Database Info

[Q] Just got my Nexus S! Should I Root it?

Hi, I just got my Nexus S, this is my first Android device, I've been an iPhone user for the last 3 years.
So my question is:
should I root it right now?
or should I just play with stock Android for a while?
if root: what should I install/do with it?
Thanks.

wilee1928 said:
Hi, I just got my Nexus S, this is my first Android device, I've been an iPhone user for the last 3 years.
So my question is:
should I root it right now?
or should I just play with stock Android for a while?
if root: what should I install/do with it?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there is no reason not to root it. If you root you can do whatever you want. I suggest you check out the different apps, roms, kernels, or mods you can get because there are far too many choices and different kinds of things you can do with root for anyone to tell you what or how should you use it.

kenvan19 said:
Well, there is no reason not to root it. If you root you can do whatever you want. I suggest you check out the different apps, roms, kernels, or mods you can get because there are far too many choices and different kinds of things you can do with root for anyone to tell you what or how should you use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i forgot another thing.
if i root it, is there a way to "unroot" it? just in case there is something wrong with the phone and needs repair (warranty).

wilee1928 said:
i forgot another thing.
if i root it, is there a way to "unroot" it? just in case there is something wrong with the phone and needs repair (warranty).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Making it seem untainted is as easy as flashing a stock rom and relocking the bootloader.

Always yes.
root.

I might suggest playing with the stock android for a bit first since this is your first android device. That way you can get acquainted and get a feel of what you want or expect from a custom rom or applications that require root.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Look around and see if of interest you then root.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Rooting gives you access to some incredibly powerful and useful applications that many of us can't live without.
There's really no reason not to root. It's stupid simple to do, and easily reversed with a few terminal commands to delete the su binary, busybox and its symlinks and the superuser.apk. I don't believe it's even an issue with warranty service. Google's endorsed rooting and hacking the phone (thanks kevnan for shoving that one down my throat again last night), and part of why they made it so easy to do.
Until recently, if you wanted to root, it was really a bad idea not to do it right away because the earlier methods (still) have you doing the fastboot oem unlock command, which will WIPE EVERYTHING on your phone, including all the stuff on your /sdcard (pictures, music, etc), and all your apps' data (like Angry Birds scores) that can't be backed up without root.
We've recently found a method that doesn't require you to wipe the phone, and is just as effective as the earlier methods (really all we're doing is skipping that oem unlock step), so it's not as time critical to root right away as it used to be.
Good luck with the phone; it's fantastic, even on stock ROMs (my choice to use), despite a few annoying quirks!
Sent from Safari browser because Chrome browser frequently won't cooperate with xda forums.

Questions before I root

Hello everyone - Please apologize if this is not the right place to ask this and feel free to move this thread where it belongs. So I have finally decided to root my HTC Inspire (Desire) - primarily to get rid of the bloatware and improve the battery life. I had a question before I do it - do I need to make any kind of backup before I proceed? Also, how easy/hard is it to go back to stock after you root? When you get an official software update, you need to be in the stock mode before you can get that update, correct?
I am planning to use the titanium backup pro after I root to freeze the bloatware - is there a better option available to do that or would you guys recommend titanium? Thanks much!

After you root, you won't want to have any "official" updates. We're not getting official ICS anyway. The ace hack kit does include a method to return to stock if you really needed to, say for warranty purposes. Rooting won't erase anything on your phone, but make sure all your contacts and everything are synced before you flash a new ROM. You need to wipe everything before that.
Titanium backup is the way to go for freezing/removing bloatware. Just be careful what you remove. I suggest freezing something before removing it to make sure the it doesn't make the phone act wierd. I made the mistake of removing a system app that I thought I had no need for, and it made my sync stick. Always had to manually cancel it or it would run forever. I ended up having to reflash to fix it.

