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Rooting/roms/flashing HELP

Hi. Im fairly new to the Android OS. I just switched from an iphone. And ive been seeing/hearing a lot of talk about rooting, flashing roms, etc. I know that there are probably many threads on this, but I just wanted to know what are the pros and cons of rooting, flashing roms and such. And if I decide to do so, how do I? What rom would be best (for my sgs4g)? Sorry if this was too muxh to ask. Thanks in advance
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edwenoid said:
Hi. Im fairly new to the Android OS. I just switched from an iphone. And ive been seeing/hearing a lot of talk about rooting, flashing roms, etc. I know that there are probably many threads on this, but I just wanted to know what are the pros and cons of rooting, flashing roms and such. And if I decide to do so, how do I? What rom would be best (for my sgs4g)? Sorry if this was too muxh to ask. Thanks in advance
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well right now, the best ROM you can have is Gingerbread, which just came out recently.
Rooting is very similar to Jailbreaking when it comes to iPhone; it allows you to perform speed tweaks, and enable functionality not available on standard software.
As for flashing these ROMs, make sure you download a program called ODIN.
Before that, install the Samsung USB Drivers and read THIS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
I compiled a few tutorials on some various tweaks on my site as well, and have a few download links for files if you need them.
Good luck!

danstheman7 said:
Well right now, the best ROM you can have is Gingerbread, which just came out recently.
Rooting is very similar to Jailbreaking when it comes to iPhone; it allows you to perform speed tweaks, and enable functionality not available on standard software.
As for flashing these ROMs, make sure you download a program called ODIN.
Before that, install the Samsung USB Drivers and read THIS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028
I compiled a few tutorials on some various tweaks on my site as well, and have a few download links for files if you need them.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure that Gingerbread would be the best choice right now for someone just starting out. It appears that the ROM that whitehawkx just releases still has a few bugs to be worked out. I would say that Bionix is probably a better choice for the moment.

Hah thanks. But I just had a few more questions. Do I need to be rooted to install gingerbread? Is flashing necessary? And is installing the new software just as easy as jailbreaking like an iphone?
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First off. Post in the correct section. This belongs in General. Please try searching before making a new thread. You know that this has been answered several times in multiple threads. I came from and Iphone too and I took the time to do the research. First just go to the Bible for SGS 4G. You'll find it here in this section. Make sure you read everything. I too was a noob but I took the time to read everything before posting a new thread on what's been answered just for your convenience.

edwenoid said:
Hah thanks. But I just had a few more questions. Do I need to be rooted to install gingerbread? Is flashing necessary? And is installing the new software just as easy as jailbreaking like an iphone?
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Click to collapse
I would suggest doing TONS of reading on all the topics related to flashing/rooting/etc... Another reason why I think Gingerbread would be a bad choice for you right now is because I don't think ClockworkMod works with it yet. Without CWM you won't be able to do things like installing zips from your SD card and doing complete backups of your phone in case you mess something up. Yes, you will need to be rooted in order to flash to a new ROM. Flashing is only necessary if you want a ROM. Like what you have? Then don't flash.
Android is a pretty easy OS to use when you get used to it. But make sure that you take it slow and read everything carefully. Hope this helps.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone.. I'll be sure to look into this morw before I decide what to do.
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yentlequible said:
Im not sure that Gingerbread would be the best choice right now for someone just starting out. It appears that the ROM that whitehawkx just releases still has a few bugs to be worked out. I would say that Bionix is probably a better choice for the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ehh, I've been running on Gingerbread and aside from a single bluetooth issue, I really have no complaints.
Bionix is a good choice too, though. You may be right in suggesting that as a beginners ROM.
So, Go with Bionix, edwenoid, it'll allow you to do many more tweaks.
Remember, this might seem pretty complicated at first, but I've had a Galaxy S 4G for only about a month now and i'm not too bad at this whole tweaking thingamajig

Thread closed please search before you post.

Anything better than Valhalla final?

