Database Info

Some general ROM/Kernel questions from a newbie

Hi, I am a relative newbie to ROM flashing and the like. Additionally I dont have a very deep computer knowledge base. I have rooted my Samsung Captivate and have flashed a ROM (which flashed properly, but didn't quite work). I have three questions about ROM usage and such:
1. I know kernels basically add aspects to the ROM you are running, but when should you flash these? How do you flash them (same process as with ROMs? do you just do it over-top of the Rom you currently have loaded? etc...)
2. If a newer version of the ROM you have running comes out, do you have to start over and completely wipe the device over again and do the whole process from start, or can you load a newer version of your current ROM over the one you have?
3. I have been hearing/reading about some problems with the Android Market disappearing on certain ROMs when the market updates, how can i avoid this/fix this?
Thanks. Sorry the basic/stupid questions.

1. Yes
2. There are WIPE versions and NO WIPE version. Usually you can use the NO WIPE version and keep everything. But sometimes if the roms are too different you get problems and errors, then it is recommended to flash a WIPE version.
3. Hm did not experience this yet, but there are fixes somewhere .

Whats up... No question is a stupid one buddy.... (Sometimes )
To answer your first question about kernels. Flashing kernels aren't a must. You don't have to flash them really, unless there is a need. Kernels for the most part can often change the way Android handles stuff like memory management, battery resources and even multitasking. They change (tweak) the way the Android OS itself interacts with the phones hardware. That's all a kernel is really. So read up on them before flashing them because each has their advantages and disadvantages. For example, the kernel I use gives me a good RAM boost and much better battery life but it suffers on the multitasking side and I have to do other stuff to compensate for that. That's how it is. As far as flashing them is concerned. That depends. Usually, you just flash them through recovery (Like a ROM) but I would suggest you follow the instructions they give you (if it exists).
Your second question is simple. Just follow the instructions they give you for installation. Some ROMS require a full wipe and others don't. It just depends on the ROM. When in doubt, follow the instructions (again if it exists).
Your third question is a weird one, I've never heard about that really. BUT.... Some ROMS may or may not include the GAPPS applications (Google Apps).
If the ROM you flash doesn't have Google Apps built in, it would literally be missing. You would have to flash it separately. Usually in those cases though, at the download location for that ROM, they would also provide links for GAPPS zip files to flash separately so you can have the option to go with Android Market, Gmail and such OR you can use an alternative. Short of that..... never heard of that issue before..... If the issue is happening after the Market app updates, in that case it might be some type of ROM issue, you'll probably have to somehow get the updated Vending.apk (Android Market) remove/backup the original and reinstall it manually (the way you would a regular apk). I'm guessing though....
Don't you just love research........

Thanks. And now, inevitably, answers lead to more questions.
With regards to kernels, how do I know which one's do what, are compatible with which ROMs etc. I feel like its the kinda thing that needs a giant database for them, but i know there isn't.
Also, is the process for flashing other .zip files the same (though either Rom manager or a built in Recovery option). For example, a bootanimation.zip?
Ultimately I hate the idea of asking overly simply questions, but I just don't know what I dont know, nor what is supposedly implied. Thanks.

Don't sweat it...... I'm in the same boat so I have no hangups....
I think I know what you mean when it comes to kernels. Ultimately, learning about kernels requires a lot of reading in many forums (Just like this one)... Why?.... Because in many instances the persons posting the kernels might not always give you an exact breakdown on exactly what it does..... so I understand. Your best bet would be scanning XDA. I've found all sorts of really excellent kernels lying around and the devs here love documentation so there is a good chance you'll know what it does...
You could also try DroidBasement: http://droidbasement.com/db-blog/
They actually have just what you wanted, a database....kind of. They have a very large variety of kernels for different devices so its a good place to start as well.
They also tend to do a breakdown of what each kernel is capable of, the device it should be used on and so on.
About flashing zip files. Generally speaking, most zip files are flashed through recovery but its not written in stone. Following the instructions concerning said zip files are always very important. Always look for instructions before you do so at least at first. In the case of bootanimation.zip.... They are not always flashable. But if it is flashable, you can flash it through recovery which would be the best method....
If you want though, you can replace the original bootanimation.zip file with the new one manually, once you have root and some type of root explorer (for example RootExplorer for Android).
Generally, the boot animation directory is usually, /System/Media so you can check to see if its there and if it is, just backup the original and replace it with the new one.... That should work... Always nandroid before doing so though.... before doing anything really....