Thanks a bunch. Could you clarify what you mean when you say that there is no need for the "official" updates after I root the phone? Won't I need the software updates from AT&T or HTC in the future? Let's say an upgrade to Android in the coming days or something similar?
For only rooting purposes, I don't need to make any backups, correct? I am under the impression that I need to make a backup only if I need to flash a ROM. Is that a correct assumption?
If I freeze a bloatware, does it still hog the system resources (CPU/memory)? Or is it just a way to hide it from the app drawer?
Thanks for your help.

jkm2282 said:
Thanks a bunch. Could you clarify what you mean when you say that there is no need for the "official" updates after I root the phone? Won't I need the software updates from AT&T or HTC in the future? Let's say an upgrade to Android in the coming days or something similar?
For only rooting purposes, I don't need to make any backups, correct? I am under the impression that I need to make a backup only if I need to flash a ROM. Is that a correct assumption?
If I freeze a bloatware, does it still hog the system resources (CPU/memory)? Or is it just a way to hide it from the app drawer?
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There will be no more updates from AT&T or HTC for the Inspire. Your only choice for updates will be to use a custom rom. They are much better than anything "official".
A back up is recommended before you start making changes once you have root. It is easier to restore a nandroid than to flash a RUU file.
Apps that have been frozen do not use CPU or ram but are still using storage.
Sent using the power of the dark side

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=25822169
I had posted something for the user in this thread maybe the info I made could help you out or give you the idea
My Inspire

to ease you mind, I just rooted my Inspire using aace.. its totally easy basically plug and play, just read the directions and make sure you followed the prereq' directions.. Its not hard at all and very worth it, can belive i didnt do it sooner, just flased CM7 today and it AWESOME!!!! do and dont look back!!

Going from jailbreaking to rooting.

I am a noobie to all that is Android... I am usually on an iPhone/iPod, but I decided for my upgrade why downgrade to the iPhone 5 when I could get the SGIII?
So, anyways... I am new to rooting and how to add anything on it after the root is done... and I need some help...
I have my SGIII rooted and all and it has been sweet. However, I do not want to add a custom ROM because of the loss of certain features on the device and a higher risk of brick.
I have to ask... Am I able to theme the stock touchwiz ROM differently without a big risk of brick? Or can I at all?
And, with the SGIII being on verizon... my notification toggles do not include a WiFi toggle! I want one on there, and I am not sure how to add it...
Here is a link to a thread about one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775235
I am running Jelly Bean 4.1.1.
Help?

First, congrats on getting the s3! It's an amazing device and definitely an upgrade.
What do you mean by losing features by flashing a custom ROM? If anything, you would gain features. I would recommend flashing CleanROM, it's basically the way your phone is now with a bunch of bloatware removed (and it has a WiFi toggle, and others which are customizable) for better performance and battery life. I know you said you don't really want to, but if you read and follow instructions, you'll be perfectly fine. Besides, it's what having an android is all about!
As for that WiFi toggle mod, you would simply download it, reboot into recovery, and flash it. Just don't flash anything not meant for the i535! That's how you end up with a paper weight.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I was referring to some of the Samsung features that you would lose when switching to a new ROM. I thought I read that you lose some...
I may look into putting a ROM onto it... I just am sketchy on having myself a brick... I have the extended insurance and all, I just dont want to ruin it so soon since I just got it.
How about themes though? Can I theme the stock ROM?

You can change the icons, if that's what you mean. Check out an app called desktop visualizer.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Basically the only ways you brick the phone is of you flash an international ROM. The other potential way to brick is a power outage if you are flashing with Odin and the primary or secondary boot loader are in the process of being flashed.
If you are going to flash anything, back up your imei following the sticky thread
If you get the "unauthorized software return to Verizon message" don't panic. Odin can bring you back.
Its hard but not impossible to brick this phone. If you take your time, read, and always verify that the file you are going to flash is for the i535 it is very hard to brick.
Rooting essentially means you have administer rights. It doesn't come with any cydia equivalent as (almost) all apps that use root are in the play store.
My current favorite ROM is carbon rom which brings all the android 4.2.1 features to the table including group SMS (finally), lock screen widgets, and enhanced Google now. You will lose some touchwiz features though many can be replicated with 3rd party play store apps.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Hmm, can anyone toss me a few of the most stable/featured ROMs for the i535 in comparison to stock?
I had told myself that I wasnt going to risk it, but I think you have me convinced... Cause I do want to get different with it...
Which is why I was looking for full themes for the stock ROM.