I don't mean to be rude when I say better.. its a great rom.. I mean something more updated than that rom.. of anyone has any suggestions please feel free to help out.
Thanx
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Do you mean just gb roms, or any ROM? For gb,barebones is pretty good. Four mtd,cm7. And for ics,cm9 is pretty stable overall
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Try the new ROMs and decide.
CM9/AOKP/MIUI are all ICS based and have more options and customizations.
Just don't expect wifi-calling support, an amazing battery life or OC/UV, they are all WIP.

Lots....Valhalla black is Valhalla final with a darker theme and ALOT less bloat,also there are several ics based roms now noted above that are very nice
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If you wamt to stay on GB, for stockish I recommend Barebone with Antons latest kernel and for customization Valhalla Black from FB. You can try Raver's version but FB modded it a little further.
If you want a real change then ICS, I have only tried AOKP but I guess the others are great too.
Try everything and then decide.

In my opinion, SCOM is the best rom on GB. It's super fast, good battery life, easy to customize. Pair it with Anxton kernel you will have a perfect device. And on ICS, I have tried AOKP and RemICS UX, they are both great, but AOKP is more stable, almost fully functional. GPS on RemICS is broken for now.

Sent from my SGH-T959V using xda app-developers app
Thank u guys everyone who helped.. for all of those roms all I basically have to do is flash it in recovery right?

You need to read the first two to three threads in the ROM you wish to flash and follow directions accordingly.

GB ROMs, fastest way from stock is to flash AntonX Kernel using Heimdal one-click installer, then go from there.
ICS ROMs generally can go right from GB using CWM if they are a CWM recovery ROM. Up until recently, TWRP recovery ROMs (AOKP, in particular, may be others) were a little more robust flashing CM9, letting CWM convert to MTD partitioning, then flashing AOKP.
Getting from MTD partitioning (ICS) back to GB you have to reflash stock-ish using Heimdal or Odin. There is a Heimdal one-click for "stock" that I find about the easiest way to accomplish that.
As always, trust the ROM author's instructions over most anything you read in this post or elsewhere.

lumin30 said:
You need to read the first two to three threads in the ROM you wish to flash and follow directions accordingly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jeffsf said:
GB ROMs, fastest way from stock is to flash AntonX Kernel using Heimdal one-click installer, then go from there.
ICS ROMs generally can go right from GB using CWM if they are a CWM recovery ROM. Up until recently, TWRP recovery ROMs (AOKP, in particular, may be others) were a little more robust flashing CM9, letting CWM convert to MTD partitioning, then flashing AOKP.
Getting from MTD partitioning (ICS) back to GB you have to reflash stock-ish using Heimdal or Odin. There is a Heimdal one-click for "stock" that I find about the easiest way to accomplish that.
As always, trust the ROM author's instructions over most anything you read in this post or elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is most threads don't really contain clear and concise directions on how to flash a ROM. Most say.. "Make sure you already have blah blah flashed". But what if you have no idea ? I'm an ERD and had to READ way too many thread to learn how to flash this device, I can only image the hell a noob would go through just to flash a custom ROM. I think we need a comprehensive guide that can stickied in the development forum.

Read the first and second link of my signature and tell how much more comprehensive you need. And Alex has flashed a custom ROM.

When I was new, I didn't understand the process either. The smart guys here pointed me in the right direction, though. After gaining an understanding of the terminology, every thread's instructions were a breeze to follow.

Wodensman said:
When I was new, I didn't understand the process either. The smart guys here pointed me in the right direction, though. After gaining an understanding of the terminology, every thread's instructions were a breeze to follow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly... so to somebody new, it's very hard to get started unless somebody shows you.

lumin30 said:
Read the first and second link of my signature and tell how much more comprehensive you need. And Alex has flashed a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but these GUIDE aren't doing anybody any favors sitting in the "General" section. Methinks I'm gonna make some links to those guides and stick them at the top of the development forum.

