Would appreciate some clarification about the rooting thing. I've read and rooted my HTC sensation...S-off and clockwork. Have a few questions that I would like to clear up:
1) when a new OTA update is available for example...can I actually just install that instead of flashing a rooted ROM? I understand that I will lose root...but can't I just reflash the superuser file to obtain root again? Or must I use a rooted ROM or custom ROM.
2) right now, I am using the ROM that came with the phone and only went through the rooting process. If I want to keep this ROM as an original so I can go back to...do I have to back up this one now? I've done a Nand backup in clockwork before I rooted it as instructed...can I simply use that and then flash the SU file again if I ever want if I want to stay on this current ROM after I change it?
3) I performed backup using titanium backup including apps and system data...does that include all the contacts info?
4) finally, what exactly is Radio and Kernel? Do I need to change it...from what I read, if things are working...I don't need to change anything right?
Thx for clarifying this. I've read various threads but haven't gotten a clear answer to these questions.
newr said:
Would appreciate some clarification about the rooting thing. I've read and rooted my HTC sensation...S-off and clockwork. Have a few questions that I would like to clear up:
1) when a new OTA update is available for example...can I actually just install that instead of flashing a rooted ROM? I understand that I will lose root...but can't I just reflash the superuser file to obtain root again? Or must I use a rooted ROM or custom ROM.
2) right now, I am using the ROM that came with the phone and only went through the rooting process. If I want to keep this ROM as an original so I can go back to...do I have to back up this one now? I've done a Nand backup in clockwork before I rooted it as instructed...can I simply use that and then flash the SU file again if I ever want if I want to stay on this current ROM after I change it?
3) I performed backup using titanium backup including apps and system data...does that include all the contacts info?
4) finally, what exactly is Radio and Kernel? Do I need to change it...from what I read, if things are working...I don't need to change anything right?
Thx for clarifying this. I've read various threads but haven't gotten a clear answer to these questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You could, but the ota could include some security changes or something making it hard to achieve root again. Easiest to just flash a pre rooted ROM that includes the updates
2. Yes that would work, but why not create a backup after root instead?
3. Tb can backup contacts, but the file might not be compatible with newer roms due to software changes. I just let google keep mine, that way the ROM doesn't matter
4. by radio we mean the software that is connecting your phone to the mobile network using the physical radio. Sometimes newer version can be more effective, and some are region specific. Between the radio and the ROM is the ril (radio interface layer), which helps the two interact. The kernel is the layer of software that directly controls the hardware of the phone (battery drain, cpu frequency and governor, all that stuff). rarely is changing any of that stuff necessary, but some of us just want to tweak everything we can
Thx for the clarification.
What to you mean by pre-rooted ROM? Wouldn't I need a rooted ROM now that my phone is rooted or it'll lose root?
As for the backup...yeah.. so if I perform a NAND now..it would be a rooted version of the ROM right? And it'll have all the contacts as well?
Thx
newr said:
Thx for the clarification.
What to you mean by pre-rooted ROM? Wouldn't I need a rooted ROM now that my phone is rooted or it'll lose root?
As for the backup...yeah.. so if I perform a NAND now..it would be a rooted version of the ROM right? And it'll have all the contacts as well?
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant when an update comes along, instead of all the effort of UN rooting, updating, and re rooting, just wait for a dev to post a ROM with the update cooked in. Much easier, less work = less risk of a problem.
And yes
Hi guys,
There are threads on this and I have taken a look. Most solutions to this issue (apparently a radio file that is incompatible with certain devices rolled out with the 2.3.6 update) require a flash (radio, rom etc.).
My phone is unrooted and since I still have the return policy, I don't want to disrupt too much and spend too much time rooting/unrooting just to get it to work.
I'd like to try either a radio flash or a full wipe back to 2.3.5 or 2.3.4 in order to see if this is actually a hardware defect, or a software issue as above.
Can anyone advise on whether or not it will be possible to do a full wipe back to 2.3.5 or earlier without having a rooted phone?
I tried the other thread on flashing the radio but I believe it is not possible without root access.
I apologize for the noob thread, but I could not find an answer to this problem specifically for those with unrooted phones..
Thank you.
Hi there,
There's no way to return to an older version with stock recovery. You would need to root and install a custom recovery. Then you will be able to rollback to the older version of the update.
Since you don't want to do that, the only option is to return the device and get another.
