Database Info

Rooting, Flashing, Backing up And Installing New Boot Loader

Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks

i'm new to all of this too but ill try to answer some questions. Although, I think this thread should NOT be in development and should be in general. I personally have read through a lot of threads to get the answers that I was seeking for.
As far as backup goes, I think its possible through Odin via dump option? don't quote me on that, I have not had to do that before, nor have I read up on it. bootloader as far as i see, i did not need it.
there is a thread in here with virgin rom request, LOOK for it.
There is NO compiled list of apps that you can or cannot delete, but if you read, there is a dl for BLOATWARE, use that as a template to what you want deleted.
Right now, ODIN is the only way that you can flash your phone, and use the two roms listed in this development thread.
From what i read a deodexed rom just helps with file system and structure. I think?
you will always be able to go back to stock, if you have the virgin rom.
Imo, you should read up/skim through every thread in here to see what is available, problems people are having and the fixes for them. I know there is alot of information in here and it maybe overwhelming, but there were 172 views of this thread without any replies because us noobs need to READ/SEARCH. Thats the answers we'll get if we continue to make new threads. Just fyi if your new to forums.

Moved as not android development.

As newbie you should first read and use search
then if you dont see question you want, you just ask it
And about Roms , well i tried that deox v2.2 and didnt like it , switched to stock with removed bloat and love it more but thats for different thread

Well thanks for you answers and I do apologize for posting this here. I didn't know. I think i will go with what you have done. Stock ROM without bloatware. Did you flash the Stock ROM from this forum? or did you just deleted the apps one by one?
I will do the fota fix as well.

moshe22 said:
Hi guys,
I just got a SGS4G about a week ago and I would like to tweak it a little bit but I do have some concerns. This is my first android smartphone
Here are my concerns:
I would like to do a Backup of my ROM in case I ever want to go back to it. How could I do that? Do I need to install a bootloader other than the one that comes with the phone? if yes which one should I install?
I have rooted my phone and would like to get rid of a bunch of apps but was reading that if you remove some of the apps it could cause the phone to malfuncion. Is there a compiled a list of apps that should not be removed? or this is just not true?
When I'm ready to install a Stock ROM how do I do that? Via Odin? (I can look for some guide if it's via Odin)
Can anyone tell me what would be the benefit of installing Deodexed instead of using the Stock ROM?
Will i always me able to come back to my Stock ROM once i figure how to create a backup ROM?
Am I missing any important point that I should know about?
I would really appreciate if you can help clarify this doubts that I got before i try to do anything.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.

ClockWorkMod is the preferred way to backup your ROM, but it does not seem to be working on the SGS4G currently. I was messing with it one night and actually think I got it to backup the Rom one time but I cannot guarantee that I did because I was working on a supposed fix and did not get a chance to copy the backup file to my computer before it got wiped off my SD card. The process is called nandroid backup. If you have a virgin phone and want a clean backup of your ROM you might want to wait until the fix comes out for CWM.
Once you root your phone you can install Titainum backup. That allows you to backup your apps/Data/System settings. At least that’s what it says it does. From what I’ve read, the best way to backup your apps is with ADB which is part of the Software Development Kit. You can also use Android Commander which uses ADB to Pull your apps to your computer and make a backup there. Check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1010006 for info on SDK and ADB commands. There is also a direction to making new apps install to your SD card natively. This link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001202 also shows that command and how to Reverse/Check status of settings.
The Noobs guide to Oden covers the basics to flashing your ROM fairly well: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1001759
The [ROM-ODIN]T959VUVKB5 Stock + Root and [ROM-ODIN] Deodexed KB5 Enhanced v2.2 are the two ROMs that are working now for most people. The first is Odexed the second is Deodexed. Odexed is how it comes stock and takes up less room but making modifications or taking apks from other roms is hard, While Deodexed allows modders to work on the apks & easily change stuff like themes. (Description Taken from Damage's DamageControl Thread) My suggestion is to have some patience and wait for ClockWorkMod to be updated and working for the SGS4G before you dive in too deep. Take some time to look around the 4g posts and read as much as you can to get familiar with what is working and what is not. Check some of the threads with locks on them to see what not to do. There is a wealth of information in these pages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man! Really helpful. I will read into these threads and probably will wait for the clockwork to work for SGS4G.
I really don't see the advantage of flashing to Deodexed. Maybe i'm missing something?