We should really be getting a lot of this stuff into the wiki though. The people in Team Acid have done our share of getting information in there but only a few other people have contributed to expanding our guides in there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S/SGH-T959V
I honestly think it's a better solution than adding stickies to threads that might get abandoned, then we have the same clutter that just got cleaned up recently.

FBis251 said:
We should really be getting a lot of this stuff into the wiki though. The people in Team Acid have done our share of getting information in there but only a few other people have contributed to expanding our guides in there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S/SGH-T959V
I honestly think it's a better solution than adding stickies to threads that might get abandoned, then we have the same clutter that just got cleaned up recently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this. It's obvious that MAYBE 1 out of 10 newcommers might read the stickies that have been placed there just for them. They just jump right into posting threads with questions that have been covered a hundred times in many other threads. I doubt they would take the time to check the wiki, either. Also, it's obvious that many people don't read the entire OP's of the ROMS they are flashing. They just get straight to asking questions in DEV threads that are clearly marked with "no questions without logs, please ask questions in Q&A", even when they are told in every other post that their question might get more answers in the QA thread. Because of this, the devs have clearly justified frustration.

NRGZ28 said:
Yeah but these GUIDE aren't doing anybody any favors sitting in the "General" section. Methinks I'm gonna make some links to those guides and stick them at the top of the development forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha... just looked at your profile. I'm on the app and didn't see before. Nice to see you around.

Well the reason I support the wiki approach is to do what I've been doing. Any time anyone asks something in the AOKP thread that I've already written about in the AOKP wiki FAQ I just link them to the specific answer. I've seen other people doing the same and I'm sure they're relieved that they don't have to repeat themselves all the time. Finding information for US is easier than looking for the specific thread.
If it's making MY job easier I'm all for it. I don't really care if the news/noobs aren't gonna read, since as you mentioned they're not gonna do it either way.

Yep! Well, is there any way I can contribute or help with your wiki? It's the least I can do for you providing me with such an awesome ROM.

Well you can add the the FAQ's anytime you see anything that's gotten asked quite a few times, just make sure you provide a reliable answer that won't cause users more problems. We need good solutions in there

Noob

Hello Everyone!
So I'm getting an S3 via fed-ex Friday. I'm coming from a Droid 3 and the messiah that's kept my phone some what interesting, Hashcode. I can't wait to delve into root/unlock/custom rec/custom rom.
On that note, id like anyones opinion on what custom rom they like and why and also recovery. Of course I've read a lot of the posts in both dev forums already but any additional tips or steps in to rooting and unlocking would be appreciated.(easiest/quickest method)
Thank you for those that take the time to read this and respond.
Sent from my XT862 using xda app-developers app

daimerion said:
Hello Everyone!
So I'm getting an S3 via fed-ex Friday. I'm coming from a Droid 3 and the messiah that's kept my phone some what interesting, Hashcode. I can't wait to delve into root/unlock/custom rec/custom rom.
On that note, id like anyones opinion on what custom rom they like and why and also recovery. Of course I've read a lot of the posts in both dev forums already but any additional tips or steps in to rooting and unlocking would be appreciated.(easiest/quickest method)
Thank you for those that take the time to read this and respond.
Sent from my XT862 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first thing you have to do is to root your phone, and unlock the bootloader. There's an app for unlocking the BL in the Play Store, I recommend using it (EZ-Unlock or something like that). Then flash recovery. You can use CWM or TWRP. The easiest way is to flash through goo manager (goo.im in the play store). This flashes TWRP. Or you can use another app in the play store called EZ-Recovery for SGSIII.
For ROMs, if you want touchwiz-based ROMs, the best are Synergy and CleanROM IMO. Synergy is a huge team and they provide constant support. CleanROM is not updated very often but it is very fast and stable. There are other ROMs such as GalaxyMod and Jelly 'Beans'.
For AOSP, you can always go to CM10.1, AOKP. PA. I like CarbonROM, it has nice features and stable.
In the end, ROMs are a matter of preference, and what works well on my device may not on yours.