Thanks. I actually had a question about nandroid but forgot. Basically, what is it. I realize contextually that it's a backup program and apparently works through the recovery menus. I read a ROM flashing step-by-step that mentioned it but couldnt figure out where to get it (not in the market unlike Ti-bu which i use currently).

Nandroid is a backup program that basically creates a flash image of your phone... If you've ever heard of "Ghosting" or "Imaging" a Hard Drive, its exactly the same thing.
Its really as good as it gets as far as data backup is concerned. Its also a low level backup, so even file structures would be recorded.. In other words, you can completely screw up your phone (file partitions everything!!!!) but once you can boot to recovery, your phone can be restored. That's why its so important because its your safety net....
Its not something that you can install like an apk, so its not in the market.
You would have to flash a custom recovery. If you have one already, it should be located in one of the menus (It changes depending on the type (brand) of recovery).
If you don't see the option in your recovery then its probably not custom and you're going to have to do some digging on these forums and maybe a bit of googling for instructions on exactly how to do so. Because it could change from device to device.
Nandroid also allows you to backup your sd-ext partition as well, so if you switch cards, you can restore to another card.... Its really incredibly handy and I wouldn't suggest you do anything until you can create nandroid backups....

Now, I'm having an interesting problem I posted this same thing in general Captivate forums but maybe someone who is looking at this/answering me knows. here's what i posted there:
have a Captivate that I recently flashed Di11i's 7.1.1 to, before that I had flashed my first ROM which was Serendipity 6.2. Both times I have found that I don't get incoming calls. People calling me get 2-3 rings, and then a traditional "busy signal" sound. On my end, either the phone vibrates once but the screen doesnt change from whatever screen I'm on. Or, The screen goes black like its going to the incoming call screen, but the black screens only flashes and goes away, as does a force close message box that goes away quickly without me clicking it.
Everything else on my phone works as far as I can tell, I've been running my current ROM for about 5 days without issues other than this one. This same exact problem also happened when I flashed Serendipity 6.2 (which I only kept for like a day because of this problem)

Ok....I currently use a G1 and most of my experience has been on HTC Devices. I'm not sure of how to reply to this as I have never really modded Samsung devices before. So I'm not really familiar with software and hardware differences (Like Bootloader, Recoveries, Radios and such). But based on what you're describing.... It sounds like a ROM or maybe a radio issue. Maybe its an issue with the phone app itself. If the app is somehow buggy then thats exactly what would happen. When the phone rings the phone app would try to run but then force close....
I'm guessing here, but it could also be a radio issue because you're getting a busy tone as well which is not good. Maybe the ROM requires a specific Radio version BEFORE its flashed.... Check the source of the download and determine if it requires a specific Radio version.
In my experience though, if the correct radio version isn't used for a ROM that requires it, the phone just won't boot..... but then again, I don't know what would happen on a Samsung Captivate.... Not sure if I can help on this one because I don't have any info on that type of hardware. I don't own one you see.....

What about if you found out a new kernel isn't as good as the old kernel, how would you go on to take away the new kernel to replace it with the old kernel? Is it the same process or even harder?

vlen22 said:
What about if you found out a new kernel isn't as good as the old kernel, how would you go on to take away the new kernel to replace it with the old kernel? Is it the same process or even harder?
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NOW THIS IS ANNOYING..
u have to flash ur rom again..
but fortunately u dont need to do and wiping data or partitioning sd card.. jus flash rom..