Im new to all of this :-(

hello everyone
im in need of help of installing a new rom on my mytouch 3g 32b. im trying to install the ginger yoshi rom properly however i don't know were to start. Im pretty much lost in what is the first step to install this rom. no i don't have the phone "rooted" in fact what is this rooting mean anyways? the radio and SPL are up-to-date, can someone help me get start in this? thanks

1st root the phone that is get access to the phone's system files
2nd install custom recovery
3rd download rom file
4th flash zip from the option of custom recovery
DONT DO IT IF U WANT TO USE UR PHONE FOR SOMETIME!!! COZ AFTER USING A ROM PEOPLE FACE LOT OF PROBLEMS.. OR PROBABLY BRICK UR PHONE, IN WHICH ITS BETTER TO THROW UR PHONE OUT THE WINDOW INSTEAD OF TAKING IT TO THE VENDOR COZ U WILL VOID THE TOTAL WARRANTY.. TRY AT UR OWN RISK!

try checking other topics or search within this website. i bet you'll find answers to those questions you are looking for right now.

zeemar007 said:
DONT DO IT IF U WANT TO USE UR PHONE FOR SOMETIME!!! COZ AFTER USING A ROM PEOPLE FACE LOT OF PROBLEMS.. OR PROBABLY BRICK UR PHONE, IN WHICH ITS BETTER TO THROW UR PHONE OUT THE WINDOW INSTEAD OF TAKING IT TO THE VENDOR COZ U WILL VOID THE TOTAL WARRANTY.. TRY AT UR OWN RISK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, not to be rude, but this is way off. The ALL CAPS really helps though.
Rooting my phone took only a few minutes. Backing up my current rom + flashing a new one = 15 minutes, tops. Plus, I couldn't imagine being back on the stock rom. My phone runs smoother, looks better, and does more than it could out of the box.
That being said, I'm not familiar with your phone, so the rooting process could be more difficult & lengthy. There are automatic root apps, but there are manual methods as well. Auto-root methods take less time & work, but when something goes wrong, it can be difficult to troubleshoot as you're not fully aware of what's happening. Manual methods require more work, and when something goes wrong there are more solutions because you're fully aware of the state of your phone. Another plus to doing it manually - you learn something.
For the record, rooting your phone is technically gaining access to system files. This includes the apps that come preinstalled, the framework, the entire operating system. There are many benefits to rooting, however you do void your warranty. You can return your phone to it's stock, non-rooted state if you need to take it in.
Before doing anything, I would read as much as possible. Read the stickies in the forum related to your phone, read any noob guides you can find, and be certain you know what you're doing before you do it. Also know why you're rooting - don't just do it because it's something that seems "cool".
Once you've read & found a method you're comfortable with, go ahead and root. Be sure to do a backup in recovery, and if you want to save your apps + data, back that up with Titanium Backup. Then download and flash the rom in recovery.
If you need anything else or have any questions (be sure to read first!) ask here or send me a pm & I'll be glad to help out.
Good luck!

[Q] complete noob.please someone help me

i have no idea what im doing no matter how many videos i watch and comments and forum answers.i would love nothing more than to root my samsung droid charge and im sure many users out there had to go through this painful undertaking at some point.i dont know where to begin with roms nor what to download and where to get it from or if its even right.but im so tired of watching all these pointless verizon apps and other crap lingering and running in the background of my device.please.....sumone help me.i want to learn very badly.ive seen everything from titanium backup to and certain roms but dont quite understand it all.can and will someone kindly guide me?

