Database Info

Need good primer

Just purchased my first Android phone (Aria). I noticed that there is a lot of bloatware on this phone and that there are several things missing that I would like to have. Namely, I would like swype and active wallpapers, but I'm sure there is much more.
I have spent the day looking through webpages around how to install these things and remove the bloatware. The furthest I have gotten is to get the phone to root. I am a developer by trade but have just a little Java experience.
Can someone point me in the right direction on a primer on how to install these things and remove the bloatware?
I notice that people refer to different ROMS a lot. I would be interested in learning how to install these as well.
Sorry for the newb question, but I need a little context to be able to get to work.
Thanks!

Check the stickies
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App

nm.
Thanks for all your gracious help.

photoghog said:
Just purchased my first Android phone (Aria). I noticed that there is a lot of bloatware on this phone and that there are several things missing that I would like to have. Namely, I would like swype and active wallpapers, but I'm sure there is much more.
I have spent the day looking through webpages around how to install these things and remove the bloatware. The furthest I have gotten is to get the phone to root. I am a developer by trade but have just a little Java experience.
Can someone point me in the right direction on a primer on how to install these things and remove the bloatware?
I notice that people refer to different ROMS a lot. I would be interested in learning how to install these as well.
Sorry for the newb question, but I need a little context to be able to get to work.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for removing the bloatware you have a couple options now that you're rooted. You can install a custom ROM, search this forum for CM6.1.1 or Liberated for that. Installing these ROMs is detailed in their respective threads here in the Development section. Or to just remove the bloatware and keep your stock ROM search for a thread called "alternate method for removing bloatware". That details how to remove whatever system apps you dont want using adb.
As for Swype, thats a little more tricky. The only "legit" way to get it is to sign up for the beta at Swypes website, but the beta currently closed and who knows when it will open again. The other option is to just search google for someone that has a pirated version available for download. Swype beta is free so you shouldnt feel too bad for downloading it unofficially The newest version is 2.15.56. You will also need to search for a thread about sideloading apps to install swype if you dont want to install a custom ROM. As for live wallpapers on a stock aria, I have no idea on that one, sorry.
Good Luck

Check out the liberated ROM using the 2.1 eclair or even the latest liberated Rom running froyo
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App

photoghog said:
Just purchased my first Android phone (Aria). I noticed that there is a lot of bloatware on this phone and that there are several things missing that I would like to have. Namely, I would like swype and active wallpapers, but I'm sure there is much more.
I have spent the day looking through webpages around how to install these things and remove the bloatware. The furthest I have gotten is to get the phone to root. I am a developer by trade but have just a little Java experience.
Can someone point me in the right direction on a primer on how to install these things and remove the bloatware?
I notice that people refer to different ROMS a lot. I would be interested in learning how to install these as well.
Sorry for the newb question, but I need a little context to be able to get to work.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can check out my guide HERE. plenty of info all in one spot. most of the information is based on what i have learned here at XDA. Great people, great community. keep it up guys

Wow, thanks for all the great information guys. I got a liberated ROM loaded last night but it is certainly a "learn as you go" exercise! The ROM I got was a stock minus the AT&T bloatware. Still haven't gotten live wallpapers to work yet, but I'll tinker with it as I get time.
That being said, which ROM do you guys feel is the best?
Thanks again, the last 3 or 4 posts have been extremely helpful!

congrats bro, i personally recommend the Liberated FR008, or CM6 FroYo. they are both excellent stable ROM's, and they both include live wallpapers too
BTW, if someone's post helps you, dont forget to click the "Thanks" button

photoghog said:
That being said, which ROM do you guys feel is the best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Rom of choice is definitely Cm6.1.1. But that's just my preference. The liberated roms are also great roms. Try them both. Regardless of which you choose both have excellent support from the community and the devs which its very important.
Sent from my cm6.1 Aria using XDA App

I agree with the previous two posts, you really can't go wrong with either of the two Froyo (Android 2.2) ROMs -- Liberated FR008 or CyanogenMod 6.1.x. One very important thing to remember is before you install any new ROMs, boot into Clockwork Recovery (With the phone off, hold the volume down and power button simultaneously). Once there, click on NANDROID and then make a back-up. After you make the back-up, reboot the phone and then copy the back-up folder to your computer just to be safe. It's in the Clockwork folder on your SD card. Once you've done that, you can feel comfortable installing different ROMs knowing that you have that back-up you can always return to if you run into problems.

Oh and one more thing, although it probably isn't totally necessary, I also delete data/Factory reset, delete cache and delete dalvik cache prior to installing a new ROM. This isn't necessary if you're just installing an update to the same ROM you already have running, but it's a pretty good way to ensure a trouble-free installation on a new ROM. The downside is that you have to install all your apps from scratch afterwards, but that can also be a good thing, allowing you to edit out the apps you really aren't using anyway.
Make sure all of your contacts are GOOGLE contacts before you start flashing ROMs as well. This will ensure that you don't lose any with a new ROM install. One of the ROMs (Cyanogen, I think) doesn't allow you to view contacts from the SIM card, so if you haven't moved them all to Google, you'll essentially lose them until you go back to a different ROM.

zedbra said:
you can check out my guide HERE. plenty of info all in one spot. most of the information is based on what i have learned here at XDA. Great people, great community. keep it up guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried to follow this link a couple of times, and I've never been able to do so successfully. It appears as though registration is necessary?

got live wallpapers working today. Again, thanks for all the help. If any other noobs need help, holler at me: I'd be happy to help - although I will say that I followed most of the stickies and was able to do what I needed. Thanks given out all around!

BuckMulligan said:
I've tried to follow this link a couple of times, and I've never been able to do so successfully. It appears as though registration is necessary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm, sorry for that. maybe i'll just copy the guides over here

Why can't custom roms have OTA updates?

This has been something that I have been wondering for a while.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

because OTAs will remove root, and screw up the recovery and most likely b0rk the rom

slowz3r said:
because OTAs will remove root, and screw up the recovery and most likely b0rk the rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not what I meant. I meant why can't rom developers send there own OTA's so the rom can pick up on them and download it Over The Air.

tominater12 said:
That is not what I meant. I meant why can't rom developers send there own OTA's so the rom can pick up on them and download it Over The Air.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose they could if they really wanted to, but it isnt that hard to plug into a computer and just flash an update from your ROM maker.
I think roms in the past have tried it before, just didnt end up working out I think

Doesn't ROM Mgr sort of do this already? Track new ROMs and updates for you and let you download and flash them?

yeah basically ROM manager is quite literally getting an OTA update from your specific ROM developer. i see what you mean that you dont get a pop up from them. but for all purposes, you check rom manager for a new version, download it, and it flashes it for you automatically, all OTA.

Oh, this is too funny. I normally wouldn't bother, but I just watched this Cyanogen Mod V7 Preview demo video on youtube, and at the 3:42 mark he shows the screen that allows you to enable OTA notification of ROM updates.
So, the answer to the OP is that they can, it's just most don't choose to for one reason or another...

Correct. The latest CyanogenMOD 7 Alpha 2-2 released January 6, 2011 for the Nexus S now has an OTA option.

Well I need to look through the rom more and the reason I do not like rom manager is because I do not want to pay $5 just for that but thanks everyone here.

tominater12 said:
Well I need to look through the rom more and the reason I do not like rom manager is because I do not want to pay $5 just for that but thanks everyone here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're using CM7 Alpha (latest), go to Settings then CyanogenMOD Settings, and it's there on top "Update Notifications"

tominater12 said:
Well I need to look through the rom more and the reason I do not like rom manager is because I do not want to pay $5 just for that but thanks everyone here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I paid the $5 as a thank you to Koush for all his development support of the devices I own, not for the features of it - I hardly use it at all.
I do however use his CWM recovery, his root instructions and files, and he's the main dev for Cyanogen Mod on the NS. Several of my phones are much better experiences because of his work. He doesn't ask for direct donations, he just says "if you like my work, please buy one of my apps."
YMMV.

This is the first time I have actually used a koush rom but I do see where you are coming from. I just thought that titanium backup and root explorer were better deals.
distortedloop said:
I paid the $5 as a thank you to Koush for all his development support of the devices I own, not for the features of it - I hardly use it at all.
I do however use his CWM recovery, his root instructions and files, and he's the main dev for Cyanogen Mod on the NS. Several of my phones are much better experiences because of his work. He doesn't ask for direct donations, he just says "if you like my work, please buy one of my apps."
YMMV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Rooting unknown Android devices

Hello,
I was wondering how can you root an Android device? Is there a guide somewhere regarding how to do that?
I am not talking about rooting specific device, that you have everything prepared and you just follow some instructions,
but how exactly do they do it, so I will be able to root any Android device I want, even those cheap brandless Android devices.
I know you should gain su permission and that it's similiar to Linux, but that's basically all I know.
Is there a starting point to learn such a thing?
Thanks :good:

With "SuperOneClick" !
Sent from Sending thing

Getting SU is fairly trivial.
All you really need is a way to turn update.zip signing off. Most other brand android stuff does this.
Then you can make an update.zip that simply deletes the current /system/bin/su, and copies a new one, along with the libraries and superuser.apk.
Then you just need to set the permissions, and make a symbolic link between /system/bin/su and /system/xbin/su.
Then you should be rooted.

'Duster' said:
With "SuperOneClick" !
Sent from Sending thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ty for letting me know about this program:cyclops:
steamdnt said:
Getting SU is fairly trivial.
All you really need is a way to turn update.zip signing off. Most other brand android stuff does this.
Then you can make an update.zip that simply deletes the current /system/bin/su, and copies a new one, along with the libraries and superuser.apk.
Then you just need to set the permissions, and make a symbolic link between /system/bin/su and /system/xbin/su.
Then you should be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for replying, these are the stuff I want to learn. You said some stuff to do, but I dont understand them, so I was wondering, is there a place/guide to learn those stuff? btw, you do know how to root devices by yourself? I mean taking any devices and you will know how to root it without the ready guides found on xda for example? or you know in general?

With SuperOneClick you can root devices with android 2.2.x and 2.3.x ... but what about for example Pentagram Monster? I think it won't be supported on the xda and it's provided with android 4.0.4 I think... any solution how to root those kind of devices? (or maybe I don't know something... )

Nice answer :thumbup:
Sent from my LG-E739 using xda premium

Agressorek said:
With SuperOneClick you can root devices with android 2.2.x and 2.3.x ... but what about for example Pentagram Monster? I think it won't be supported on the xda and it's provided with android 4.0.4 I think... any solution how to root those kind of devices? (or maybe I don't know something... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be interested in rooting Pentagram as well when I finally get it.

Taki_Jeden said:
I would be interested in rooting Pentagram as well when I finally get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a possibility to root Pentagram Monster. On polish most popular android forum you should look for thread about Pentagram Monster in section 'Other devices...".

I use the exynos abuse, dont know if it work for other vendors but it does the job in a single click.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app

There is also UnlockRoot.

been trying to find a way of rooting my cnm 7 touch but as of yet i can't find a way if anyone has any ideas ??

And how to flash CWM into unknown android device??? Can you show me

That it almost impossible - you need to sure that bootloader is unlocked and to know layout of partitions.

HTC Inspire 4G Help

Hi guys, I am an iphone user and Just started to use Android so dont know much about it. I have couple of problems please help me to solve them.
1. I Installed Android ICS 4.0.4 after rooting Inspire 4g and its working now but whenever i run few app it reboots. I tried to run Temple RUN 3-4 times but my phone reboots. Please help me to find the way.
2.- Now its not rooted. Would you please help me to know how to root now this Inspire 4G with ICS 4.0.4.
Regards

1. Which ROM?
2. How did it get unrooted?

I Installed this Rom and i have done nothing after that i dont know how to unroot or whatever.
update-aospX-1.0.0-AR30-DesireHD-signed.zip
would you please let me know what to do? It reboots and dosent look stable for me.
Regards

That's because that is not the latest version. Where did you get it? It is actually really old. The latest version is on this phone's development forum. Usually I would tell you to read more and search for the link, but I'm feeling nice today. So I'll give you the link here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1460820. And I'll give you a friendly warning: around here and around most Android hacking forums, we expect even new users to read and research a lot for themselves instead of flashing things willy-nilly. Look to the link in my signature for some new user help. And remember to full wipe.
Also, I4G users can flash Desire HD ROMs. So you can try that forum out too. It's more active than this one.

I got it from google. and would you please let me know what to do? Can you give me the link of latest rom of ICS 4.0.4 link which will work on Inspire 4G and how can i root this 4G now? because i cant install your rom without Rooting.
Thanks

tanoli82 said:
I got it from google. and would you please let me know what to do? Can you give me the link of latest rom of ICS 4.0.4 link which will work on Inspire 4G and how can i root this 4G now? because i cant install your rom without Rooting.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you haven't answered the question of how it got unrooted. Not knowing how that happened, I don't know which of several solutions will work. For the rest read my edited post above. And look generally to the I4G and DHD Development forums for ROMs. Don't randomly flash stuff from Google. You run a pretty high risk of bricking your phone.

Hi bro, Thanks alot for your time, i am downloading this aospX-1.0.0-MR1-DHD.zip rom right now. and I just checked my iphone and i can see the recovery mode after rebooting my phone. but when i install root check app and it says your phone is not rooted. so any Idea what to do?

tanoli82 said:
Hi bro, Thanks alot for your time, i am downloading this aospX-1.0.0-MR1-DHD.zip rom right now. and I just checked my iphone and i can see the recovery mode after rebooting my phone. but when i install root check app and it says your phone is not rooted. so any Idea what to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er, your iPhone? Do you mean your DHD? You probably got your Superuser app deleted somehow from your current ROM, I don't know how, but once the ROM is flashed Superuser should be back, since the ROM will have it. Make sure you full wipe first, which means wiping or reformatting system, data, and cache (the exact method differs depending on your recovery). This will erase any data you have.
Also, did you use AAHK S-Off or HTCDEV bootloader unlock? The flashing method differs. And by the way, calling either option "root" is a misnomer. AAHK S-Off lets you flash anything to your phone. HTCDEV bootloader unlock lets you flash certain custom ROMs. They basically unlock hardware. Root is software. It usually comes with a ROM, though you could push the relevant Superuser.apk and su binary from your computer with adb if you really wanted to do so. You just can't flash a ROM (and usually people are looking to flash rooted ROMs) unless you have unlocked hardware with AAHK or HTCDEV. Look at the link in my signature, which has a very good guide on post #7, for more detailed information that you should probably know before you go mess with your device any further.

Yah Sir, my Inspire 4G had 2.3.3 as you know that and i did use AAHK to unlock bootloader before flashing 4.0.4. and as i said earlier i am using it now but rebooting. I do understand my questions frustrate you because i am noob.
What i am trying to ask you now that the link you have given me the latest rom one, Can i flash this one straight away after downloading because i have used AAHK before installing 4.0.4?
Regards

tanoli82 said:
Yah Sir, my Inspire 4G had 2.3.3 as you know that and i did use AAHK to unlock bootloader before flashing 4.0.4. and as i said earlier i am using it now but rebooting. I do understand my questions frustrate you because i am noob.
What i am trying to ask you now that the link you have given me the latest rom one, Can i flash this one straight away after downloading because i have used AAHK before installing 4.0.4?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Like I said before, full wipe first.

Thanks alot brother, I am trying to do that now. I hope this will work fine and yah i will wipe everything 1st.
Thanks brother.

brother thanks i just flashed it again. and checking it. can i install paid apps with this rom without rooting?

tanoli82 said:
brother thanks i just flashed it again. and checking it. can i install paid apps with this rom without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be rooted. Do you have an app called Superuser or SuperSU? And yes, you can install paid apps on any ROM, rooted or not.

yes bro, I can see the app called Superuser in Inspire 4G now. So its mean i can install paid apps for free now?
Regards

tanoli82 said:
yes bro, I can see the app called Superuser in Inspire 4G now. So its mean i can install paid apps for free now?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...Um, no. Paid apps are still paid. That doesn't change with root. And XDA does not condone pirating. I meant that you could install paid apps in a rooted ROM just like you can on stock.

When you jailbreak an iPhone, you can get paid apps for free..that's probably what he meant or was curious to know
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium

Jrhodes85 said:
When you jailbreak an iPhone, you can get paid apps for free..that's probably what he meant or was curious to know
Sent from my Desire HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, he can pirate apps on Android all he wants regardless of whether he's rooted or not. Whether he should is a whole other question.

Well, I am agreed with MissB. Rooting the phone goes far beyond hacking 5 bucks apps. If the only reason is that he wants to pirate apps, then he is in the wrong place.
Besides, he needs to read a bit more before messing or infect with a virus his phone. Most of the apps have a lite version that is as good as the paid one with a little restraint on the features.

I reinstalled cm-7.2.0-ace.zip because ICS was a bit laggy and wasnt working fast. So i downloaded cm-7.2.0-ace.zip this rom and installed but I dont have Martket or google play icon in this rom. would you please let me know how to download and from where i can get it.
Thanks

tanoli82 said:
I reinstalled cm-7.2.0-ace.zip because ICS was a bit laggy and wasnt working fast. So i downloaded cm-7.2.0-ace.zip this rom and installed but I dont have Martket or google play icon in this rom. would you please let me know how to download and from where i can get it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash gapps.

Is there a way to root only?

I have the Verizon Galaxy S III SCH-I535 and I want to root it, but everywhere I've looked (I've been searching for the last three hours) the guides tell me to install a custom ROM as well. I am fine with the stock, I just want to root it. Is this possible or do I have to install a custom ROM?
I upgraded to the S III from my old Droid 3 and I was able to just root that.
I apologize if this is answered elsewhere, I couldn't find it, but I might just be blind, dumb, and stupid. Thanks for your help.

Yes. Just follow one of these guides through the root process and don't go any further.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439
Both methods require Odin which is pretty easy to use. Make sure you are 100% comfortable and fully understand all the steps and you should have no problem.

Ryno77 said:
Yes. Just follow one of these guides through the root process and don't go any further.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439
Both methods require Odin which is pretty easy to use. Make sure you are 100% comfortable and fully understand all the steps and you should have no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I was hoping for a simple root only plan, but this is pretty close to what I wanted. My room mate found a ROM for 4.2 so I might give that a shot as well.

teslonelf said:
Thanks, I was hoping for a simple root only plan, but this is pretty close to what I wanted. My room mate found a ROM for 4.2 so I might give that a shot as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure it's for the right phone, and not for an international version.

nufan said:
Make sure it's for the right phone, and not for an international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also use SuperSu for JellyBean Roms over Superuser

If you're going to root, why not unlock bootloader as well?
The phone can be set back to as if it was just taken out of the box still.
Just personal curiosity

What's the difference?
EDIT: This was for the message 2 above this one. Screwed up on messenger app. Sorry.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app