Its not something that you can install like an apk, so its not in the market.

zeemar007 said:
NOW THIS IS ANNOYING..
u have to flash ur rom again..
but fortunately u dont need to do and wiping data or partitioning sd card.. jus flash rom..
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Click to collapse
The rom kernel that I downloaded, or flashing clockwork recovery mod? Like adrenylyne's kernel for the thunderbolt.
EDIT: Never mind, I found out. I didn't mean any harm if MY POST was annoying.

If you have two kernels, in a flashable zip, you can just flash them over each other to exchange them (turn off any modification the kernel did befor though, like lagfix).

New question, I had an app (quick office) that came on my captivate. Now that I've flashed di11i's 7.1 I don't have it anymore. This is particularly peculiar because all the other native apps are still here:samsungs media player from example. How do I go about getting this missing app back on my phone. I have all the backup files on my computer so I should have the .apk (although I'm not entirely sure how to install those properly) thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Recommended TODO list before flahing

So we are all flashing and re flashing new excellent ROMS that are being developed by the great devoted guys in here. I looked around and beside this I didn't find any TODO list before flashing.
So here is my little contribution,of the tasks I do before every flash to verify that I don't loose any data,but only upgrade my beloved device:
CONTACTS:
Since I'm not using my google account to sync my contacts(I'm a little bit envy of my privacy regarding the people I'm in contact with) - backup contacts using the import function in the contacts section
SMS/MMS:
Backup my sms/mms using any of the much too many apps in the market
APPS(Here is a section that I know will cause a lot of discussion):
I don't use titanium - I tried to use it during my first months with this phone I just didn't like it.I know it could be great to just save everything using it but I found it..hmmm...not suiting my needs and wants so I don't use it.
Instead recently I found a great feature in File expert which lets you backup your APKs(without the data,i.e. scores in games) - I find it very convenient because when I flash I want a clean start where I know exactly what I put back into the phone.
LAUNCHER:
I'm putting not a little effort to make my phone look as awsome as possible(and I'm sure you are too) so in order to save the trouble of configuring your preferred launcher after every flash - just back its settings. most of the used launchers have this option in their settings.
BATTERY:
Be sure you have enough battery life - best practice(which I admit that I'm not always follow)is to fully charge your phone before flashing.
FILES:
I personally always put my current rom zip and the one I'm about to flash on the sdcard to be on the safe side(boot loop for example that can be caused from bad download of the zip)-that way you always have a backup plan.
Also I'm trying to always backup all the content of my sdcard to my computer while I can, who knows what will happen during the flash - maybe you'll have to format your sdcard without any access to the data on it
UTILS:
even if you are just flashing using the CWM be sure to have a setup environment for ODIN:drivers,odin,tars etc.
And last but most important - NANDROID BACKUP:
Always and I repeat Always make a nandroid backup(if you are on the GB kernels I think there is a problem with backup/restore so I heard a solution is to flash the Bali kernel and make a restore with it - search the forum for more details.
That's it - I hope I didn't forget anything.
Please if you have any suggestions/comments don't hesitate to bring them up and I'll update this post if needed.
Enjoy

Thumbs up, bro.
I'm a big fan of Titanium backup though..
I will definately look at file expert to be using up to date supplemental apks when building a ROM.
Sent from me

For apks I just copy the install file from data/app or system/app to my sd card/app. This probably takes a little longer than batch functions. The only problem i encounter with this method is the need to push some apks back to system/app when they won't install properly. I like to reset my launcher after a flash but all of this is just personal preference
Post logs not complaints

Good stuff. Stuff that should be in the wiki Note the issue with CWM & GB is fixed in the later releases (version 5, I think) fixes that problem. I know it's available in bhndven's KJ6 kernels but I'm not sure about elsewhere.

Smells sticky...
Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk

stephen_w said:
Good stuff. Stuff that should be in the wiki Note the issue with CWM & GB is fixed in the later releases (version 5, I think) fixes that problem. I know it's available in bhndven's KJ6 kernels but I'm not sure about elsewhere.
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Yes I heard about this but I haven't tried it yet and also I think most (if not all) the ROMs here still use the old CWM so...

alon2 said:
Yes I heard about this but I haven't tried it yet and also I think most (if not all) the ROMs here still use the old CWM so...
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The ROMs themselves can be flashed from either. It's the Nandroid backups/restores that have an issue

stephen_w said:
The ROMs themselves can be flashed from either. It's the Nandroid backups/restores that have an issue
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exactly what I meant

DT APP2SD - New Way of flashing ROMS?

