did not have these available for download until very recently. So long as you don't try and relock without the correct images on the device first, you should be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So now that we have those correct motorola images we are able to relock the Wifi Xoom without any problem ?
Thanks again for all your help

spirouzbe said:
So now that we have those correct motorola images we are able to relock the Wifi Xoom without any problem ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do it properly, I don't see why not.

I use My Backup Pro. It's not free but its pretty good. Actually haven't tried it yet on the Zoom but it works fine on my EVO. For rooted users Titanium Backup is good.
The custom recovery will be the foundation of "easy" upgrades to new Rom's, kernels, etc. through flash-able files. Without it you would be required to use ADB to "push" everything to the device. It is also the best backup solution to insure a "complete" backup of your entire system through the Nandroid backup feature. This feature is currently experiencing issues because it is trying to backup the entire "internal" storage to an "external SD card". Since the card is formatted as Fat32 the largest file it can hold is 4GB. This poses a problem because the "internal" drive could have "partitions" larger than 4GB if you have a lot of media on your device. Its still a work in progress. As far as if it "protects" you.....probably not. You need to be sure of what you are doing before using the features.
Regarding the re-lock.... A few users have posted that they were able to re-lock their device but I do not believe anyone has posted as to whether doing so erases any indication that the device was originally un-locked. If you plan on keeping your Xoom for the long haul, I would recommend un-locking and leaving it alone. If for some reason you need to return it for service...THEN worry about re-locking it and dealing any potential pit falls doing so may uncover.

Land Master said:
I use My Backup Pro. It's not free but its pretty good. Actually haven't tried it yet on the Zoom but it works fine on my EVO. For rooted users Titanium Backup is good.
The custom recovery will be the foundation of "easy" upgrades to new Rom's, kernels, etc. through flash-able files. Without it you would be required to use ADB to "push" everything to the device. It is also the best backup solution to insure a "complete" backup of your entire system through the Nandroid backup feature. This feature is currently experiencing issues because it is trying to backup the entire "internal" storage to an "external SD card". Since the card is formatted as Fat32 the largest file it can hold is 4GB. This poses a problem because the "internal" drive could have "partitions" larger than 4GB if you have a lot of media on your device. Its still a work in progress. As far as if it "protects" you.....probably not. You need to be sure of what you are doing before using the features.
Regarding the re-lock.... A few users have posted that they were able to re-lock their device but I do not believe anyone has posted as to whether doing so erases any indication that the device was originally un-locked. If you plan on keeping your Xoom for the long haul, I would recommend un-locking and leaving it alone. If for some reason you need to return it for service...THEN worry about re-locking it and dealing any potential pit falls doing so may uncover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent advice. Thank you Land Master.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

A couple of embarrassing questions...

I'm brand new to Android. I just upgraded from the Tilt2. I flashed my original Tilt and my Tilt2 many times. Everything here seems totally alien right now. I've been reading non-stop. However, a couple of things seem ominously elusive.
1. When you create a gold card, do you have to use the same SD Card that you used to create the Gold Card at all times in your phone? Right now I have a 16GB card, but I plan to order a 32GB card. My 16GB card is only class 2. In order to record HD video, I have read that I will need a faster card. Still, I'm anxious to root my phone. I don't want to wait until I get a larger, faster card. Can I root my phone with the 16GB card, and when the 32GB card arrives, just pop it out, insert the the 32GB card, and have everything still work?
2. I have decided to use the Ace-Hack Kit to emancipate my phone. I know that this request usually brings out the flame throwers. I thought I would then flash Core Droid. It seems like it's the most popular Rom here. It has over 4,000 replies to the thread. Does that sound like a reasonable place for a total noob to start?
Thanks.

This thread will likely be moved to general so please in the future post these things there. We like to keep this sub forum clean for development only.
That said...
1. Absolutely. You can put your gold card up once you're rooted and pop in the 32. No problem.
2. Great choice . Although there are alot a good roms out there to choose from with good devs behind them. Try a few.
3. Welcome to android