First off download Odin then download an Odin based rom and cwm recovery . Run Odin flashing the rom, run it once more flashing recovery and go on the market and get super user and that's it all rooted. That easy
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

Well I came from Blackberry where I learned and the best way is just read the sticky's ask some basic questions and go from there. Search the development section and read about each rom and its base. Gingerbread being the newest.
Some come with everything you need to flash your phone which makes it east while others require you to download some programs and install. Learn the basics about your phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1172904
How to restore your phone to stock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1111486
How to flash Roms
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1160580
After you decide on the Rom you want and flash you may want to add a theme which each is different in what they change. Some just color , some icons, etc..
Just take your time to take it all in and read then ask question in the correct forum as you go. Jump right in as I did and have never bricked my phone and have always been able to recover or go back to stock. I know I pointed you basically to things you could have found yourself but thats what it is about. Read jump in and get your phone the way you want.
So kinda to make it simple download the basic drivers needed to access your phone.
A. Make sure you know how to get back to stock.
B. How to flash rom in Development section which will have all drivers needed to install for your phone.
B. Pick a Rom
C. Then later on maybe pick a them or read about more advanced stuff such as scripts or changing certain files. Blackberry used .cod if I remember and android uses .apk for programs.
Im still learning myself but thought I would atleast answer your post.

[GUIDE] Getting Started With Your G2x

Yes, this guide is outdated a bit. I lost my job and in between school, 3 kids, and writing resumes, I do not have the time to do the proper research and update this. I apologize for my desertion, however, if anyone would like to take it over, feel free to copy/paste the contents of this post and repost, update, and request a sticky from the mods.
Disclaimer
If you have an LG P999 (Not the P990!) you should not brick while using this guide. If you do happen to brick your device, I will not accept responsibility for it. Nor will I support you. There is more than enough information in our section to fully troubleshoot almost any known problem. If I link to a thread, please read AT LEAST the original post (OP) in its entirety before taking the steps it contains. If a method I linked does not work, please let me know. I don’t have the time to read every post on every thread on every section.
This guide is for Windows users only. If you are on a Mac or Linux box, there may be ways of doing this, but I don’t have any way of testing it. You’re on your own.
Purpose
So you just got the LG P999 (T-Mobile G2x or Wind O2x) or you’ve had it for a while and finally decided to root it. This is an updated step-by-step guide on what you need to do in order to unleash your device.
Credit
Thank you to all of the developers and scripters out there. I didn’t do any of the work and I claim no rights to anything linked in this guide.
Thanks to:
KiNG OMaR
jboxer
Volk
kairi_zeroblade
Mr Rusty
phburks
All the other people who contributed to all of these methods.
Anyone who spends their free time coding, modding, troubleshooting, helping, and a special thanks to anyone who does his or her research.
General Information
This guide assumes you’ve had your phone long enough to have gotten T-Mobile’s 2.3.3 Gingerbread update by now. If you’re on 2.2.2 Froyo, search on how to update to 2.3.3 Gingerbread as it will upgrade (maybe?) your radio as well.
If you are an advanced user and coming from a different phone and are used to different practices, let me break it down for you. The bootloader and radio are already unlocked (or S-OFF, if you will). There are only 2 radios which may actually be exactly the same, but they are not flashable zips. All ROMs are compatible with either radio.
All links are tested and up-to-date as of 11 April 2012.
Step 1: CWM
Install ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) via NVFlash. This should always be your first step no matter what you intend to do with your device. Installing CWM will allow you to flash roms, kernels, etc., as well as recover from minor bricks or bad flashes. DO NOT install CWM via Rom Manager. The following thread will help you install NVidia's APX drivers and flash CWM via NVFlash:
[RECOVERY]CWM-Based Recovery 5.0.2.8 For P999(Internal & External SD)
After completing this step, you will be able to access CWM at any time from a power off state by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons until the white “LG” logo goes away and the blue “LG” logo appears. Release the buttons when you see the blue "LG" logo and wait for the CWM menu to pop up. I recommend at this point that you test it out to make sure it works and that you perform a backup with CWM. Once backed up, copy it to your computer, burn it to a CD, archive it on your tape drive, whatever. It’s just good practice to keep these things in case someone’s link goes down and you really needed that file to return to stock.
Step 2: Decision
Here, you will make a decision:
Are there any apps that you need to save your progress in (for example, Angry Birds scores, etc.) and can’t simply be reinstalled?
If no, skip to Step 4: Flash
If yes, proceed with Step 3: Root
Step 3: Root & Backup
I know, I know. There are apps that can backup your angry birds scores and all that, but this makes reinstalling all of your apps easier. First, you need to download an app to backup your apps. Titanium Backup is my favorite. The price tag seems a little high at first glance, but it’s worth it, especially if you plan on doing this to other phones in the future. Download Titanium Backup from the market, and purchase the PRO key. If you want to go the cheap route, there are alternatives. Next, we need root access. Achieve this by following this post:
[ROOT] G2X Gingerbread 2.3.3. stock ROM with flashable zip in Clockworkmod Recovery
You have a rooted phone and Titanium Backup now. Open Titanium Backup and allow it root access. Press menu, then “batch” and backup user apps only. Never backup system data. You will only get yelled at when people find out that you backup system data.
Step 4: Wipe & Flash
Select a ROM. There are many to choose from (stock Gingerbread, AOSP-based Gingerbread, AOSP-based Ice Cream Sandwich, MIUI). If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, flash one from each category and play with it for 30 minutes to make a final decision. Please read the OP for the ROM you are flashing and follow their directions. If it is not based on the stock ROM, you will need to flash a zip that contains Google’s Apps (gapps). Read your ROM’s OP for the details on this.
When you flash a new ROM, at a minimum, perform the “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” in CWM just prior to flashing the ROM. This will clear old data and cache. I recommend using:
[TOOL] G2x Nullifier [UPDATED!] 26 March Cache only Nullifier!
The dual wipe nullifier is in my opinion, not needed. Single wipe will be fine. Keep in mind, once you nullify, you need to flash a ROM immediately after you nullify! If you reboot after nullifying, you have a soft-brick that should be recoverable, but that’s extra grief you don’t need. So, again, make sure you have a ROM ready to flash on your SD card BEFORE you use the Nullifier.
Step 5: Restore & Enjoy
If you backed up your apps in Step 3: Root & Backup, open up the Market and redownload Titanium Backup and the PRO key (or whatever cheap alternative you decide on) and start it up, granting root access. Press menu, “batch” and restore missing apps with data.
All done! If you want to underclock or overclock or flash kernels, you need to read up on it. They will not be included in this guide.
I am open to *constructive* feedback. If your feedback is “this guide sucks,” move on. I don’t need you here. If you have a legitimate problem with the contents and maybe a suggestion on how to fix it, by all means, let me know. I know there are a couple guides out there, but some are outdated. Just putting a fresh one up for those just joining the game.
I don’t ask for donations. Save them for the people who do the real work. If I helped you out, just hit the thanks button.