Root is extremelly easy with SuperOneClickRoot (just in case you're afraid of loose too much time on this).
Thanks for the prompt reply.
I guess I was just grasping at straws.
I was following a guid eon nexus hacks for rooting and the process seems relatively quick and painless... would I need superuser installed if all I'm doing is the recovery tools for now?
Its not the rooting part I'm worried with, or the unrooting as there's guides for those (and its quite a simple process) its just the possibility of something messing up along the way
Actually the fastboot unlock and recovery install is pretty painless. Just make sure you have the correct custom recovery for your phone model.
You don't need superuser if you're just running the recovery and have all the roms you will need in you phone's "sdcard"
Fair, I guess if all I'm doing is unlocking fastboot and then am able to "relock" it, it is relatively painless.
This might be a very stupid question and it is a bit OT but since you're active in this thread for the moment, customer recovery... I am a bit at a loss on how to retrieve that from? I was merely hoping that by unlocking fast boot, I can just "flash" in a radio file, but I assume I should backup those radio files first...
You are correct. Just flash the correct radio and you're good to go.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Hello
(sorry for my english)
I'm a noob in this world and i need some help.
In the past few days i've been reading a lot of posts in this forum but to a noob it's a little bit hard to understand somethings.
So, i'm using this topic to ask some questions. If there is another thread that answer all my questions and explain things for a newbie, feel free to tell me and apologize to create this new thread.
I have a smartphone android, Galaxy S2 with android 4.1.2, all locked to the provider (I know that there is a specific forum for this smartphone and i read some threads).
Now, i want to make it a ROOT and maybe try new ROM's.
Let's start with the questions:
-To make a root, it's better with kernel exchange or with a simple file?
-In the future, if i want to install another ROM, having the root made from the kernel that is with the phone (using a file in the SD Card) may cause some problems? To do this it's better to go to root insecure kernel?
-Why i need to change kernel? which is the benefits?
-It's possible to restore to the previous kernel?
-What are necessary to backup the ROM that actually i have?
-Changing one time the kernel, i can install all the roms i want or i need to install another kernel's?
Thank you for your atention, and one more time, sorry for my english!
@pedrocrv,
Your English is fine! Don't worry about that, man.
Here is my opinion.
Generally speaking, you don't need to replace your kernel. Replacing the kernel can both drastically change your device's performance for the better, as well as render your device completely unusable, which in Android terminology is called "bricked". If your device is "bricked", it is completely useless as an electronic device, making it nothing more than a brick.
But to get back on topic, it's normally only developers like myself who need to replace the kernel, and even then only every once in a while. It's somewhat unsafe for new users, because one little mistake can lead to a huge problem. Trust me, I've seen them here on XDA myself. Don't become one of them.
However, using and flashing ROMs is a whole different story. ROMs normally change aesthetic parts of your device, like the look and features. If you follow the instructions given to install the specific ROM very well, it is practically impossible to brick your device.
If you find a good ROM, go for it. It's almost definitely going to change your device in a very good way.
So to wrap up this post, basically (for you):
Replace the kernel = bad idea, don't do it until you have more experience
Install/flash a ROM = a great idea, go for it if you find a nice one!
The most important thing to remember, however, is to m a k e a b a c k u p. Once you make a backup, you can mod your system however you want without fear of bricking.
Hope this helps.
@thenookieforlife3
Thank you for your explanation!
I understand what you said, but in one thread of my smartphone i see a lot of people talking about rooting their phones but for this is needed to use another kernel.
I want to root my device, and in a near future maybe install one ROM of CyanogenMod (and try others too), but i'm afraid of rooting because that story of changing the device kernel and using Odin... I don't want a brick
Another question:
If i find a file to root my device without Odin, but i don't have the 100% that it's the file indicated for my device, there is some problem if I try to root with that?
And, as i see, there is some diferent files, how i choose one? it's indifferent or one file have specific itens that another don't have?
Thanks a lot!
pedrocrv said:
@thenookieforlife3
Thank you for your explanation!
I understand what you said, but in one thread of my smartphone i see a lot of people talking about rooting their phones but for this is needed to use another kernel.
I want to root my device, and in a near future maybe install one ROM of CyanogenMod (and try others too), but i'm afraid of rooting because that story of changing the device kernel and using Odin... I don't want a brick
Another question:
If i find a file to root my device without Odin, but i don't have the 100% that it's the file indicated for my device, there is some problem if I try to root with that?