You must be talking about the TouchWiz features like smart stay, s beam, TW camera...etc. As long as you flash a TouchWiz ROM, you shouldn't lose those features. You would lose those features if you flashed an AOSP ROM (which is what you see on devices like the Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Those were what I were referring to, yeah...
and, anyone think they can toss me a few of the most stable/featured ROMs for the i535?

about roms and your choices.
good info
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1950824&highlight=guide
---------- Post added at 05:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 AM ----------
tylerisbudded said:
Those were what I were referring to, yeah...
and, anyone think they can toss me a few of the most stable/featured ROMs for the i535?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
synergy, beans galaxy mod, almost all others in the development section
read and see what suirs your needs

Clean ROM and csrom are probably closest to stock. Galaxy mod and syngergy get good reviews it seems if you want something a bit different.
Kindacrapmods is neat too to give touch wiz Roms an aosp appearance if you prefer.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Anyone care to add to skype or anything of the sort so that I may be easily guided? I would highly appreciate the assistance.
And my GSIII is currently rooted with quite a bit of photos, contact, and personal data... Should I worry about getting that information off before flashing a new ROM?
Plus, say that I were to put a ICS ROM rather than the 4.1.1 JB I have right now... or even a 4.2 JB ROM would I just flash it like normal as if I were rooting my device for the first time?

Welcome to Android, where you are "free!," lol.
You should always have backup of files, photos, apps + data, personal data, documents, etc on your external sd, computer, cloud, etc. Also making a Nandroid Backup would be highly advisable before you flash anything.
Flashing between roms usually just wipe data, cache, dalvik cache, (I wipe system as well to be sure a cleaner start). Someone correct me if that is not the case. I remember on Fsacinate, it was somewhat a pain going from major version jump.

tylerisbudded said:
Anyone care to add to skype or anything of the sort so that I may be easily guided? I would highly appreciate the assistance.
And my GSIII is currently rooted with quite a bit of photos, contact, and personal data... Should I worry about getting that information off before flashing a new ROM?
Plus, say that I were to put a ICS ROM rather than the 4.1.1 JB I have right now... or even a 4.2 JB ROM would I just flash it like normal as if I were rooting my device for the first time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why you would go back to ICS lol. Definitely do a nandroid backup before each new ROM flash, there's always a chance something could go wrong. It's always good to backup your media, but if you do everything correctly, then your media won't be touched.
If you flash a 4.2 ROM for the first time, your SD card is basically going to be moved into a new folder called "0" and you may panic... lol. It's supposed to happen though, it had to with the multiuser feature (which is only present on tablets).
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Check out App2Zip also. It'll create a flashable .zip file of your apps that you can flash after flashing the ROM. I've never been a big fan of TiBu, but App2Zip does a good job. The biggest hassle about flashing brand new ROMs is getting your setup back to how you had it, but that only takes 10 - 30 minutes and is well worth the added functionality. I personally love having native USB tethering and WiFi hotspot. Also much faster performance on many ROMs as well. I personally LOVE the Darthstalker ROM, it's farther away from your stock JB experience, but one of the fastest ROMs out there, especially on top of a kernel like galaxy KOR. But you can get into flashing kernels after you have some ROM experience ;] (it's actually a lot easier). Just ALWAYS make a backup with ClockworkMod or TW first! Preferably to an external card. Then if something messes up you can just recover to your backup and have everything back to normal, it's literally a time machine for your phone. There are a lot of great support threads here. I almost bricked my phone the first time I tried to root it, but you're already past that part so flashing ROMs and kernels are much easier. Have fun!

If you flash Synergy it will back up your IMEI for you automatically. Just copy that backup to you extSdCard and you will always have it. For getting your feet wet with android and from you've posted so far just stay away from AOSP for now and you will be fine and you will be amazed at the control/options you have now.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app

If you don't want to flash the entire Synergy ROM you can use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30679476&postcount=5732

I originally rooted my device without unlocking my bootloader because I didnt see myself putting a custom ROM on my device...
Is there anything special I would do to go about putting a ROM on it now? Or would I just go through the rooting process as I did before, but just unlock my bootloader this time?