Follow the wonderful guides for rooting/unlocking then try out a few touchwiz and aosp based roms to find what you like best. For touchwiz definitely try out Beans 11 or Synergy. For AOSP definitely try out the unofficial builds of CM10.1 or Carbon(my daily driver). Honestly, there's so much development for the S3 that you'll never get bored. If you want to really get some amazing battery life, try out some kernels like KToonz. You can look under general for a great guide on tweaks, etc. Use TWRP for your recovery. Last of all, have fun and welcome to the S3!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

daimerion said:
Hello Everyone!
So I'm getting an S3 via fed-ex Friday. I'm coming from a Droid 3 and the messiah that's kept my phone some what interesting, Hashcode. I can't wait to delve into root/unlock/custom rec/custom rom.
On that note, id like anyones opinion on what custom rom they like and why and also recovery. Of course I've read a lot of the posts in both dev forums already but any additional tips or steps in to rooting and unlocking would be appreciated.(easiest/quickest method)
Thank you for those that take the time to read this and respond.
Sent from my XT862 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really liking the latest Synergy for a stock ROM replacement. Stable, fast, good battery life.
For 4.2+ I enjoyed what Carbon had to offer
Check the tutorials for how to root/unlock. Pretty simple ways listed there. Check on how to backup your IME though, just in case.

Back up your imei. It will save you a ton of headache if you ever lose it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

If you boot up and you're still on ICS, root it there. Its super easy. Easier than jelly bean. Also, TWRP recovery, and AOKP build 4 with the latest leankernel is running super smooth for me.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

The latest synergy rom is awesome. It will backup your IMEI for you each time you flash too. Lot's of options. Not sure if EZ unlock still works...theres another tut in development on how to unlock with odin

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
And please don't ask which is the best...thanks.

Thanks for the responses!

Help choosing a rom?

Finally decided to try a custom rom, I'm tired of waiting for verizon to update the S3 to Premium Suite Upgrade.
Is there any roms out there that are stable and have the multi window function, I'm not looking for anything fancy just simple but that includes all the features that were left iut with the 4.1.2 update.
If youccould point me to the right direction I'd appreciate it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

please do some research and read. there are probably more than 5 of the roms that meet your criteria in the development section.
you need to try roms and read and see what meets your needs. there are guides and similar threads all over this forum.
there are some small features in some that arent available in others that will make people want certain roms.
put a little effort in, itll serve you well. its obvious youve put in 0% effort.

I was just hoping for some examples from users who have had experience.
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the threads of teh roms are filled with experiences, opinions and impressions. what more do you really want?
I mean, the titles of the roms and original posts have all the information youd really ever need.
we see these threads daily and they get closed. theres a wealth of info here. dig in.
5-7 posts down from this.....theres a 30 page thread dedicated to limiting posts like this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2030478

OK I will suggest the 3 best ROMs IMO to you; Synergy, MOAR & Hyperdrive. They all have the multi window and are fast with many mods.
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fassy100 said:
Finally decided to try a custom rom, I'm tired of waiting for verizon to update the S3 to Premium Suite Upgrade.
Is there any roms out there that are stable and have the multi window function, I'm not looking for anything fancy just simple but that includes all the features that were left iut with the 4.1.2 update.
If youccould point me to the right direction I'd appreciate it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
I wont respond with a jerk answer. Bro try synergy rom, hyperdrive rom, or beanstown rom. Im personally drawn to using any rom by deviant. Sons of android, deviant one, there's a couple. Not to mention the support in the threads are great. I recently tried synergy. Great rom, and great support aswell. Synergy is very very stable. Just make sure u read the o.p. prior to flashing anything. Don't forget to unlock your bootloader.
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Thanks I appreciate it bro, I think ill give synergy a try but I'm kinda confused about rooting and unlocking the boot loader on my phone, which one do I do first to I root first or unlock the bootloader and do you know any method of doing both that are up to date and will work with 4.1.2?, I hate to bug but I'd appreciate it if you couod help me with this
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fassy100 said:
Thanks I appreciate it bro, I think ill give synergy a try but I'm kinda confused about rooting and unlocking the boot loader on my phone, which one do I do first to I root first or unlock the bootloader and do you know any method of doing both that are up to date and will work with 4.1.2?, I hate to bug but I'd appreciate it if you couod help me with this
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the search function will get you what you are looking for.

PaulG1488 said:
Using the search function will get you what you are looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did but most if those root methods are for jellybean 4.1.1 I'm on 4.1.2.
You took the time to type back couldn't you have just said what I have to do first.
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fassy100 said:
I did but most if those root methods are for jellybean 4.1.1 I'm on 4.1.2.
You took the time to type back couldn't you have just said what I have to do first.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No instead of you half assing your search and wanting to be spoon fed you could have easily found it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439
Not hard at all now was it.

That is because your question is asked and answered hundreds of times a week. It gets very repetaive.
Doing a google search for "4.1.2 root sch-i535" will give you plenty of results. Dont limit yourself to xda, check youtube and other sites as well. I spent a month on and off reserching methods and reading user errors before I rooted, unlocked and flashed. That is excessive but I wanted to minimize and fix any errors thst might come my way.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

There is no substitute for reading about the software you are about to alter your $700 device with.

[Q] Skyrocket roms?

I was wondering from user preference what is the best custom rom for the skyrocket? I have jellybean and love it but I want to overclock the processor just dont want a OS that's buggy and inconvenient for daily use.
I know there any probably many threads about this just wanted to start my own before I go rom happy
My skyrocket is rooted from ordin and I have twrp recovery.
I have never actually flashed a rom on a android just rooted several. I am getting the gs4 next week just want to have a little fun with my skyrocket in the meanwhile.
Thanks.

mod please move
didnt mean to post a question in this section, my bad.

No best rom threads are allowed! If you want to go flash happy before you get your S4 try them all out pick the one best for you.
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EQ2192012 said:
No best rom threads are allowed! If you want to go flash happy before you get your S4 try them all out pick the one best for you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Only you can decide what ROM is best for you. Do your research, read the threads (take the time and read the whole thread!) And make your own choice.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Dude really...

if you read my stickies you would have seen the those questions aren't allowed, its a forum/mod rule and will be eventually locked
my suggestion is to read the stickies before you start flashing away as its obvious you haven't
from the sticky "read this b4 posting", its a post above your post
28) Q. which rom is the "BEST" rom or any adjective thereof for a rom
A. do not ask as it will be locked by the mod, read about them in the dev forum and decide on your own
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

vincom said:
if you read my stickies you would have seen the those questions aren't allowed, its a forum/mod rule and will be eventually locked
my suggestion is to read the stickies before you start flashing away as its obvious you haven't
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You quoted the wrong guy Vin .
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mtdew said:
You quoted the wrong guy Vin .
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya I re-edited

eatsleepAndroid said:
I was wondering from user preference what is the best custom rom for the skyrocket? I have jellybean and love it but I want to overclock the processor just dont want a OS that's buggy and inconvenient for daily use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I started flashing more than one month ago and I started with the most popular (threads with a lot of posts) / recent ones.
Backuping and restoring is so easy with TWRP. So, keep your prefered ones as backups and make a choice!
If you to overclock, check the OP, it's always mentionned.
Good luck. And read

As mentioned, you really need to try them.
But I understand why you are asking as for the less technically competent user (i.e. me) its hard to easily flash and switch, and its hard to really gauge all the differences.
I do think its personal and depends on what you are looking for.
I can tell you for me I have tried a few and settled on Embryo. Its very stable for me, and with others I found myself having to do a level of troubleshooting and diagnosis that, while easy for others, was hard for me. And so that wasnt a good tradeoff for me. I wanted something stable and easy to tweak and use, even if its at the expense of slightly slower performance, etc. But thats a very personal decision, and everyones results vary depending on their phone, apps, usage, etc.
Thats why people are so reluctant to answer these questions - they arent trying to be difficult!

Good explanation. People aren't trying to be difficult, just tired of answering this question.
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