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[Q] Just a quick question about custom roms and unlocking.

Hi, I currently have a GT-I9000m on Android version 2.3. It is rooted, and is unlocked using this trick:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761045
If I were to use a custom rom of Jelly bean, would it still be possible to root?
If so will this trick still work?
and also which custom rom should I use?
Thanks. :laugh:

Most custom ROMs come default rooted - you need not root separately. If you're still worried pick a ROM which is already rooted. For ROMs - I liked AOKP on my Galaxy Captivate, AOKP and CM are good third-party firmwares, there are many modded ROMs for Galaxy devices, you need to check if your device is supported and try out the ROMs and keep the one you like.

ivoidwarranty said:
Most custom ROMs come default rooted - you need not root separately. If you're still worried pick a ROM which is already rooted. For ROMs - I liked AOKP on my Galaxy Captivate, AOKP and CM are good third-party firmwares, there are many modded ROMs for Galaxy devices, you need to check if your device is supported and try out the ROMs and keep the one you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I think I will use AOKP
But will the unlock trick still work?

speakerfone3 said:
Thanks, I think I will use AOKP
But will the unlock trick still work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most reputed custom ROMs like AOKP won't touch your /efs - which means your unlock would mostly stay (i.e., you won't need to unlock again). Even if the unlock is gone, you would be able to use the same method to unlock again.

ivoidwarranty said:
Most reputed custom ROMs like AOKP won't touch your /efs - which means your unlock would mostly stay (i.e., you won't need to unlock again). Even if the unlock is gone, you would be able to use the same method to unlock again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again,
One more question: If I did a backup with clockwork before the update, would I be able to recover it and gain all my apps back? Or would I have to reinstall them?

speakerfone3 said:
Thanks again,
One more question: If I did a backup with clockwork before the update, would I be able to recover it and gain all my apps back? Or would I have to reinstall them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By clockwork - do you mean nandroid backup from CWM recovery? If yes, then if you restore from the backup, you'll lose AOKP and go back to your old ROM - which is definitely not what you might want.
For apps backup and restore, you can use any good file explorer like ES File Explorer which would give you app backup manager which take a copy of your apps' apks and let you reinstall in the new ROM, but you'll lose the data like your saved info / game play state, etc. For backup / restore of app data, you should use something like Titanium Backup (Titanium also does the apk backup, so if you plan to use Titanium, you can ignore my File Explorer recommendation) but since you're on 2.3 and AOKP might be 4.x, all the app data might not work on newer version of Android.

I already installed AOSP rom after doing the root and yes you definetily keep tha Root capabilities.:good:

[Q] Note 10.1 4G N8020 messed up

Hi all. Tried my first root + custom rom installation and i messed up the device..
i had the newest KIES firmware update (phone XXBMA5) and (XXBMA6) and i rooted the device with odin (3.07). That went OK.
Then i installed the CWM recovery with odin and that was OK too.
Then i downloaded the latest Omega Rom (i missread that it supports N8020) and followed the installation instructions to the point where it started installing Omega V2.0 from SDCARD and then it asked me to select device from a list that included only (N8000,N8010,N8013)..
So the situation now is that i have working odin, working CWM and backup of the EFS (img+tar) but no working recovery. i live in Finland and the device is Sonera locked i think, so the stock roms (international) do not work i guess.
KIES has a backup of my Note but i can't even get to a point where KIES discovers the device.
So basically i think i need a working ROM for my model (Note 10.1 4G N8020), or can i recover the original samsung software somehow ?
Any advices ?

Removed

Just a thought, but can't you reflash CWM or the stock recovery?
If you didn't install the rom why do you need to re-install anything. Just powering down and powering up should have left you as was....

Alajarvi84 said:
working CWM .......... but no working recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe i'm missing something but isn't CWM your custom recovery?
It doesn't sound like you've actually installed any rom yet.The Omega installer doesn't actually install anything until a few steps after the one you mentioned about the model type.
I'm with ultramag69 on this one. You should still be on a stock rom unless you already wiped your original rom.

Hi again. Problem solved, just had to do emergency thing from KIES. Like i said this was the first time trying root + custom ro install and to be honest it went to ****. Somehow i managed to delete the stock firmware so that is why the recovery gave me (no files). I did make some backup but when tried to restore it said MD5 mismatch or something. At first the KIES emergency recovery could not find the device, but after i switched from CWMcto stock recovery it worked.
So what did i learn from all this ? Nothing, because i am getting too old (tired+lazy ) to do proper investigation. So one could say my strategy is to bang my head to the wall as long as it takes to go trough. Even if i could just go around it
So basically i am now at the point where i started, with stock 4.1.2 rooted. Used the triangle away to wipe the (6) custom installs or something away, but it still says custom in the settings> information. Does this mean that OTA won't work ? Any way around it ? Because i would like to check now and then that is my version of android the newest one..
Could someone recommend a custom ROM for my Note 10.1 4G (LTE) N8020 4.1.2 because the only one i was able to find was the CyanogenMod (or something) and it basically makes the S-Pen (almost) useless. What i would like is the Omega ROM, but like stated before the installation only supported N8000, N8010 & N8013...
Added screenshot from info.
Thanks anyway

What is truly amazing is that i did not brick the device tough..

switch from cwm to stock
Alajarvi84 said:
Hi again. Problem solved, just had to do emergency thing from KIES. Like i said this was the first time trying root + custom ro install and to be honest it went to ****. Somehow i managed to delete the stock firmware so that is why the recovery gave me (no files). I did make some backup but when tried to restore it said MD5 mismatch or something. At first the KIES emergency recovery could not find the device, but after i switched from CWMcto stock recovery it worked.
So what did i learn from all this ? Nothing, because i am getting too old (tired+lazy ) to do proper investigation. So one could say my strategy is to bang my head to the wall as long as it takes to go trough. Even if i could just go around it
So basically i am now at the point where i started, with stock 4.1.2 rooted. Used the triangle away to wipe the (6) custom installs or something away, but it still says custom in the settings> information. Does this mean that OTA won't work ? Any way around it ? Because i would like to check now and then that is my version of android the newest one..
Could someone recommend a custom ROM for my Note 10.1 4G (LTE) N8020 4.1.2 because the only one i was able to find was the CyanogenMod (or something) and it basically makes the S-Pen (almost) useless. What i would like is the Omega ROM, but like stated before the installation only supported N8000, N8010 & N8013...
Added screenshot from info.
Thanks anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you switch from CWM to stock? I have having a problem syncing with kies also using omega rom on n8013.

jjndimp said:
How did you switch from CWM to stock? I have having a problem syncing with kies also using omega rom on n8013.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not easy, i just tried the download mode over and over again with KIES open in windows and somehow it finally did find my device and offered a emergency restore. That is it, and the device was restored to default "original state".

OMG.... one would think after nearly having bricked your device you would either A) stop messing around with it or, B) read and learn more about what you're wanting to achieve and THEN maybe trying something with the ABSOLUTE certainty that a backup to restore is available to you in case of any mishap!
Moral of story :
Don't do anything until you are absolutely sure you have read EVERYTHING about what you are going to do.
For others wanting to mess with their devices, take heed! You may not be as lucky as OP (or troller) whichever is applicable.

There comes a certain point, that when crossed one does not care what happens to the device at hand. After fighting with my n8020 for several days in a row i couldn't care less, and like said before i dont have the level of enhusiasm like i had when i was younger. Of course i know now what went wrong.. But seriously, these are just overpriced toys, so it's not a matter of life and death.
Sent from my GT-N8020 using XDA Premium HD app

[Q] Installed TWRP. I have questions on it's use cases.

I am new to android. I got sick of apps not being able to write to my SD card so I eventually got the guts to attempt rooting (which worked) and then I even convinced myself to try and install TWRP because I heard I can type commands in there to get my device still rooted after encrypting since superSU does not work after encryption (not tried it yet).
I updated to a new version of TWRP 2.8 I think? Any way, what kind of safety net do I have now? I am in the process of doing a fresh backup (everything ticked) with this new version of TWRP and I will trash the old one once this is done. I had zero intentions of flashing custom OS' on my Galaxy S4 mini (I9195 LTE) for fear of bricking my first ever brand new android phone.
Once this backup is created (and duplicated on every damn hard drive I have for backup purposes...) what kind of protection is this? Could I experiment with Cyanogen Mod and have no fear of it failing to load, have problems with it once installed, something go wrong and phone won't boot up? Would I be able to load my backup into TWRP and magically the phone would be in the state it is in today, rooted and everything?
If there are any things I should know I would appreciate being made aware of them before I dare proceed with any (what I assume would be potentially dangerous things) flashing custom roms etc because I want to always ensure I can get my phone to exactly the state it is now, with all my google apps still installed and everything. With everything ticked on my backup, is there anything that wouldn't be able to be restored, as in apps/data or anything?
Sorry for sounding like a noob, but as far as android and flashing is concerned, I am a noob.
tldr; Essentially I just want to be informed, as well as I can be, as to what I can now do (that I have TWRP installed and made a backup) and what I still shouldn't do, what isn't covered in a backup with all boxes ticked etc.

Morthawt said:
I am new to android. I got sick of apps not being able to write to my SD card so I eventually got the guts to attempt rooting (which worked) and then I even convinced myself to try and install TWRP because I heard I can type commands in there to get my device still rooted after encrypting since superSU does not work after encryption (not tried it yet).
I updated to a new version of TWRP 2.8 I think? Any way, what kind of safety net do I have now? I am in the process of doing a fresh backup (everything ticked) with this new version of TWRP and I will trash the old one once this is done. I had zero intentions of flashing custom OS' on my Galaxy S4 mini (I9195 LTE) for fear of bricking my first ever brand new android phone.
Once this backup is created (and duplicated on every damn hard drive I have for backup purposes...) what kind of protection is this? Could I experiment with Cyanogen Mod and have no fear of it failing to load, have problems with it once installed, something go wrong and phone won't boot up? Would I be able to load my backup into TWRP and magically the phone would be in the state it is in today, rooted and everything?
If there are any things I should know I would appreciate being made aware of them before I dare proceed with any (what I assume would be potentially dangerous things) flashing custom roms etc because I want to always ensure I can get my phone to exactly the state it is now, with all my google apps still installed and everything. With everything ticked on my backup, is there anything that wouldn't be able to be restored, as in apps/data or anything?
Sorry for sounding like a noob, but as far as android and flashing is concerned, I am a noob.
tldr; Essentially I just want to be informed, as well as I can be, as to what I can now do (that I have TWRP installed and made a backup) and what I still shouldn't do, what isn't covered in a backup with all boxes ticked etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The backup covers /system (Android OS with settings) /data (all user apps with settings) /EFS (Latest TWRP should backup this, too - MOST IMPORTANT as it stores your IMEI and baseband code) /boot (kernel) + caches (not that important)
In any case your phone has a "DOWNLOAD" mode integrated in the bootloader that will allow you to restore all partitions except "EFS" by flashing the stock firmware via ODIN. So as long as you have a EFS backup and nandroid backup and you don't screw up the phones bootloader (You could do this by flashing a firmware for another (incompatible) Samsung model via ODIN) you're on the safe side. You stock rom backup or a custom rom backup can easily be restored via TWRP. Even if TWRP brakes, you can flash it again via ODIN as long as your bootloader is fine.

LS.xD said:
The backup covers /system (Android OS with settings) /data (all user apps with settings) /EFS (Latest TWRP should backup this, too - MOST IMPORTANT as it stores your IMEI and baseband code) /boot (kernel) + caches (not that important)
In any case your phone has a "DOWNLOAD" mode integrated in the bootloader that will allow you to restore all partitions except "EFS" by flashing the stock firmware via ODIN. So as long as you have a EFS backup and nandroid backup and you don't screw up the phones bootloader (You could do this by flashing a firmware for another (incompatible) Samsung model via ODIN) you're on the safe side. You stock rom backup or a custom rom backup can easily be restored via TWRP. Even if TWRP brakes, you can flash it again via ODIN as long as your bootloader is fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so Odin is the only thing that could screw my phone up, given that I have a backup? What about if I attempt to install an incompatible rom via TWRP? Is that just as dangerous? Also if I were to some how screw up the bootloader, how would I fix that? In what circumstance might the bootloader get screwed up? From putting a custom mod on? Or is the bootloader getting screwed something specifically I would have to foolishly mess with?
If I download a cyanogen mod zip file and do the install through TWRP, would that essentially wipe everything and start completely fresh with the new OS as a virgin clean OS? Then I am correct, I hope, that if I want to get back my phone how it is now, with the stock firmware, rooted I would just do an install on TWRP and choose the backup and it would just make everything as it is currently? Even if it were screwed up and unable to boot into an OS? If that is the case, I would be a lot more open to trying different mods.
If I do try a custom rom like Cyanogen, is there an official way to get the google apps like playstore and gmail etc on it? I have seen random guides with strange links like "trust us this is a legit download!" Hmm...
Sorry for all the questions guys, I am just trying to become educated on key things before I attempt any other further things.

Morthawt said:
Ok, so Odin is the only thing that could screw my phone up, given that I have a backup? What about if I attempt to install an incompatible rom via TWRP? Is that just as dangerous? Also if I were to some how screw up the bootloader, how would I fix that? In what circumstance might the bootloader get screwed up? From putting a custom mod on? Or is the bootloader getting screwed something specifically I would have to foolishly mess with?
If I download a cyanogen mod zip file and do the install through TWRP, would that essentially wipe everything and start completely fresh with the new OS as a virgin clean OS? Then I am correct, I hope, that if I want to get back my phone how it is now, with the stock firmware, rooted I would just do an install on TWRP and choose the backup and it would just make everything as it is currently? Even if it were screwed up and unable to boot into an OS? If that is the case, I would be a lot more open to trying different mods.
If I do try a custom rom like Cyanogen, is there an official way to get the google apps like playstore and gmail etc on it? I have seen random guides with strange links like "trust us this is a legit download!" Hmm...
Sorry for all the questions guys, I am just trying to become educated on key things before I attempt any other further things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asking is good. Better safe than sorry
Yes, in case flash TWRP via ODIN, restore the backup and you should be fine.
Bootloader repair is about 40$ on ebay.
. Before flashing any new (different) rom,perform a NANDROID BACKUP" + manually internal SD Crad backup and then a FULL WIPE (/system /data /cache /dalvik cache /internal SD (Virgin like)
- If you just install a newer version of the same rom e.g. 03/01/2015 -> 03/14/2015 you only need to wipe /cache /dalvik cache (Not so virgin like)
- You can restore all apps/settings from NANDROID backups with "Titanium Backup" on your new OS
- I never heard of flashing a custom rom via recovery messed up the bootloader on Samsung phones, (In rare cases the EFS but you got the backup)
- Use only THIS GApps and make sure you pick the right version (For Android 4.4.x / 5.0.x / 5.1.x) -> Smallest (Pico bundle) will totally do it, you can install any other needed apps (also google's apps) from the pklaystore. Legit and safe.
Make sure you READ and UNDERSTOOD everything before you start flashing a custom rom.

LS.xD said:
Asking is good. Better safe than sorry
Yes, in case flash TWRP via ODIN, restore the backup and you should be fine.
Bootloader repair is about 40$ on ebay.
. Before flashing any new (different) rom,perform a NANDROID BACKUP" + manually internal SD Crad backup and then a FULL WIPE (/system /data /cache /dalvik cache /internal SD (Virgin like)
- If you just install a newer version of the same rom e.g. 03/01/2015 -> 03/14/2015 you only need to wipe /cache /dalvik cache (Not so virgin like)
- You can restore all apps/settings from NANDROID backups with "Titanium Backup" on your new OS
- I never heard of flashing a custom rom via recovery messed up the bootloader on Samsung phones, (In rare cases the EFS but you got the backup)
- Use only THIS GApps and make sure you pick the right version (For Android 4.4.x / 5.0.x / 5.1.x) -> Smallest (Pico bundle) will totally do it, you can install any other needed apps (also google's apps) from the pklaystore. Legit and safe.
Make sure you READ and UNDERSTOOD everything before you start flashing a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I will read everything before trying anything serious like this. I felt as if I was smashing my phone into the ground when I rooted it lol, so dangerous :S, even though I was following a guide. But now that I have all the tickboxes ticked and backed up and I have also copied that backup to 2 different hard drives... I should be safe with that.
So for my additional questions.
Is it possible but unlikely/impossible etc that a custom OS rom install through TWRP would break TWRP to the point of being non-functional to perform restores? (if so I know I could follow the guide again to install TWRP again)
Just to clarify, I should wipe everything except EFS right? When I do a completely new OS rom, perform the install and it should work or it will break. Regardless if it is broken and non functional OR it worked and I don't like it for some reason, I do the same thing again, boot to TWRP, format everything except EFS and install my backup and then the next time my phone is ready for use it will be as if nothing was ever done to it. Does that sound about right? If so, I might have an experiment with Cyanogen.
Also, you said you never heard of the bootloader being screwed over by a TWRP-based rom install. Does that also cover incorrect roms for a different model of the handset or completely different phones? I guess what I mean is, is it safe to perform an OS mod install via TWRP (in case you got the wrong one) and more dangerous to do it through odin if it is the wrong one?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini GT-I9195 LTE. I see the latest "stable" release is only version 10 of cyanogen mod? Yet there is v11 and v12 versions all without any stable release. Does that mean 11 and 12 won't work on my S4 mini or that it would be a mistake to install it on my phone? Or is there a method I can tell which one would be the best one to get for my phone (newest best)?
Lastly, as for odin, since I have TWRP and a backup of my phone as it is now, is there any reason to use odin for anything other than maybe reinstalling TWRP? If so, what else would require me to use odin that TWRP couldn't do?
Thanks so much for answering my questions, it is really making me feel more confident with the whole process. I don't like going into things blind, I'm a computer techie and like to know what I am doing and why I am doing it. This phone customization business is entirely new to me beyond changing settings and themes lol.

Is it possible but unlikely/impossible etc that a custom OS rom install through TWRP would break TWRP to the point of being non-functional to perform restores? (if so I know I could follow the guide again to install TWRP again)
--> You could flash a wrong zip containing a recovery (Probably you will not do)
Just to clarify, I should wipe everything except EFS right? When I do a completely new OS rom, perform the install and it should work or it will break. Regardless if it is broken and non functional OR it worked and I don't like it for some reason, I do the same thing again, boot to TWRP, format everything except EFS and install my backup and then the next time my phone is ready for use it will be as if nothing was ever done to it. Does that sound about right? If so, I might have an experiment with Cyanogen.
--> Yes
Also, you said you never heard of the bootloader being screwed over by a TWRP-based rom install. Does that also cover incorrect roms for a different model of the handset or completely different phones? I guess what I mean is, is it safe to perform an OS mod install via TWRP (in case you got the wrong one) and more dangerous to do it through odin if it is the wrong one?
--> Every rom has an updater-script that (normally) checks the compatiblity before TWRP installs it
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini GT-I9195 LTE. I see the latest "stable" release is only version 10 of cyanogen mod? Yet there is v11 and v12 versions all without any stable release. Does that mean 11 and 12 won't work on my S4 mini or that it would be a mistake to install it on my phone? Or is there a method I can tell which one would be the best one to get for my phone (newest best)?
--> Stable means NO BUGS, Nightlies are updated nearly every day with the latest commits as they are in development status. May or may not contain bugs. Check out the specific rom thread on xda. Stability of the rom / bugs are discussed there by the users every day. So you can check out which version will work.
Lastly, as for odin, since I have TWRP and a backup of my phone as it is now, is there any reason to use odin for anything other than maybe reinstalling TWRP? If so, what else would require me to use odin that TWRP couldn't do?
--> Restore the phone to fully stock firmware. Such official firmware can be found at SamMobile.com
And most important: Press "thanks" at the botom of my posts

(had to remove quotes due to outside links preventing my posting.)
If I were to flash a stock firmware rom with odin, would it destroy TWRP? At which point I could flash it back on again? Or would TWRP still be there?
I think I am going to actually try Cyanogen, once I decide on a build to try. Are there any "minimum requirements" for cyanogen major versions? Like I could see I shouldn't install CM12 on my S4 mini and should instead try ones prior to 12? Or is it pretty much just a features and updates thing and 12 would work just as effectively (in terms of just "working smoothly" discounting any bugs etc) as 10?
Thanks button pressed on them, because truly your information is extremely helpful.

If I were to flash a stock firmware rom with odin, would it destroy TWRP? At which point I could flash it back on again? Or would TWRP still be there?
--> TWRP will be replaced by the stock recovery. You can instantly flash TWRP again.
I think I am going to actually try Cyanogen, once I decide on a build to try. Are there any "minimum requirements" for cyanogen major versions? Like I could see I shouldn't install CM12 on my S4 mini and should instead try ones prior to 12? Or is it pretty much just a features and updates thing and 12 would work just as effectively (in terms of just "working smoothly" discounting any bugs etc) as 10?
--> Your phone got enough permorfance to handle any kind of android version available. Bugs and performance are rom related.

LS.xD said:
If I were to flash a stock firmware rom with odin, would it destroy TWRP? At which point I could flash it back on again? Or would TWRP still be there?
--> TWRP will be replaced by the stock recovery. You can instantly flash TWRP again.
I think I am going to actually try Cyanogen, once I decide on a build to try. Are there any "minimum requirements" for cyanogen major versions? Like I could see I shouldn't install CM12 on my S4 mini and should instead try ones prior to 12? Or is it pretty much just a features and updates thing and 12 would work just as effectively (in terms of just "working smoothly" discounting any bugs etc) as 10?
--> Your phone got enough permorfance to handle any kind of android version available. Bugs and performance are rom related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when they say 5.x isn't coming to the S4 mini, that's a sales thing only?! Not based on performance limitations of my phone's hardware?
EDIT: Should I wipe Preload?

Morthawt said:
So when they say 5.x isn't coming to the S4 mini, that's a sales thing only?! Not based on performance limitations of my phone's hardware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just like that. I use 5.x on both of my phones
Galaxy Ace II -> performance is okay, with 4.4.4 it runs as hell, better than ever with stock firmware [Last official Android is 4.1]
HTC One S -> Flying on a Lollipop [Last official Android is 4.1]

LS.xD said:
Just like that. I use 5.x on both of my phones
Galaxy Ace II -> performance is okay, with 4.4.4 it runs as hell, better than ever with stock firmware [Last official Android is 4.1]
HTC One S -> Flying on a Lollipop [Last official Android is 4.1]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having trouble finding any specific information about the S4 mini LTE and CM12. I don't know if I should try the last version of CM11 instead? Not sure to try a CM12 or CM11 at the moment. I am sat here ready to perform the wipe but I just can't make my mind up which to try :|
Which reminds me, if I use the latest CM11, will there be any further security updates and things? Or are updates only on the nightlies? I would hope they will update CM11, I'd hate to think the only way you get updates is on the bleeding unstable edge :S ?

Morthawt said:
I am having trouble finding any specific information about the S4 mini LTE and CM12. I don't know if I should try the last version of CM11 instead? Not sure to try a CM12 or CM11 at the moment. I am sat here ready to perform the wipe but I just can't make my mind up which to try :|
Which reminds me, if I use the latest CM11, will there be any further security updates and things? Or are updates only on the nightlies? I would hope they will update CM11, I'd hate to think the only way you get updates is on the bleeding unstable edge :S ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possible security issues can be fixed later by modules. By the way, stock firmware is also updated just a few times and stays at this state. If you want as less trouble as possible a CM11 variant will be more sensefull for your purpose. Feel free to get some more informations HERE

LS.xD said:
Possible security issues can be fixed later by modules. By the way, stock firmware is also updated just a few times and stays at this state. If you want as less trouble as possible a CM11 variant will be more sensefull for your purpose. Feel free to get some more informations HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on the latest CM11 snapshot Amazing! Although I am confused by some of the options. Is there any documentation on the OS? I see for Network modes things like "2G | 3G", or "2G | 2G + 3G" and "2G | 3G | 2G + 3G" . I pretty much can assume I know that 2G | 3G means 2 or 3G but when it comes to ones with +'s that is just confusing. 2G and 3G at the same time? No idea lol.

Unfortunately the compass sensor does not work. I may have to either risk trying a CM12 or go to CM10 :/ What would you recommend?

Morthawt said:
Unfortunately the compass sensor does not work. I may have to either risk trying a CM12 or go to CM10 :/ What would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2G = GSM Data
3G = UMTS / HDPA / WCDMA Data
Do you often need the compass sensor?
SlimKAT is a fast, lightweight rom and should be working.

LS.xD said:
2G = GSM Data
3G = UMTS / HDPA / WCDMA Data
Do you often need the compass sensor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not always but when I am using offline navigation software, it is very handy to see realtime if I am pointed in the right direction instead of having to wait for enough distance to be detected to determine what way I am pointing. I don't like limitations. Period. That is the root of why I am messing with... well, root and roms. I could not use software to write to my SD card because of some security "enhancement" which just crippled the functionality of having an android phone. First I rooted and used SDFIX or what ever it is, now I am testing roms to see if I can find a good one. I have the latest (this year) stable AICP installing and gaps currently. I will give this one a whirl and see what I think. I was disappointed that I could not find a nice "Hey.. this is why you should choose our rom!" page. Nothing. Just a download link and ability to get the source code.
I want to read about all the amazing reasons and features why AICP (or any rom for that matter) is a great choice. But I found no such page.

Morthawt said:
Not always but when I am using offline navigation software, it is very handy to see realtime if I am pointed in the right direction instead of having to wait for enough distance to be detected to determine what way I am pointing. I don't like limitations. Period. That is the root of why I am messing with... well, root and roms. I could not use software to write to my SD card because of some security "enhancement" which just crippled the functionality of having an android phone. First I rooted and used SDFIX or what ever it is, now I am testing roms to see if I can find a good one. I have the latest (this year) stable AICP installing and gaps currently. I will give this one a whirl and see what I think. I was disappointed that I could not find a nice "Hey.. this is why you should choose our rom!" page. Nothing. Just a download link and ability to get the source code.
I want to read about all the amazing reasons and features why AICP (or any rom for that matter) is a great choice. But I found no such page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't find any custom rom that fits your needs, you can also choose a modified (debloated) stock firmware if you need 100% functionality.

LS.xD said:
If you can't find any custom rom that fits your needs, you can also choose a modified (debloated) stock firmware if you need 100% functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those exist in the TWRP zip format? Where can I find those?

Morthawt said:
Those exist in the TWRP zip format? Where can I find those?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have read before I answered Seems not to exist for your phone. I don't know the reason.

how can i stay up to date with my rooted note 12.2

I have successfully rooted my note 12.2 - thanks to this awesome forum.
With that I can't do OTA or use Kies to stay up to date. So I'd like to know how I can stay up to date as Samsung releases new firmwares? For example I just downloaded the newly released 5.0.2 from Samobile and flashed it with Odin 3.09. That went well but of course it wiped my machine so I'm starting fresh again. I'd like to be able to stay up to date with out a complete re-wipe each time if possible. Thoughts?

As a long time root user I can tell you that the cardinal rule is that one should give up the notion of getting OTA updates for good once one roots for the simple fact that with each major OTA update comes the risk of losing root forever should the update lock the doors on the exploit used to gain root to begin with.
Casual root users are best served by watching forum threads after updates are released to see how more experienced users are fairing with getting their devices up to date. The exception to this is if a custom ROM is installed and the developer updates the ROM periodically to integrate the updated software or features that the device manufacturer releases. Even then, if a major update is released that let's say jumps to a new system like kitkat to lollipop there's a chance that a full wipe can't be avoided. ROM developers typically warn users when clean installs are required, and some even distribute their own OTAs.
I'm a religious user of titanium backup, and I will often dirty flash a ROM update or use prior titanium backups to restore data but this can be risky business when major updates are released because if software or drivers change from one major firmware release to another a backup of a particular application may no longer be compatible and stability may be affected upon restore.
Bottom line, if you want lollipop on your note pro, rooted, can live with the current bluetooth issues and want to be able to update further easily while retaining root then go with a custom ROM like civs and just monitor the thread of that ROM for updates.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the excellent advice. One two more more question on the topic. I had root on KitKat, but after flashing the new stock Lollipop via Odin, I lost root. So after installing the stock Lollipop I had to re-do the root flash via Odin to get root back, thankfully it all worked out. (Lollipop is awesome BTW).
Questions:
1. Was I in danger of forever losing root as you state above or was this a safe route? I understand that OTA and even Kies can make me lose root forever, but what about flashing a stock via Odin?
2. Are you saying that next time there's an update I could try to dirty flash the ROM via TWM (after doing a good backup via Titanium of course)? Basically find ROM on samobile, download, copy to SD card and dirty flash away using these suggestions: https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/sthr8/dirty_flashing_what_it_is_and_is_not_lets_set_the/

Typically to keep root the stock recovery is replaced with a custom one, TWRP is the main one used for our device. Stock updates from Samsung downloaded as OTA will typically fail to flash in TWRP. Odin flashing stock images will erase everything including the custom recovery, thus causing loss of root. In other words you'll typically lose root one way or another and the key to retaining it is to not blindly update until a root method is ensured for the next version of firmware. Resign to the fact that with each update you will temporarily lose root and need to redo it. Plan ahead, wait for root confirmation and then update with a plan of how to get root again.
I typically don't TWRP flash stock so I don't know if it works but in the distant past I recall that it wouldn't so thus I never try. Maybe someone can confirm. For me I haven't updated firmware on my note pro for a year now and I am not missing anything. ..
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[Completed] Making an unrooted Nandroid on xt907

I have a stock unrooted Motorola Droid Razr M xt907
4.4.2 OTA OS, but I DID remove a few stock items.
Sys Ver: 182.46.15.XT907.Verison.en.US
Kernel is: July 29 2014
I have never owned or worked with a smartphone before, but have OC exp dating back to MS Dos 1.x-2.1 and have some Linux exp using OpenSuse
If I understand correctly I need to back upi the system files BEFORE ROOTING the device to protect myself in the event I go to far while rooted and bootloop or brick the device.
I am trying to understand how to create a Nandroid backup without rooting, but I'm not understanding quite enough to have any great success.
I''d rather not wipe all the installed apps, but if I need to I'd like to know if I can
- back up apps and settings using a utility that does not require root access
- do a reset
- then back up the virgin unrooted 4.4.2 system files
- Then root
- Then install CM11 (KitKat 4.4.4 based)
- The restore the apps and settings fromt eh (non Nandroid) backup I need to do a real OTA reset because I killed some of the stock apps already. (At least, that's my understanding)
I really appreciate you all being here to help folks! Many thanks in advance!

XDA Visitor said:
I have a stock unrooted Motorola Droid Razr M xt907
4.4.2 OTA OS, but I DID remove a few stock items.
Sys Ver: 182.46.15.XT907.Verison.en.US
Kernel is: July 29 2014
I have never owned or worked with a smartphone before, but have OC exp dating back to MS Dos 1.x-2.1 and have some Linux exp using OpenSuse
If I understand correctly I need to back upi the system files BEFORE ROOTING the device to protect myself in the event I go to far while rooted and bootloop or brick the device.
I am trying to understand how to create a Nandroid backup without rooting, but I'm not understanding quite enough to have any great success.
I''d rather not wipe all the installed apps, but if I need to I'd like to know if I can
- back up apps and settings using a utility that does not require root access
- do a reset
- then back up the virgin unrooted 4.4.2 system files
- Then root
- Then install CM11 (KitKat 4.4.4 based)
- The restore the apps and settings fromt eh (non Nandroid) backup I need to do a real OTA reset because I killed some of the stock apps already. (At least, that's my understanding)
I really appreciate you all being here to help folks! Many thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock your bootloader.
Flash the latest TWRP recovery in fastboot.
Make a backup with TWRP.
THEN flash SuperSU to gain root using the TWRP Recovery.
It's actually a great idea to hold onto a non-rooted backup, in case you want to return to stock one day to get an OTA update.