tylerisbudded said:
I originally rooted my device without unlocking my bootloader because I didnt see myself putting a custom ROM on my device...
Is there anything special I would do to go about putting a ROM on it now? Or would I just go through the rooting process as I did before, but just unlock my bootloader this time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're already rooted so don't worry about doing that again, but you need to unlock the boot loader. Look for an app called EZ unlock somewhere on here or RootzWiki (use version 1.2 since the newer one had a problem I believe). It's as simple as clicking unlock, then you're good.
Edit: Here it is http://rootzwiki.com/index.php?/top...-1.4---Easiest-way-to-unlock-your-bootloader!
Woops, guy below found it first
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

tylerisbudded said:
I originally rooted my device without unlocking my bootloader because I didnt see myself putting a custom ROM on my device...
Is there anything special I would do to go about putting a ROM on it now? Or would I just go through the rooting process as I did before, but just unlock my bootloader this time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unlock bootloader use this http://rootzwiki.com/topic/32456-app-920-ez-unlock-14-easiest-way-to-unlock-your-bootloader/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for the help! I actually just figured it out right before you guys posted.
I have CleanROM put on it right now, I am looking to add some MODs now though I think...
I want to keep TW and its standard features... but I also want to get creative with it...
Since I now have deodex I should be able to still add some cool MODs now right?
Oh, and how stable are launchers? If I were to get Apex launcher and assign it to my home key would there be any issues at any time with that and my original home?

Rooted - What now?

Okay, I've just rooted my S3. First time ever rooting an android phone, so I was thrilled when Odin said "Passed" and I didn't brick it.
Now what? I've installed Titianium (Free) to backup the one app that I wanted fixed LV Sync. I only did this because everytime I rebooted my device it would delete the account that I created with LV Sync. Now after backing up, uninstalling with Titanium and then restoring, it no longer does that. Perfect.
Now what?? When I jailbroker my first iPhone I discovered after the fact that I couldn't go back because I didn't save my blobs. With everything I read about rooting, nothing said to backup first, so I decided I just did it.
Is there something that I should back up now? Is there something that I should do before anything else?
Would appreciate any guidance on this please.

jim.thornton said:
Okay, I've just rooted my S3. First time ever rooting an android phone, so I was thrilled when Odin said "Passed" and I didn't brick it.
Now what? I've installed Titianium (Free) to backup the one app that I wanted fixed LV Sync. I only did this because everytime I rebooted my device it would delete the account that I created with LV Sync. Now after backing up, uninstalling with Titanium and then restoring, it no longer does that. Perfect.
Now what?? When I jailbroker my first iPhone I discovered after the fact that I couldn't go back because I didn't save my blobs. With everything I read about rooting, nothing said to backup first, so I decided I just did it.
Is there something that I should back up now? Is there something that I should do before anything else?
Would appreciate any guidance on this please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will first you need to install cwm you can probably find that where you learned how to root then you can make a android backup which backups up your whole phone even the operating system then you can install a custom ROM I recommend the latest CyanogenMod 10.1 nightly there very stable
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

bbrad said:
Will first you need to install cwm you can probably find that where you learned how to root then you can make a android backup which backups up your whole phone even the operating system then you can install a custom ROM I recommend the latest CyanogenMod 10.1 nightly there very stable
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time I don't really want to install a custom ROM. I use the phone for work and I don't really want to go through the process of setting everything up again.
Also, the method that I used for rooting it was Chainfire's method which didn't use ClockworkMod. There was a comment about it interfering with something (can't remember what though).
Is there any other way to make a backup of the phone exactly as-is other than CWM?

jim.thornton said:
At this time I don't really want to install a custom ROM. I use the phone for work and I don't really want to go through the process of setting everything up again.
Also, the method that I used for rooting it was Chainfire's method which didn't use ClockworkMod. There was a comment about it interfering with something (can't remember what though).
Is there any other way to make a backup of the phone exactly as-is other than CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

bbrad said:
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as mentioned, the guide that I used did not show CWM. Is there a guide that I can use that will work? Will CWM work on all versions of the S3? I have the Canadian version SGH-I747M. I just want to be careful not to brick it.
Also... If I use CWM, will that allow me to make a backup ROM? Meaning, that if I install a custom ROM and don't like it for any reason or run into problems that I can put my phone back exactly as it is now?