Very simple and easy guide, nicley done
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Awesome Guide. I was thinking of doing something like that for noobs like me. You can include OC/UV guide from Klatmon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1558080
Its a great guide. Plus you will have a complete G2x guide for dummies after this as Step 6 (optional) .

Great guide, only issue is in step 3 you say to gain root. The way we gain root is to flash a rom that already has it. I would recommend backing up data before that point us possible (i don't remember if backup apps can be run without root)
And, you might want to link to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24087341 thread for the cwm flashing, it's one file to download and one thing to run, helluva lot simpler for a first timer
Also, pm a mod and ask if you can get this stickied. We need something like this up top
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2

cricketAC said:
Awesome Guide. I was thinking of doing something like that for noobs like me. You can include OC/UV guide from Klatmon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1558080
Its a great guide. Plus you will have a complete G2x guide for dummies after this as Step 6 (optional) .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, my original thought was that the oc/uv guide was a little advanced for the level of the guide. I think I will add it though, thanks for the tip!
Klathmon said:
Great guide, only issue is in step 3 you say to gain root. The way we gain root is to flash a rom that already has it. I would recommend backing up data before that point us possible (i don't remember if backup apps can be run without root)
And, you might want to link to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24087341 thread for the cwm flashing, it's one file to download and one thing to run, helluva lot simpler for a first timer
Also, pm a mod and ask if you can get this stickied. We need something like this up top
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root method I linked to is merely a flashable zip with superuser. It keeps the current rom but adds root access so that people can back up their stuff prior to flashing.
I will add the easy flash for cwm for sure though. Thanks for the feedback!