Okay, in looking for directions to unlock the bootloader, I'm jsut finding a lot of hits that begin y saying the phone needs to be rooted first, so I could use a push in the right direction there.

The forum linked here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2226729
should give you all of the info that you need.

xunholyx said:
The forum linked here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2226729
should give you all of the info that you need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so confused. The first instruction in the first post is to root the phone, but then how can I get an unrooted Nandroid backup?
I believe the answer I need may be covered here, but I'm not sure I follow how to flash this properly BEFORE rooting the phone. I intend to make a walkthrough on another forum once I get this all sorted, and would be happy to plug XDAD and you for the help.
There is a broken link in the guide you linked me to. I just wanted to make you aware. I have the motorola driver loaded on my Win 7 Ultimate Retail 64 bit driven PC, so I'm good, but the link for the drivers is returning a 404

I'm the one who is confused.
Sorry, I should have read the OP in that link better.
You can backup all of your data using ADB: adb backup -apk -shared -all -f C:\Users\NAME\backup.ab
And restore it using this command: adb restore C:\Users\NAME\backup.ab
Replace "NAME" with your Windows username of course.
There is a more comprehensive guide here.
Read the OP, then go to the last 10pgs or so to see if there is new info (didn't read that far, but the thread is still active).

Okay, I suspect this last link is probably more what I'm after, but before I do that, I'm HOPING it is possible to back up the installed apps and their respective settings first. The reason for this is that I really do want a squeaky clean, uprooted Nandroid backup of the last OTA update supported which, (no surprise), is 4.4.2, which includes the handy Heartbleed bug "feature" and makes the Razr M all but useless.
Of course, as we know, 4.4.4 runs very well on the Razr M and the Heartbleed bug is easily solved by it, but Motorola prefers you buy a new phone, so they introduce a bug, load it on everyone's 1-1/2 year old devices, and they refused to fix it by not allowing users access to the "new" unbroken OLD KitKat platform! You can only run that LAST version of the OLD KitKat on NEW HARDWARE!
The other tactic used on consumers by Motorola and others is not allowing customers to purchase new factory fresh batteries for their devices, whether "non-replaceable" or not. These are two strong-arm tactics adopted that now dominate cellular and other technologies.
I digress.
I am going to HAVE to restore this phone before making the Nandroid because I pulled some stock 4.4.2 Motorola firmware bloat out of it, adn now I need iot back for that backup to be truly virgin. :/
Soooooooo . . . .
The first order of business is to determine if I can add the stock stuff back, or if I have to actually do a reset on the phone. I fear adding the stock items back MAY still leave changes in the system folder, which is not acceptable to me. *IF* I CAN successfully add the stock bloat back in and get a clean Nandroid, I'd be happy about that, though I'd be concerned about it working properly none-the less.
This is why I ask if I can back up apps and app data and later successfully restore that stuff that was backed up under 4.4.2 once I have successfully loaded the (KitKat 4.4.4 based) CM11 Mod.
If the backup of apps and app settings WILL restore to 4.4.4, I'd like to:
- > back up all apps, app data adn user data > reset the phone loading the 4.4.2 OTA BONE STOCK > make my Nandroid of the bone stock unrooted 4.4.2 > Root > Load CM11 MOD ROM > Restore my apps and user data.
I will work on learning to make the unrooted Nandroid some while I wait for a reply, as I'm going to have to do that as a later step.
Giving this a try. I'm about to crash. I'm pretty zonked out.

If all that you want is to save apps and app data, and not system and boot partitions, then use the ADB commands that I posted. That will do exactly what you want.

Oh no no, that's not all I want to do by any means. I am going to load the KitKat 4.4.4 based CM11 ROM, but before I do that I want a clean OTA backup of the stock unrooted KitKat 4.4.2 so I have that to fall back on.
To that end, in preparation for the new ROM I'd like to back up all apps that are currently loaded along with the current app data, and also to back up all personal data.
Once that is done, I need to do a reset to get 4.4.2 back into it;s stock trim as this will be my original 4.4.2 OTA Nandroid.
THEN I will root and install CM11
Then, if it's possible, I'd like to restore all of my current apps and app data.
I've been working on understanding the steps needed to make that unrooted 4.4.2 Nandroid while awaiting suggestions about how to do the app/app data and personal data backup., as well as a yea or neigh about if the app backup can even be successfully restored under the new (4.44 based) os.