OK...Let's get something out of the way before anyone start getting irate with me and saying things they shouldn't be about this thread does not belong here...
THIS IS NOT A ROM...does it have to do with Development? I believe so....
We have always been instructed by every ROM Devs that we have to WIPE Everything in order to get our ROMs stable and running as it should...well this post goes counter to what you've been told by almost any post on XDA-Dev
I am addicted to flashing ROMs to see which best suits my needs, however the pain of having to install my apps (I have more than 150...don't ask) usually kept me from trying as many as I would like to....started thinking about how DT APP2SD work...since it is a partition that is completely separated from where the ROM is flashed...WHY DO WE HAVE TO WIPE IT??? So, I started flashing different ROMs, from ICS, Gingerbread to even Froyo to test my theory. Low and behold...more than 95% of my apps held intact (albeit no DATA - you can use Titanium or MyBackup Root to restore the Apps Data) with no hiccups when running from one ROM to another. I have flashed from AOSP to SENSE to MIUI...same result, my apps remain intact as long as I wipe EVERYTHING EXCEPT the SD-EXT...DALVIK CACHE HAS TO WIPE...even though part of it is on the Extension!!!
The reason why is simple. Any DEVs that baked DT APP2SD into their ROMs essentially call for this partition at boot...and once the ROM call for this partition...all the apps that are located in there still remain and the ROM uses it as if it was part of the ROM.
Also, I have even tested it so extensively that I flashed a Sense, an AOSP and ICS independently - after making sure my ROM was stable, reboot to RECOVERY and plug my phone to my PC running Linux....automatically the SD EXT pops up and I dropped all my apps (again, more than 150) to it...and KABOOM!!! Upon reboot...all my apps started showing up.
Again, I have no intent to take space from the DEVs who are doing a GREAT job supporting our phones....
I am posting this in the hope of helping those who flash often and also the Devs themselves from having to reinstall all their apps everytime they flash a new ROM.
If the MODs feels like this does not belong here...please feel free to move it. I think that it could play an integral role in development to all the Devs out there, hence why I am posting it here.
PS: I am not here every day, I have two little ones and a beautiful wife that I try spend as much time with...so please be patient with me if you PM me for more details on how to do this.
If this helps you in any way, please hit the thanks button...
Again, thanks to all the great works the Devs are doing!!!!

I have done this before and it does work. The only thing that keeps me from doing this is the lack of the ability to do a batch data only restore with titanium. Am I missing something? How do u quickly restore the data to your apps?

do a batch, and at the top, select data only.

lawsonmh15 said:
do a batch, and at the top, select data only.
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Ooooohhhh......how did I not put 2 and 2 together. Thanks.

Would it not depend on the ROM your flashing?

i've been doing this for awhile, jus thought it was common knowledge. there have been some apps that FC, but i'm a FLASH chronic, and reinstall apps wud suck. ROOT UNINSTALLER is also a great app to do BU's.

I've done the same thing a couple times in the past (between CM and Sense) but always had nagging doubts that I was screwing something up somehow... Good to know that someone has taken the time to confirm that this is actually a reasonably safe process! I just had to do a nightmare manual one-by-one app restore on a ROM I flashed but I'm glad that now I can comfortably use this trick in the future.
Thanks man.

The reason for a full wipe is that most people don't have their sd card partitioned.I myself have partitioned mine and do exactly what you suggested and it does work,i figured this out after wiping the sd-exta few times,1 time i decided not to,i noticed my apps were still there after i installed another rom.Of course if you have a google account,google keeps your apps and contacts backed up.

Would this also apply for those that have partitioned sd and have a Sense 3.0~3.5 ROM installed? Question is because some devs, if not all, set the rom to save part of the rom on sd-ext partition.