r4d14n7 said:
Yeah, my original thought was that the oc/uv guide was a little advanced for the level of the guide. I think I will add it though, thanks for the tip!
The root method I linked to is merely a flashable zip with superuser. It keeps the current rom but adds root access so that people can back up their stuff prior to flashing.
I will add the easy flash for cwm for sure though. Thanks for the feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol my bad i didnt even read the link
Sent from my LG-P999 using Tapatalk 2

Don't we also have the option to create an update.zip from TBuPRO to reinstall all previous apps from within recovery??? I have read about it but never done it. And thanks for this great tut.

harrytorta said:
Don't we also have the option to create an update.zip from TBuPRO to reinstall all previous apps from within recovery??? I have read about it but never done it. And thanks for this great tut.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would highly advise against this...
doing that across roms of the same version is risky, doing it across roms of different versions is down-right mad. it just plops them back into the rom pre-installed with data and everything, bad bad bad idea.

I tried searching about it on google but found nothing so thanks for the reply. Kinda sucks that it would muck with things though :\

I've never done it either. It's tempting to "flash" your old apps back over, especially with the amount of time it takes for Titanium Backup to run, but as Klathmon stated, it's probably a bad idea. Patience is a virtue, I suppose.

Very easy guide for noobs like me, I have a problem my phone shows p999 in about phone and its have a logo of videotron. but the sticker at the back cover shows p990 :S should i go with p999 method ??

Hasooboy said:
Very easy guide for noobs like me, I have a problem my phone shows p999 in about phone and its have a logo of videotron. but the sticker at the back cover shows p990 :S should i go with p999 method ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an interesting situation. I would install the LGMobile Support Tool and see what model it says you have. If I had to *guess* it's a P999 but you should definitely contact one of the other Videotron users and ask them. That is beyond my scope of knowledge, so proceed with caution!

r4d14n7 said:
That's an interesting situation. I would install the LGMobile Support Tool and see what model it says you have. If I had to *guess* it's a P999 but you should definitely contact one of the other Videotron users and ask them. That is beyond my scope of knowledge, so proceed with caution!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot

Hasooboy said:
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, enjoy your new G2x. haha...
Always nice to give back to the community! Give it a shot! I haven't seen much Videotron stuff here yet, just T-Mobile and Wind.

r4d14n7 said:
Yeah, enjoy your new G2x. haha...
Always nice to give back to the community! Give it a shot! I haven't seen much Videotron stuff here yet, just T-Mobile and Wind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more thing i just want to know what happen if i install CWM of p999 which its is most probably then what happened if its p990 :S

Thanks!
Easy to follow, thanks alot!

Good guide, one additional section would be a general overview of ICS-based vs GB-based ROMs, advantages of ICS are latest Android OS, but downside is non-working binary drivers for video camera & playback & uses more memory for OS. GB is more functional & stable, but older-style.

Great Guide!!!!!:

thanks for this amazing guide. Works perfectly without any problems.

Hasooboy said:
I have connect my phone with Lg software update its detect as p999dw and proceed towards the update process after Update process my phones become T mobile G2X which was videotorn earlier I am thinking of making new thread with all the information i have along with snap shoot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol i wish i had you're problem. If my phone was doing that i'd have no issue what so ever getting the march 2012 baseband

[Q] Backing up my data?

I'm so extremely new to this forum (and any forum, for that matter) that I just have an overload of questions. I've taken the time to read some stickies for noobs and that you should always read and search before posting but I am impatient (I tried and failed).
I recently got a gorgeous, red htc one m8 from Verizon. This phone is bomb, and a total step up from my previous galaxy s3, but now I really want to root for the first time and see where it can take me.
I'd like to backup my phone before following the instructions to root, and the resources I've gotten don't seem promising and I was really just wanting to know what would be best to save EVERYTHING from multimedia to my somewhat custom settings. (?)
Please don't hate me. I'm so new. If I ever get to the point of rooting this thing are there any personal recommendations on where to begin after I've rooted (or threads that already have that stuff)?