CM allows you to do a compete backup of your ROM. I don't think that includes media FYI
Google how to install Cwm on your S3 Version which you should initially flash to device through Odin.
I believe using ROM MANAGER you can locate download and flash your recovery.
International S III 16GB / CM10.1 / Gokhan's SK

Bricking
I wouldn't worry too much about bricking your phone. most of the time when people say they bricked their phone all they need to do is restore it using recovery mode/a computer.
To actually brick your device it needs to stop turning on and stop responding to it being plugged into the computer which is quite unlikely to happen.
If your phone turns on but just doesn't boot into a ROM that is not bricked!

I would just throw in that I have used both CWM ("Clockwork Mod") and TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and I like TWRP better. It's not a pain to change if you decide to, but doing backups can take a while. You can get TWRP with the Goomanager app in the Play Store. If I were you, I'd recommend researching both a bit and then deciding for yourself.

Brick itttt!!!!!!!
wanna thank xda? here

Well now roms
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app

If you gamers, cusrom with gamming tweaks recommended. But first, you must backup your rom if you don't like the cusrom gamming mode
Sent from my GT-I8150 using xda app-developers app

Don't worry, within a few weeks you'll probably unlock the bootloader and flash custom roms.
So first step would be to install cwm. Even if you are not gonna unlock bootloader, it will help you to FULLY backup, restore your phone and install modules.
Just for safety keep an ftf file of your stock version with you (on pc).
And do a backup before flashing any custom roms.
Just dig around a lot before doing anything and there won't be any chance of bricking it.
Sent from my Xperia Mini Pro

jim.thornton said:
Well, as mentioned, the guide that I used did not show CWM. Is there a guide that I can use that will work? Will CWM work on all versions of the S3? I have the Canadian version SGH-I747M. I just want to be careful not to brick it.
Also... If I use CWM, will that allow me to make a backup ROM? Meaning, that if I install a custom ROM and don't like it for any reason or run into problems that I can put my phone back exactly as it is now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use rom manager or rom toolbox (available in the play store) to flash cwm. then use CWM to make a nandroid back of your rom. then try new roms if you don't like them you can unse recovery to reflash your stock rom. after you flash a custom rom play store shoud reinstall you apps for you and your google account will sync your contacts so setting up your phone after a fresh install is not very hard or time consuming

You shouldn't have to worry about setting up your phone all over after flashing a new ROM if you have titanium backup. Just get on Google play and re download titanium, run it and reboot. Your apps and even how you at up your home pages are back to normal, but you'd have the benefits of the new ROM. I love Synergy ROM. there are a lot of good ones.

bbrad said:
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use my backup pro. It's simple and works well for me.
I flash a lot of roms to check them out and my backup pro restores all my apps, contacts, txt messages every time without issue. It will even restore your shortcuts on your home screen if you'd like.
I also use TWRP. like it a lot.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app

As said previously, install cwm(through romantic manager) or twrp (through goo manager) (I personally prefer twrp) and make a full nandroid backup.
This backup will be your goto stock image in case you flash something else.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Thanks to Everyone! Your help has really made the process easy and worry free. I've completed the rooting, installed goomanager and installed TWRP and run a full backup. I'm even starting to get the itch to look at some ROMs... I guess you were right mnishamk.
I have a few questions and was hoping for some clarification please:
1. What is nandroid? I installed the TWRP and clicked "BACKUP". Is that a nandroid backup?
2. Is there a resource that I can go to that will list all of the ROMS that are available and the differences? I'm not really into tweaking a lot of things, but love smooth running/looking apps and efficiency.
3. My mom has a Galaxy Nexus (not sure which version/baseband -- does it matter). I would like to root her device.
4. My Dad has a Toshiba AT100 tablet. I would also like to do that.
I'm not sure where to find the guides for each of the devices.

jim.thornton said:
Thanks to Everyone! Your help has really made the process easy and worry free. I've completed the rooting, installed goomanager and installed TWRP and run a full backup. I'm even starting to get the itch to look at some ROMs... I guess you were right mnishamk.
I have a few questions and was hoping for some clarification please:
1. What is nandroid? I installed the TWRP and clicked "BACKUP". Is that a nandroid backup?
2. Is there a resource that I can go to that will list all of the ROMS that are available and the differences? I'm not really into tweaking a lot of things, but love smooth running/looking apps and efficiency.
3. My mom has a Galaxy Nexus (not sure which version/baseband -- does it matter). I would like to root her device.
4. My Dad has a Toshiba AT100 tablet. I would also like to do that.
I'm not sure where to find the guides for each of the devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes that's nandroid
2.Not really but I suggest cm10 its smooth stable and efficient
3.You can look at the thread for the galaxy nexus and there's probably a rooting guide stickied
4 Look at 3
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2