I have been doing this all the time for sense and asop roms, works great. Off topic - wiping more than once is BS unless you have bad nand or using bad wiping program.

Happy to see that some of you find this information useful. I just didn't want to get screamed at for posting it here.
It's a little I can help with in contrast to the great work the devs are doing
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

dragon_rckr said:
Would this also apply for those that have partitioned sd and have a Sense 3.0~3.5 ROM installed? Question is because some devs, if not all, set the rom to save part of the rom on sd-ext partition.
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It should have no impact because essentially your app folder is where everything is kept. If the Dev add some system info to the Ext it won't mess with your apps.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[Q] Trying different roms

I am looking to try different rims for my HOX. I was wanting to know if I could download the roms I want to try and install each one then make a nandroid back up. So when I wanna switch I don't have to install each rom then I could just use the backup.
I'm currently running CleanRom 4.5. I am no expert at this. I have only rooted one other phone besides this, it was the Inspire.
Some roms I was planning on looking at were:
Viper
CM10
Nocturnal
CleanRom 5.0
Sorry if the grammar is bad. Sending this from my phone.

Yes, you can do that. Keep in mind you should wipe data before flashing different ROMs. So you need to re-setup each time. But you can still do what you stated in the OP.

NeverToLate said:
I am looking to try different rims for my HOX. I was wanting to know if I could download the roms I want to try and install each one then make a nandroid back up. So when I wanna switch I don't have to install each rom then I could just use the backup.
I'm currently running CleanRom 4.5. I am no expert at this. I have only rooted one other phone besides this, it was the Inspire.
Some roms I was planning on looking at were:
Viper
CM10
Nocturnal
CleanRom 5.0
Sorry if the grammar is bad. Sending this from my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By all means go for it! I have a few tips for you, as one flasher to another
As redpoint said, each time you flash a new ROM you are starting from scratch. This only refers to your personal data and ROM settings, though. There are a few ways to guarantee that you won't be spending a long time configuring each ROM:
Cloud Storage is your friend! I personally use Dropbox to save anything important to my daily use since I can easily pull up documents stored there from anything connected to the internet. There are much more secure options to store files on the cloud, but you have to pay for the more secure options, and security is not of top importance to me (since I just store homework assignments and basic documents).
Use Google Backup! When you flash new android ROMs, there is a prompt that asks you if you would like to backup your phone to Google's servers. I usually hit yes to this prompt. After you have done this once, when you flash a new ROM and enter your Google account, any Play store apps you had installed will be redownloaded (including any personal data associated with the app, IF it's developer has enabled this feature). It's not a perfect way of restoring your apps, but it sure beats re-entering all of your data each time you want to try a new ROM.
Use services to store your contacts! I took a few days to enter ALL of my contacts into my Gmail account, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Each time I restore my phone, I have all of my contacts available. People who complain about losing all of their contacts along with their phone need to learn about this point.
Remember that your SD card partition stays intact between ROMs! Just because you install a new OS doesn't mean you lose everything. Any music, movies, documents, or even app data that is stored on your SD card is unaffected by flashing something new. This is because your SD card is a completely separate partition of your phone's memory. The One XL may not have a real SD card slot, but you can still treat this partition as separate from the rest of your phone. Personal Tip: I store my backups and ROM zip files in a "Recovery" folder on my SD card partition. Having all of those files in one place simplifies flashing in TWRP.
Avoid using tools like Titanium Backup to restore apps! For a while I decided to use Titanium to restore apps. After a while I realized that all of the errors I was experiencing was the result of mismatched phone IDs, cache errors, and a bunch of other small glitches caused by Titanium backup. It is not the fault of TB and it is still a useful tool, but using Google backup to restore your apps is much cleaner and will result in fewer errors.
Save your text messages! Titanium Backup has the option of saving your text messages as a .xml file, but this is more complex than just using play store applications like SMS Backup & Restore. If you don't back up your SMS, you will look totally unpopular when you keep flashing your phone (and have no text messages at all)!
I hope this list helps you out in your flashing journey. Don't be afraid to try new things, and remember that if you can get into recovery mode, you will be fine (ESPECIALLY if you back up your data in the ways I described).