And, as i see, there is some diferent files, how i choose one? it's indifferent or one file have specific itens that another don't have?
Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
like Thenookieforlife3 said you do not need a kernel, you dont need one to root or install roms/custom recovery's, they are just for tweaking things or being able to overclock. So, first of all, you are going to have to tell us your model number (or which carrier your phone is on) so we can direct you to the right root guide, s2's are fairly easy to root so dont be scared we will hold your hands the entire way!
Trozzul said:
like Thenookieforlife3 said you do not need a kernel, you dont need one to root or install roms/custom recovery's, they are just for tweaking things or being able to overclock. So, first of all, you are going to have to tell us your model number (or which carrier your phone is on) so we can direct you to the right root guide, s2's are fairly easy to root so dont be scared we will hold your hands the entire way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. ^
We can definitely give you a hand, but we do need a few details to make sure everything works out.
hello again!
@Trozzul and @thenookieforlife3,
Thank you!
So there is the information asked for: (see the attachment for more details)
Bandbase: I9100BULS1
Kernel: 3.0.31-889555 [email protected] #3 SMP PREEMPT Thu Jan 31 14:48:54 KST 2013
Compilation Number: JZO54K.I9100XWLSD
I have another questions to do:
-What vary from file to file on root?
-What is a AOSP ROM? Where I can find a rom that is almost empty of trash, like i think it is a Stock Rom?
-In the information given above, wich is more important to see if I can install that rom? Can I install a rom that is not XWLSD?
Many thanks!
Answers to your questions are in red.
Thank you! You're very welcome!
So there is the information asked for: (see the attachment for more details)
Bandbase: I9100BULS1
Kernel: 3.0.31-889555 [email protected] #3 SMP PREEMPT Thu Jan 31 14:48:54 KST 2013
Compilation Number: JZO54K.I9100XWLSD
I have another questions to do:
-What vary from file to file on root? Normally not much changes from root method to root method - basically, if anything does, it's negligible to you, meaning that it won't really matter. What does matter is that the root method actually roots your phone.
-What is a AOSP ROM? ASOP stands for Android Open Source Project, and it pretty much means that it's a ROM that is as minimalistic and "free of trash", as you say, as you can get it.
-Where I can find a rom that is almost empty of trash, like i think it is a Stock Rom? Here are a few good ones:
AOSP NeatROM for S2
CarbonRom KitKat for S2
SuperNexus for S2
-In the information given above, which is more important to see if I can install that rom? Can I install a rom that is not XWLSD? The ROMs that you can install will be labelled "S2" and "I9100". Don't try to install any other ROMs unless they have those labels.
Hope these help!
I understand what you said!
For example, the AOSP NeatROM have a version that is not AOSP. What it means?
To Install other ROM's i need to root first?
And now, how i simply root by a file?
@pedrocrv,
Answers to your questions in red.
For example, the AOSP NeatROM have a version that is not AOSP. What it means? That means that there is another version of that ROM that is more full of extra features, a.k.a "trash".
To Install other ROM's i need to root first? Yes.
And now, how i simply root by a file? It depends from method to method - some methods are apps that you install and then hit a "big red button", some methods are files that you have to flash through a custom recovery, for example, ClockworkMod. Basically, just read and follow the instructions that come with each root method.
again, thank you!
So, if i find some thread that talk about a file to root, it's just follow the instructions and it's done?
how I know that i need a custom recovery? mine doesn't work?
what is flashing?
Thank you for your attention!
@pedrocrv,
Once again, answers to your questions in red.
So, if i find some thread that talk about a file to root, it's just follow the instructions and it's done? Yes, that's right.
how I know that i need a custom recovery? mine doesn't work? The rooting method will tell you in the instructions whether or not you need a custom recovery, and if it does, it will tell you which one to use and how to use it.
what is flashing? Simply put, flashing is installing a file (normally a .zip) that has been specially formatted via a recovery method (custom or stock).
Thank you for your attention! No problem!
thenookieforlife3 said:
@pedrocrv,
First, please make sure to hit "Thanks" on each of my helpful posts.
Once again, answers to your questions in red.
So, if i find some thread that talk about a file to root, it's just follow the instructions and it's done? Yes, that's right.
how I know that i need a custom recovery? mine doesn't work? The rooting method will tell you in the instructions whether or not you need a custom recovery, and if it does, it will tell you which one to use and how to use it.
what is flashing? Simply put, flashing is installing a file (normally a .zip) that has been specially formatted via a recovery method (custom or stock).