I might suggest not rooting your mom's device/dad's tablet. I have helped my mom set up her tablet, but I'm not going to root it unless there's a really good reason where root is absolutely the only solution to what needs to be done.
The problem is, if she doesn't understand what rooting is and what's going on, she can mess up the phone much more than get any advantage. It's not really necessary unless you have a specific goal. I rooted my tablet because I wanted to flash custom ROMs because ASUS no longer supports this tablet. I rooted my phone because I wanted to install Google Wallet. I helped my friend root her phone so she could try out custom ROMs - she is computer literate unlike my mom and understands the risks involved.
Maybe your mom is much more into computers than mine is, but I wouldn't root a device for someone who doesn't understand it and doesn't have a reason to. While a custom recovery is useful for people who want to mess with their phones, it's not something a regular user really needs to the point that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app

Look for a rom that incorporates the CM/AOKP theme chooser. So many really nice looking themes. Alloy ui is a favorite of mine
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Rooting problem

Hi folks,
There was this wonderful guide on how to root a phone. Well, I'm stupid. I admit it.
I have NO idea what flashing means or what ROMing does...
regardless, my sole aim & purpose here was to figure out a way HOW to get my phone in a state, where i can delete ANY APPLICATION tmobile puts on my bloody phone that i don't want or need. much like getting a new HP laptop...i buy my own OS and delete everything and start from scratch...
so first i got my unlock code from tmobile...so my phone is unlocked...but i still can't delete any app
so guy next to me who i know and writes apps for android says i should root my phone
well i think i'm rooted...but can't confirm...
regardless, going through this process of rooting...it cleared out phone contents...which i knew it would...you know SD data, sim card data...photos, etc etc...
lol...well now i forgot what gmail ID i used to store all my phone contacts that sucks for me...
So HOW do i get my phone to a state where i can delete anything i want on my phone?!! Thx

Unlock bootloader, flash recovery e.g twrp (v 2.3.3 recommended, higher versions have problems) flash super user then download system tuner and delete the bloat or stuff u don't want under system tab
Sent from my HTC One S using xda app-developers app

This guide makes it pretty easy.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24478083
Follow the steps to unlock bootloader, get a new recovery, and a custom Rom.
Customs Roms don't come with all that tmobile bloat. If you like Sense, try Viper One S.
Goodluck and enjoy the wonderful world of xda.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

npiper05 said:
This guide makes it pretty easy.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=24478083
Follow the steps to unlock bootloader, get a new recovery, and a custom Rom.
Customs Roms don't come with all that tmobile bloat. If you like Sense, try Viper One S.
Goodluck and enjoy the wonderful world of xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what a ROM is
But yes, I don't like ANY of the Tmobile bloated software...my INTENTION is to delete all the apps it puts on and just put my own on.
I also don't know what new recovery means.
I'm a guy that pretty much has used Win7 for ages & ages..this is my "realistically" first smartphone, because the "actual 1st" had a broken screen and didn't play with it much. All of this Android stuff is pretty new.
So yeah, I just like clean slates...I pretty much just want my phone to play the music I add on it, my Pandora & watch a few TV shows that I add to the phone via USB from my PC.
As a side question, is it OKAY to ask about "cracked" apps...meaning finding apps that are free but are normally billable..thanks.
Earlier this morning I did go to one of the threads here to start "rooting" but I don't know if I'm done or not...how do I know?

get to know xda, not just these threads--ck out the wiki
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Main_Page
i read and searched everything when i started
you cannot discuss cracked apps as the are illegal
if you are rooted you can dl and use apps like titanium backup and root explorer from market
all this takes time but effort like everything else we do
enjoy the advantages of being rooted
and once you are make a backup (nandroid) asap and a copy of your sdcard. put both on pc also