Thanks for tips
As far as saving everything as you posted. I don't have really that many documents I need and I am a big fan of dropbox haha. As far as my contacts any contacts I put in my phone automatically go to my google account so they always transfer over for me.
I usually delete most text messages at night and that's when I will flash these ROMS as I will not be texting anyone later in the night so, no worries there.
I really only have a few apps that I use, so even if they don't reinstall it doesn't take long to find em.
My main focus of now is just downloaded the roms I want and putting them all on my sd card. Whenever I have time to flash em all I will set them up kind of the way I want em with my apps, then set up the next ROM.
When that process is complete I'll just test each one for a few days/weeks till I find the perfect one for me haha.
I was planning on doing full wipe/reset between each one so I am glad yall confirmed that for me haha. Anything else I should keep an eye out for?

redpoint73 said:
Yes, you can do that. Keep in mind you should wipe data before flashing different ROMs. So you need to re-setup each time. But you can still do what you stated in the OP.
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I don't have to do reset between nandroid backups do I?

NeverToLate said:
I was planning on doing full wipe/reset between each one so I am glad yall confirmed that for me haha. Anything else I should keep an eye out for?
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Just two things - Most ROMs (especially AOSP) are constantly updating to newer versions, and if you are trying to make ONE snapshot of a ROM and flash back to it whenever you want, be sure that it is a stable version. CM10 and AOKP builds all have bugs, features tend to break each nightly/weekly build, and then get fixed later. Be sure you grab one of the stable builds or at least one that has all of the features you need (NOT necessarily the latest one), otherwise you will be relying on a (potentially) unstable ROM as your backup.
The other thing is, if you were potentially going to flash radio or kernel files, be sure to choose the correct one and flash it each time you install a new ROM or update. Each time you flash a ROM zip, the data for the kernel and radio are overwritten. Especially with radio files, you can break your phone or just cause general errors if you flash the wrong thing (example: flashing a radio+RIL zip on an AOSP ROM can cause serious errors, but the same file is actually preferred on Sense based ROMs). You don't have to worry about these files at all, but if you do end up flashing them, be careful!

NeverToLate said:
I don't have to do reset between nandroid backups do I?
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Going between nandroids? No, recovery is going to overwrite the user data with the user data from the nandroid, so I don't think you need to worry about it.
---------- Post added at 04:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ----------
gridlock489 said:
Remember that your SD card partition stays intact between ROMs![/B] Just because you install a new OS doesn't mean you lose everything. Any music, movies, documents, or even app data that is stored on your SD card is unaffected by flashing something new. This is because your SD card is a completely separate partition of your phone's memory. The One XL may not have a real SD card slot, but you can still treat this partition as separate from the rest of your phone. Personal Tip: I store my backups and ROM zip files in a "Recovery" folder on my SD card partition. Having all of those files in one place simplifies flashing in TWRP.
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In theory, that is supposed to be true. But many people (including myself) have had instances of some or all of the SD contents erased or corrupted. The exact cause has still not been found, but possibly just a bug of the phone. I've had it happen several times now. If you have anything irreplaceable on the SD, I would suggest backing it up to your computer, Dropbox, or whatever, before flashing anything. This includes photos of videos that you took, and anything else not easily replaced. Backing up one known good nandroid is not a bad idea, either, just in case.