volumnus said:
I'm brand new to Android. I just upgraded from the Tilt2. I flashed my original Tilt and my Tilt2 many times. Everything here seems totally alien right now. I've been reading non-stop. However, a couple of things seem ominously elusive.
1. When you create a gold card, do you have to use the same SD Card that you used to create the Gold Card at all times in your phone? Right now I have a 16GB card, but I plan to order a 32GB card. My 16GB card is only class 2. In order to record HD video, I have read that I will need a faster card. Still, I'm anxious to root my phone. I don't want to wait until I get a larger, faster card. Can I root my phone with the 16GB card, and when the 32GB card arrives, just pop it out, insert the the 32GB card, and have everything still work?
2. I have decided to use the Ace-Hack Kit to emancipate my phone. I know that this request usually brings out the flame throwers. I thought I would then flash Core Droid. It seems like it's the most popular Rom here. It has over 4,000 replies to the thread. Does that sound like a reasonable place for a total noob to start?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, please post questions in the general section. The development section is for.....development.
On your first question. You can do whatever you want with the gold card once your done rooting. Take it out, reformat and reuse it, save it for another root.
On your second question, number of posts on a ROM thread doesn't mean anything. What about new ROMs that just came out that only 10 people have posted to so far?
Post count =/= popularity contest.
Your choice of Core Droid is as good as any other choice. In other words, root, read the thread of a potential ROM, and you will get a feel for what people are liking/disliking about that ROM, then flash it and judge for yourself.

Thanks for your reply.
I realize that older roms will have more replies. Since I'm new, I just wanted to start with something that a lot of people have used and could help me with. This seems infinitely more complicated that flashing a Tilt2. I'm pretty nervous.
This is what I plan to do, sound okay?
Liberate the phone using Ace Hack Kit.
Reinstall stock radio.
Flash Core Droid.
Am I missing anything?

volumnus said:
Am I missing anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
1. Read
2. Read
3. Read
4. Root
5. Flash stock ROM
6. Flash CoreDroid
7. Post in the correct section next time.

Okay
In the "effen manual" in the Ace Hack Kit, it gives instructions for reflashing the stock radio and the stock rom after you've rooted the phone. Per your suggestion, I will be sure to reflash the phone to stock before I install Core Droid. I am reading like crazy. There's just a ton of stuff that isn't applicable, man.
I figured the menu that allows you to restore the phone to stock was put in the Ace Hack Kit just in case you needed to return the phone for insurance purposes. I didn't realize it was a critical step in the process. Thanks for the clarification.

volumnus said:
In the "effen manual" in the Ace Hack Kit, it gives instructions for reflashing the stock radio and the stock rom after you've rooted the phone. Per your suggestion, I will be sure to reflash the phone to stock before I install Core Droid. I am reading like crazy. There's just a ton of stuff that isn't applicable, man.
I figured the menu that allows you to restore the phone to stock was put in the Ace Hack Kit just in case you needed to return the phone for insurance purposes. I didn't realize it was a critical step in the process. Thanks for the clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was parroting back what you had written semi-sarcastically, and didn't realize it was misleading. For that I apologize...
You don't necessarily have to flash back to stock before flashing CoreDroid. You just need s-Off, which the hack kit achieves.
But you do have to flash SOMETHING, because, and I'm not completely up-to-date with the latest version of the hack kit, but last I was aware, you will have, at the end of the process, an intentionally (though meant to be only temporary) downgraded rom.
That menu you speak of may just be the newer version of the hack kit making it easier for people to get a working rom, instead of leaving with the downgraded ROM, and wondering why **** isn't working right. That's a common speed bump people run into. They think they're done, and don't realize part of this process *MUST* downgrade the ROM this one initial time,in order to make it rootable going forward.
At that point, its up to the rooter to flash a fully functional ROM.
Now, *as long as you've got s-Off*, which you will be able to check when you reboot the phone into hboot, you can flash any ROM you want.
You'll be rooted if you flash a rooted ROM, CoreDroid, whatever.

Okay.
I'm starting to see the light.
After I have have downgraded the rom using the Ace Hack Kit, I reflash the stock radio but not the stock rom? Then I install core droid (or whatever custom rom I want)? The radio will not be affected by flashing a custom rom? The stock radio will work with core droid?

volumnus said:
I'm starting to see the light.
After I have have downgraded the rom using the Ace Hack Kit, I reflash the stock radio but not the stock rom? Then I install core droid (or whatever custom rom I want)? The radio will not be affected by flashing a custom rom? The stock radio will work with core droid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, I'm not fully up to date with the hack kit. Your best source of information about the state of the radio it leaves you with is the manual, or that thread.
I don't want to give you answers I'm not qualified to give. I used bubby's method, and that took care of getting back to a stock, rooted ROM with the stock radio.
At that point I flashed a different ROM, and later still, eventually updated my radio to the most recent one.
So I took a different path, but have a basic, very basic, awareness of the hack kit/related concepts.
That's why you should seek out the answers specific to the hack kit/CoreDroid in their respective threads.

Thanks
You've been very helpful.

Thread closed since you laready got your answers. Also, please post in the correct sections .

[Q] Achieving Root on stock ROM?

Is it possible to simply achieve root on the stock 3.1 ROM? While I easily followed, understood and successfully rooted my Inspire4G, I seem to be having a harder time wrapping my head around the process for my new Xoom WiFi. I'm sure I will soon do it, but am currently analyzing all possible paths. I do not want a 10.1 inch brick.
Question 2: I noticed most methods involve placing files onto an sdcard. I have one, but was under the impression that there was no support for the card and the Xoom yet. How are those files used if they are not visible.? Do they become visible after flashing new ROM? Confused.
Thanks in advance.

fwempa said:
Is it possible to simply achieve root on the stock 3.1 ROM? While I easily followed, understood and successfully rooted my Inspire4G, I seem to be having a harder time wrapping my head around the process for my new Xoom WiFi. I'm sure I will soon do it, but am currently analyzing all possible paths. I do not want a 10.1 inch brick.
Question 2: I noticed most methods involve placing files onto an sdcard. I have one, but was under the impression that there was no support for the card and the Xoom yet. How are those files used if they are not visible.? Do they become visible after flashing new ROM? Confused.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there are a few guides in the Development section that are quite good. I would avoid any "one click" method, however. Do you want to flash a new recovery and custom kernel/rom or do you want to remain stock after rooting?
Edit: I hadn't seen your second question until I had responded to the first.
Well here's where the custom recovery and kernel/rom comes in.
The Team Tiamat kernels/roms add functionality of external SD card among other wonderful things. I urge you to consider flashing one of them. The configuration I have (in my signature) works really well and adds a lot of functionality to the Xoom. It's basically the latest Tiamat recovery and Tiamat Rom 1.1. You may have to also flash a bootloader that's appropriate to your Xoom, though you may be able to avoid that extra step.
Read as much as you can in the relevant threads and when you choose a method, follow it carefully. Just get everything ready in advance, take your time and you'll be fine.
Good luck and enjoy!

I just rooted my wifi xoom using this procedure. It was pretty straight forward and everything worked perfectly.
Root procedures: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1078019
Tiamat kernal for honeycomb microsd support/overclocking: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=978013

[Q] Noobie Help. DO you need sd card to root

Hello all, I recently acquired a skyrocket and new to this rooting thing. I swtch from iphone to this phone and loving it. Do you need an sd card to root? also can someone give me a step by step guide to rooting. I want to root to have super user and back up all my apps but would like to stay as close to stock as possible til I learn and get comfortable with rooting and flashing the kernel.

Yea. Obvs u need a SD card. Where are you going to keep your roms and kernels
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using XDA App

thre3aces said:
Yea. Obvs u need a SD card. Where are you going to keep your roms and kernels
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the internal SD card, which CWM recognizes and can use just fine.

jayzfelon said:
Hello all, I recently acquired a skyrocket and new to this rooting thing. I swtch from iphone to this phone and loving it. Do you need an sd card to root? also can someone give me a step by step guide to rooting. I want to root to have super user and back up all my apps but would like to stay as close to stock as possible til I learn and get comfortable with rooting and flashing the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read the guides that are already posted in the DEV section. You don't need a SD card to root nor to run custom ROMs. It is advisable to get one though.

shansmi said:
Please read the guides that are already posted in the DEV section. You don't need a SD card to root nor to run custom ROMs. It is advisable to get one though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post a link I've been searching how to root with out an SD card.
Xoom 4g

k0nane said:
On the internal SD card, which CWM recognizes and can use just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Yes you can just use the internal memory.

jayzfelon said:
Hello all, I recently acquired a skyrocket and new to this rooting thing. I swtch from iphone to this phone and loving it. Do you need an sd card to root? also can someone give me a step by step guide to rooting. I want to root to have super user and back up all my apps but would like to stay as close to stock as possible til I learn and get comfortable with rooting and flashing the kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give this thread a read. I think you'll find it very usefull.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1427268