Thank you for your attention! No problem!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im sure we should introduce him to cyanogenmod, cyanogenmod can be more stock than Asop most of the time, Asops nice but there are most of the time little additions that the creator likes, plus if cyanogenmod installer is compatible for your device he shouldn't have todo much!
@pedrocrv , im not trying to steal his thunder but im trying my best to explain it to you too if he left anything out, otherwise if you guys want me to i will back out .
Custom recovery's are basically a way of getting out of a bad spot and being able to Flash new Roms, if you get stuck in a bootloop (stays stuck at the samsung screen for a very long time, the first time you flash a rom you should let it sit for it can take awhile for the first time you turn it on.) you can most likely get out of the problem and be able to backup your stock firmware if you decide you dont like rooting/custom roms, it does stuff the Stock recovery does not do.
Flashing is basically as thenookieforlife3 said its so you can install Roms, when you hear the term flashing think "installing".
@Trozzul and @thenookieforlife3,
Thank you for both atention! i'm learning a lot of things with both of you!
I know cyanogen, and as i search in the wiki of cyanogen page i think my phone is compatible.
What I need to do with the installer? And if i use the installer, how I backup my actual ROM to future problems or needs to come to origins?
stock ROM-> My actual ROM?
Custom ROM-> a new one
So, if i understand everything:
With my actual recovery i'm not able to install other ROM's. But, with my recovery, i'm able to root my device unless the root method needs a custom recovery and it say's how to install it right?
With the root by my recovery, i'm able to install other ROM's but I will need to further install a custom recovery right?
Many thanks :good:
pedrocrv said:
@Trozzul and @thenookieforlife3,
Thank you for both atention! i'm learning a lot of things with both of you!
I know cyanogen, and as i search in the wiki of cyanogen page i think my phone is compatible.
What I need to do with the installer? And if i use the installer, how I backup my actual ROM to future problems or needs to come to origins?
stock ROM-> My actual ROM?
Custom ROM-> a new one
So, if i understand everything:
With my actual recovery i'm not able to install other ROM's. But, with my recovery, i'm able to root my device unless the root method needs a custom recovery and it say's how to install it right?
With the root by my recovery, i'm able to install other ROM's but I will need to further install a custom recovery right?
Many thanks :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes your stock rom is what the device comes with when you buy it. every device method of being able to get custom roms is different, so when you do get a new phone always do your research, sometimes you can root it and dont need a custom recovery (thats only if you want to stay on stock rom) sometimes you need a custom recovery to get root. with my S2 what i needed todo was get a custom recovery first, installing cyanogenmod already comes rooted so you can make a backup of your stock rom without rooting it.
so i dont also exactly know which device you have, where are you from? it looks spanish in your phones setttings with that screenshot, region is important. is it a GT-i9100 or a GT-i9100b? take out the battery and tell us what the model number says there. this is important for the cyanogenmod installer.
Trozzul said:
Yes your stock rom is what the device comes with when you buy it. every device method of being able to get custom roms is different, so when you do get a new phone always do your research, sometimes you can root it and dont need a custom recovery (thats only if you want to stay on stock rom) sometimes you need a custom recovery to get root. with my S2 what i needed todo was get a custom recovery first, installing cyanogenmod already comes rooted so you can make a backup of your stock rom without rooting it.
so i dont also exactly know which device you have, where are you from? it looks spanish in your phones setttings with that screenshot, region is important. is it a GT-i9100 or a GT-i9100b? take out the battery and tell us what the model number says there. this is important for the cyanogenmod installer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No i'm from portugal
so:
Model: GT-I9100
SSN:-I9100GSMH
Wich is the diference?
pedrocrv said:
No i'm from portugal
so:
Model: GT-I9100
SSN:-I9100GSMH
Wich is the diference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's very little difference between the i9100 and the i9100b, but the difference is enough that there is a separate CyanogenMod installer for both models.
thenookieforlife3 said:
There's very little difference between the i9100 and the i9100b, but the difference is enough that there is a separate CyanogenMod installer for both models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@thenookieforlife3 i think the cyanogenmod installer installs a CWM right for his question on it? also look at these stated on the Cyanogenmod wiki for the GT-i9100
WARNING:
Some second-generation Samsung Exynos devices are potentially susceptible to a "superbrick" caused by performing a factory reset with the stock kernel, which effectively kills the internal memory in the device. It is highly recommended you do not perform this operation while using a stock kernel for safety reasons. To make sure you aren't running the stock kernel (only needed when coming from the stock ROM), fully install CM without performing a factory reset and reboot to recovery before you perform the factory reset.
WARNING:
If you used a non-official method to remove a provider lock, your /efs partition may become corrupt! It is highly recommended you make a backup of this for safe keeping before attempting to modify your device, especially if you plan to remove such a lock.
WARNING:
The newest Gapps package (20140606) is too big for the /system partition of i9100. Please use the 20140105 package instead. This message will disappear when this is resolved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should we tell him to run a benchmark and tell us his CPU?
@pedrocrv (Edit:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antutu.ABenchMark download this app real fast and tell us what CPU you have) so the cyanogenmod installer will be the easiest thing for you, even though installing a custom rom is insanely easy this is basically a one click method, note that all of your data will be deleted so back that up somewhere where you can save it and put it on your phone when its done installing. so as i asked thenookieforlife3i believe that the cyanogenmod installer will also install the latest and best custom recovery for you (CWM: Clockworkmod will be a huge term like CM: Cyanogenmod you will hear a lot, they are both very popular for being the most stable.) it would be stupid enough for it not to install it as well, but if it does not we will show you an easy app that will install a custom recovery, basically one click just like cyanogenmod. now as i looked on the cyanogenmod site, the installer IS compatible with your phone and will install a Stable version of Cyanogenmod 10.2 which is android 4.3. note that the highest right now is CM 11 which is android 4.4.4 kit kat but right now is what we call a "Nightly".
i will try my best to explain this to you, there are four stages that cyanogenmod puts out i will rate them from lowest to highest: "experiments" "snapshot" "nightly" and "Stable", you only need to worry about nightly and stable, Stable is basically the final product the last update for that android version so its the most stable and with less bugs and this is what you want to aim for, Nightlys are Nightly generated updates that update bugs every night asked by people like us to be fixed, Honestly Nightlys are Very stable and are perfectly fine.
Now you might like Cyanogenmod 10.2, personally a lot of my phones run 10.2 if its available, you might like kit kat (Cyanogenmod 11) better instead, honestly try out 10.2 first and if you dont like it, you can update to Cyanogenmod 11 (they push updates out like how samsung would push out updates.) without deleting your information on CM 10.2, im sorry if i confused you at all please ask a lot of questions if needed!
Trozzul said:
@thenookieforlife3 i think the cyanogenmod installer installs a CWM right for his question on it? also look at these stated on the Cyanogenmod wiki for the GT-i9100
Should we tell him to run a benchmark and tell us his CPU? …
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, installing CyanogenMod installs ClockworkMod as the default recovery.
Yes, let's have him run a benchmark and tell us the results.
@thenookieforlife3 and @Trozzul
Again, thank you for your patience!
I'm now running the benchmark!
Let's put new question's..
-With CM 10.2, it comes with root, and how to unlock the SIM?
-With CM 10.2, in wich phase of the installation I will be able to backup my stock ROM?
-Imagine that after sometime I want to go back to my stock ROM, What I need to do, because i will have another recovery?
-WIth the CM 10.2 I will have my RAM memory more free?
In the attachment are the images of the test
thank you again!
Pedro
@pedrocrv,
As always, answers to your questions in red.
-With CM 10.2, it comes with root, and how to unlock the SIM? @Trozzul, if you'd please answer this question, that would be great, because I don't know much about SIM unlocking.
-With CM 10.2, in wich phase of the installation I will be able to backup my stock ROM? You will want to make a Nandroid backup before you do anything at all in relation to rooting and CyanogenMod.
-Imagine that after sometime I want to go back to my stock ROM, What I need to do, because i will have another recovery? You will use either the "Install update from SD card" or the "Install .zip from SD card" feature. I don't know exactly, but if that time comes, please let me know and I'll do the research necessary to help you out.
-WIth the CM 10.2 I will have my RAM memory more free? It all depends on what apps you have running at one time. I personally use Advanced Task Killer Free to kill apps directly after I'm finished using them, and that frees up a lot of RAM. CM probably overall will make your RAM memory less free, but if you use the app killing trick, you won't ever have a problem with it.
In the attachment are the images of the test Great, thank you for doing that.