gridlock489 said:
Just two things - Most ROMs (especially AOSP) are constantly updating to newer versions, and if you are trying to make ONE snapshot of a ROM and flash back to it whenever you want, be sure that it is a stable version. CM10 and AOKP builds all have bugs, features tend to break each nightly/weekly build, and then get fixed later. Be sure you grab one of the stable builds or at least one that has all of the features you need (NOT necessarily the latest one), otherwise you will be relying on a (potentially) unstable ROM as your backup.
The other thing is, if you were potentially going to flash radio or kernel files, be sure to choose the correct one and flash it each time you install a new ROM or update. Each time you flash a ROM zip, the data for the kernel and radio are overwritten. Especially with radio files, you can break your phone or just cause general errors if you flash the wrong thing (example: flashing a radio+RIL zip on an AOSP ROM can cause serious errors, but the same file is actually preferred on Sense based ROMs). You don't have to worry about these files at all, but if you do end up flashing them, be careful!
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I don't plan on flashing any radios. As I did with the inspire, and it messed up my service bad and I didn't know how to fix it again. I didn't now too much about it then. Which I still don't but I know more now than I did then.

NeverToLate said:
Anything else I should keep an eye out for?
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Be sure you are using TWRP, and not Clockworkmod. CWM has known problems, as our device is not really supported (its just a port) and also USB mount is not working (which may be relevant if you run into problems such as the SD corruption I've mentioned).

I will be using TWRP. If I'm not mistaken I did a nandroid back up of stock rooted. I plan on copying my sd card to my computer external hd just for safety. I have a HTC One X Folder that I will put my roms in stuff in as well.
I will try to take screenshots of battery life for each day I use a certain rom. The battery probably won't go below 30% but screenshots would give a good idea to other people. And I will try to update my thoughts on each rom. Not promising I will get to but I will try.
I am going to download and check md5s today.
Idk if I will flash one tonight or not.

Also I may try to have a nandroid back up of the same rom if it has Sense and a non-Sense version. I have never tried a non Sense rom so I am really trying to figure out what I like best.

NeverToLate said:
Also I may try to have a nandroid back up of the same rom if it has Sense and a non-Sense version. I have never tried a non Sense rom so I am really trying to figure out what I like best.
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I hope you like blue If not, take a look at this thread for some CM10 themes.
Any ROM based on Sense will still have remnants of HTC's UI somewhere. When there are deSensed versions (such as CleanROM V), usually the dev is trying to get closer to the stock Android look. I personally either go all the way and flash an AOSP ROM, or stay with stock Sense, because anywhere inbetween usually lacks polish and continuity. I'm exceptionally picky though

gridlock489 said:
I hope you like blue If not, take a look at this thread for some CM10 themes.
Any ROM based on Sense will still have remnants of HTC's UI somewhere. When there are deSensed versions (such as CleanROM V), usually the dev is trying to get closer to the stock Android look. I personally either go all the way and flash an AOSP ROM, or stay with stock Sense, because anywhere inbetween usually lacks polish and continuity. I'm exceptionally picky though
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Blue is actually my favorite color lol. Could you point me to the CM10 rom?
Here are the roms I am downloading as of now:
KingCobra
Nocturnal Special Edition
Viper
Clean Rom 5.0
Any other ideas on maybe one or two more roms?
I bookmarked that link you posted. I prob won't do much with themes until I find the right ROM. Even then the most I usually do is wallpapers lol. But will look more into after finding a ROM.

What rom would you suggest on CM or AOKP? What build? I don't know much about those. Never really looked in the original development forum lol.

NeverToLate said:
What rom would you suggest on CM or AOKP? What build? I don't know much about those. Never really looked in the original development forum lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed the latest build (cm-10-20121001-EXPERIMENTAL-evita.zip) a few hours ago and it has been just fine with me, very smooth with no crashes so far. You can download the nightly builds here, but like I said earlier not all of them are stable. CM10 is developed for multiple devices with different hardware. Our One XL is code named "evita", so before you flash ANYTHING be sure that it has "evita" in the file name. Be sure to look at the development thread, or at least the OP, if you want to get more information.
As for AOKP, it seems like build 4 (the latest) may be having some issues. I don't use that ROM so check out the dev thread if you need help.

gridlock489 said:
I just flashed the latest build (cm-10-20121001-EXPERIMENTAL-evita.zip) a few hours ago and it has been just fine with me, very smooth with no crashes so far. You can download the nightly builds here, but like I said earlier not all of them are stable. CM10 is developed for multiple devices with different hardware. Our One XL is code named "evita", so before you flash ANYTHING be sure that it has "evita" in the file name. Be sure to look at the development thread, or at least the OP, if you want to get more information.
As for AOKP, it seems like build 4 (the latest) may be having some issues. I don't use that ROM so check out the dev thread if you need help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the different in the Nightly and Experimental? I would like to try a CM since I never have before. Probably will be the last one I download

Also on the CM10 forum it says something about find Gapps? Is that something I search for and download and flash?