The rooting process (including soff) wipes no data. After you get root, you can install an app like titani backup or helium backup to backup individual data. You also want to do a nandroid backup in recovery the second you install a custom recovery, so you have a cushion to fall in in a bad situation

wtoj34 said:
The rooting process (including soff) wipes no data. After you get root, you can install an app like titani backup or helium backup to backup individual data. You also want to do a nandroid backup in recovery the second you install a custom recovery, so you have a cushion to fall in in a bad situation
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Now I've just got to google nandroid backup and custom recovery. These are honestly my baby steps with this, should I even root without knowing all this stuff or will it just get easier?

letsmoshjosh said:
Now I've just got to google nandroid backup and custom recovery. These are honestly my baby steps with this, should I even root without knowing all this stuff or will it just get easier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say you need to read read read. The s-off procedures for either firewater our sunshine are damn near idiot proof so there's little to no risk of damaging things there. However, once you have the ability to flash things in a custom recovery the risk goes way up. As long as you're not flashing unverified experimental files or accidentally flashing files for a different model then today's recoveries make it pretty easy. Also, make a nandroid before you change just about anything through recovery. Happy flashing.

cntryby429 said:
I would say you need to read read read. The s-off procedures for either firewater our sunshine are damn near idiot proof so there's little to no risk of damaging things there. However, once you have the ability to flash things in a custom recovery the risk goes way up. As long as you're not flashing unverified experimental files or accidentally flashing files for a different model then today's recoveries make it pretty easy. Also, make a nandroid before you change just about anything through recovery. Happy flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the above are true. Please revisit the thread if you have any issues setting up ADB on your machine before you attempt firewater (S-OFF). The big thing for me was making sure I got everything installed properly before I flashed. Once you do the root process be it Samsung, HTC, et al... you will find it is remarkably easy.
If you're looking for a custom ROM, be sure to stick to the Verizon HTC One M8 forums only unless you're directed there by a thread. Before you flash anything at all, just make sure you're solid on the process. Many times, there are awesome people who take the time to make a video about the process from start to end. Those will probably enormously useful for you on your first foray.
Again, ask around and read up! As cntryby429 said, read as much as you possibly can. The truth is, the devs do far more work than we could ever imagine as far as root goes.
Cheers!

letsmoshjosh said:
I'm so extremely new to this forum (and any forum, for that matter) that I just have an overload of questions. I've taken the time to read some stickies for noobs and that you should always read and search before posting but I am impatient (I tried and failed).
I recently got a gorgeous, red htc one m8 from Verizon. This phone is bomb, and a total step up from my previous galaxy s3, but now I really want to root for the first time and see where it can take me.
I'd like to backup my phone before following the instructions to root, and the resources I've gotten don't seem promising and I was really just wanting to know what would be best to save EVERYTHING from multimedia to my somewhat custom settings. (?)
Please don't hate me. I'm so new. If I ever get to the point of rooting this thing are there any personal recommendations on where to begin after I've rooted (or threads that already have that stuff)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been where you are! It's a little daunting finding all the information and getting it sorted.
You will have to do your own reading and do lot of it, but here's a little summary to get you pointed in the right direction.
The only known root method for the M8 is WEAKSAUCE. It provides temp root, meaning you loose root with each reboot but the app will re-root the phone automatically about 30 sec after booting. Servicable but not very elegant.
Root with Weaksauce is a pre-requisite to everything below.
If you want permanent root and/or run a custom rom on this phone you have to S-off, unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery (in that order).
For S-off and bootloader unlock (accomplished at the same time) there are two methods:
FIREWATER: free, but does not work on all M8s. Try it - it'll either work or fail. Follow the instructions on the Firewater website to the letter
SUNSHINE: from the same devs that made Firewater, guaranteed to work on all M8s and it'll cost you $25. Well worth it in my opinion.
Once you have S-off and an unlocked bootloader you can install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM (I recommend the former). Find instructions on the respective websites.
Once you have the custom recovery installed, you can
- flash SuperSU for permanent root
- make a nandroid (total system backup or image) of your stock rom or any rom you have currently installed
- flash a custom rom
This should get you started. Read everything three times, ask twice, flash once.
Edit: Could you do me a favor? Change the title of your thread to something like: Step-by-Step instructions for rooting/roming the M8?
It would make it easier to find for users in a similar situation.