Update
Downloaded Roms with md5 checked and now on my sim card:
Clean Rom 5.0
CM10
King Cobra
Nocturnal Special Edition
Viper
Just need help on what I need to download for Gapps to install CM10

What Rom should I test first?
King Cobra
Viper
Nocturnal

I'm on nocturnal and loving it.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Rooting for the first time.

Hello everyone,
First let me start of by saying that I love this forum, I love the idea of it; having all android consumers' needs all grouped in one place I wish they were different websites as focused as this one. And I am thankful for every person in this pseudo system that helps everyday, make it a better version of what it is.
I've been considering rooting my device for months. Now, I finally have some time to get to it.
I saved up some questions while browsing the forums, I am hoping you could save 2 minutes to answer whatever question you think your best suited to answer. (I am patient )
1. If I freeze/ delete bloatware from my device, does it become aosp?
2. After downloading, can I download Aosp as my ROM or do I have to use a custom rom like Lineage, MIUI, etc ...?
3. When I Am using a ROM + an android launcher, do the ressources(Battery, memory, ...) used by both add up. What I am asking is it always better to use a rom without a launcher?
4. What are CAFs?
5. what exactly is CMW or TWRP?
6. If I already have greenify, do I need doze? or is it redundant? (stock rom is kitkat 4.4)
I'll be posting again, because, I don't want to brick my phone (SIGH!), untill then have a good day.

CWM and TWRP are custom recoveries that let you install zip files. Custom ROMs and other mods come in zip form so you need TWRP if you want to install anything like Roms.
What device are you planning on rooting?

Anarhy said:
Hello everyone,
First let me start of by saying that I love this forum, I love the idea of it; having all android consumers' needs all grouped in one place I wish they were different websites as focused as this one. And I am thankful for every person in this pseudo system that helps everyday, make it a better version of what it is.
I've been considering rooting my device for months. Now, I finally have some time to get to it.
I saved up some questions while browsing the forums, I am hoping you could save 2 minutes to answer whatever question you think your best suited to answer. (I am patient )
1. If I freeze/ delete bloatware from my device, does it become aosp?
2. After downloading, can I download Aosp as my ROM or do I have to use a custom rom like Lineage, MIUI, etc ...?
3. When I Am using a ROM + an android launcher, do the ressources(Battery, memory, ...) used by both add up. What I am asking is it always better to use a rom without a launcher?
4. What are CAFs?
5. what exactly is CMW or TWRP?
6. If I already have greenify, do I need doze? or is it redundant? (stock rom is kitkat 4.4)
I'll be posting again, because, I don't want to brick my phone (SIGH!), untill then have a good day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) no, if you freeze/remove bloatware it does not make AOSP.
2) The ROMs you use will depend on what(if anything) is available for your model number, there may be no custom ROMs or there may be up to 10 or 20 custom ROMs. It just depends on whether anyone has chosen to build ROMs and what type of ROM(s) they choose to build. This is all determined by the model number of your device.
3) Yes, everything that is installed, loaded and running will use battery. I don't exactly undrstand why or what you are asking this for.
4) http://openattitude.com/2016/01/18/android-6-custom-roms-aosp-vs-caf/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/caf-vs-caf-t3341502
5) CWM(ClockWorkMod) and TWRP(Team Win Recovery Project) are custom recoveries used to flash ROMs, make backups, restore backups, wipe the devices partitions, adb access and management, etc..
6) Greenify freezes apps and Doze puts the device in deep sleep so it's OK to use them together as long as it doesn't cause a conflict, it may depend on how you arrange each of their settings.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE