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[GUIDE] ROOT for ASUS eee pad transformer (TF101)

New root method is out for PRE and POST OTA, with insecure BOOT image and CWM recovery
Get It Here http://kan.gd/frm

OK, noobie here,
Please be gentle, I don't have a tablet although by everything I've seen, the transformer will be the one for me. I've read over and over again how rooting your tablet is the best thing to do since bread slicers were invented.
Simple question though. What do I gain by rooting my Transformer ( when they actually ship it in North America ) ?
That's it,
Cheers,
gpearson1968

gpearson1968 said:
OK, noobie here,
Please be gentle, I don't have a tablet although by everything I've seen, the transformer will be the one for me. I've read over and over again how rooting your tablet is the best thing to do since bread slicers were invented.
Simple question though. What do I gain by rooting my Transformer ( when they actually ship it in North America ) ?
That's it,
Cheers,
gpearson1968
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be able to configure parts of the computer such as the processor etc that normally is not available to the user. You will be able to install custom ROMs which are different versions of the software included but will often be better than the original. As I mentioned earlier it will also (at some stage) allow you to change CPU settings so save battery or to gain maximum performance!
Hope this answers your questions, if you've got any more then fire away, thats why we're all here!

OK, cool, thanks for the invite.
Next question. If I root my Transformer, and ASUS puts out another version of their "ROM", will I be able to use the ASUS "ROM" ? Or once I root, I cannot go back ?
I obviously don't have a preference since I don't have a tablet yet. I've read how everyone loves the ROMS that out there ( Cyanogen, Vegan, TNT..... ) especially for the G-tab. I love overclockin, especially if you can notice the difference in apps like video playback and such.
For me, modding my soon-to-hold transformer isn't a done deal unless I know that whatever mod I do will enhance what I have, rather than simply replacing what I have. Does that make sense ?
So rooting will allow me to install different mods, and to get access at a deeper level to some of the inner gizzards of the tablet. Very cool.
Anything else it gives me ?
Cheers,
gpearson1968

Congratulations on making it and releasing to the community.
Don't know if this will affect your root method or not but there's supposedly a firmware update out from Asus tomorrow.

gpearson1968 said:
OK, cool, thanks for the invite.
Next question. If I root my Transformer, and ASUS puts out another version of their "ROM", will I be able to use the ASUS "ROM" ? Or once I root, I cannot go back ?
I obviously don't have a preference since I don't have a tablet yet. I've read how everyone loves the ROMS that out there ( Cyanogen, Vegan, TNT..... ) especially for the G-tab. I love overclockin, especially if you can notice the difference in apps like video playback and such.
For me, modding my soon-to-hold transformer isn't a done deal unless I know that whatever mod I do will enhance what I have, rather than simply replacing what I have. Does that make sense ?
So rooting will allow me to install different mods, and to get access at a deeper level to some of the inner gizzards of the tablet. Very cool.
Anything else it gives me ?
Cheers,
gpearson1968
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your question about going back, as long as you do a backup in the recovery it installs you can always go back to stock. You can even unroot it if you want!
So far there are no replacement ROMs out there yet, but Paul from Modaco has released his add on pack which boosts performance and a couple of other bits and pieces and does not affect the user interface so its a good one to try if you just want performance.
Lots of other things and benefits will pop up as time goes on, only a few (very lucky!!!) people have the tablet so far!

Thanks - that worked perfectly! - Now to look at overclocking

This didn't seem to work for me, I could boot into Recovery and perform nandroid backup etc but when I rebooted I ddn't appear to have root.
I have since flashed MCR Beta though so I am happy enough with that.
Cheers for giving us root.

Roach2010 said:
This didn't seem to work for me, I could boot into Recovery and perform nandroid backup etc but when I rebooted I ddn't appear to have root.
I have since flashed MCR Beta though so I am happy enough with that.
Cheers for giving us root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thus you have root

Will this work after the official 15/04 update has been applied?
I keep getting the android with the triangle above his head.

RedMist said:
Will this work after the official 15/04 update has been applied?
I keep getting the android with the triangle above his head.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it wont You'll need to wait for root to be regained.

djdevine2 said:
No it wont You'll need to wait for root to be regained.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive my simple question: is it possible to sideload apps without root? I gather there's another OTA due on April 28 and may try that before rooting. Would however like to install a couple of apps bought for my G-Tab.

rumors are saying now to root after the 4/14/11 update is ran. so just root it before u connect it to the internet and u can flash my rom and ill make a odexed version tonight after running some opts and go from there.
this devise i will be keeping to stock but will update new apps as needed once i get a new tablet next week.

New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split

Apache14 said:
New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that's good news. Any advances on getting nvflash working?

Apache14 said:
New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Italian Transformer here and now I discovered another update, the second form me since the day-one. Can I update or not?
Thanks

Apache14 said:
New root method found will be out ~30th (to avoid the next OTA)
This allows custom recovery + boot image being flashed to the device
So all you US users can relax
I still do not have a device tho
PS.
This method is a team effort so credit is split
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good stuff!
I'm probably getting one of these in a month or so and was worried about this

Just got my TF and attempted to Root. I press volume up as soon as prompted...
But, then it freezes at "Booting recovery kernel image"
Running "WW_epad-8.2.3.6-20110414"
Guessing it updated somehow without my knowing as the first time it booted it was running a 03/11 build....
I saw a reference to a 04-15 build... Could that really have been the 04-14 build? Is that why it isn't booting the recovery on my sdcard?
===========================
Disregard: I read on the MoDaCo forum that it won't work with the 04/14 build. :-( DAMN!

New Root Method In First Post

now I'm familiar with ADB after messing around with my HTC hero in the past but what is an insecure boot image?

Why do you need ClockworkMod?

Why do you need to set up a recovery or cwm for your phone after it's been rooted?

Almost all of the Kernels and ROM's are installed/Flashed through the Clock Work Custom Recovery. Plus you can use it to do Nandroid backups and clear cache and so on. It's really a great utility to have.

Ok thanks. I'm just really nervous about trying to CwM my phone again cause last week I had to get a new phone cause I did something wrong.
Do you think you could possibly give me step by step instructions on how to properly recover my phone using CwM? I'm not the brightest person and Im kinda clueless with all of this stuff.
EDIT:
Will this do the trick?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=997359
If I do this is my phone ready?

ketchkev000 said:
Ok thanks. I'm just really nervous about trying to CwM my phone again cause last week I had to get a new phone cause I did something wrong.
Do you think you could possibly give me step by step instructions on how to properly recover my phone using CwM? I'm not the brightest person and Im kinda clueless with all of this stuff.
EDIT:
Will this do the trick?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=997359
If I do this is my phone ready?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, most people around here aren't experts when they begin this process - but they definitely AT LEAST have a clue - so I suggest you take some time doing research before you even attempt any of these things. If you're not wanting to do so, try to find someone that you know that has done some modding and see if they can help you. Our references around here are pretty clear and cover all bases, so there shouldn't be too many questions to ask after reading around.
To answer your question, that thread you linked has an odin package that includes a custom recovery (clockworkmod) along with a complete 2.2 stock image, so it would be a good place to start.

Do you need to use cwm if you just wanna use apps that require your phone to be rooted? Sorry for all of the questions.

CWM and Rooting aren't really connected. Some background info, from what I've learned thus far:
Rooting just changes a couple files in the OS portion of Android to allow you to have Superuser access (like Administrator on a Windows machine). All of that goes on in the OS partition.
CWM Recovery, its full, proper name, is a custom Recovery. The default recovery allows just a factory reset for the most part. CWM Recovery allows that, but also allows many more options; clearing user/Dalvik cache, performing Nandroid backups and restores, enabling or disabling Voodoo (note that you need to have a separate Voodoo-compatible kernel installed), flashing things from ZIP files on your SD card, and so on.
The short answer then is no, you don't even need to think about CWM if all you want to do is root your phone and use apps that require it to be rooted.

ketchkev000 said:
Do you need to use cwm if you just wanna use apps that require your phone to be rooted? Sorry for all of the questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are just wanting to use apps that require root access then no you don't have to use CWM. You need CWM if you are going to flash a kernel or ROM or any other Mod for your phone. Rooting and CWM are two different things. As long as your phone is rooted, then you shouldn't have trouble using apps that reuire root access, with or without CWM on your phone. At least I didn't when I first began doing this stuff. Granted Im still a noob to an extent but my phone was rooted for a long time before I ever installed CWM and I never had an issue with the root apps
Edit: didnt' mean to be redundant. Chromewolf posted while I was typing mine

add144 said:
I think its full, proper name would be ClockworkMod Recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damnit! I needed to have found someone else I could have bet money on that not only would I get corrected on that, but that it would be by add. No money for me. XD
But seriously, while add is correct on the matter of semantics, the point I was trying to make is that CWM is just a custom Recovery (which I've sort of taken to needlessly capitalizing lately to emphasize the difference a bit more), as opposed to an app or something.
Brief off-topic: A present for you add, especially if you're a gamer. I hope you lol at it, I know I always do (and I'm the *functional* rules lawyer of the group, LOL), and I'm not the one who wears it!
http://www.warehouse23.com/item.html?id=OWD45013-2XL

[Q] 2013 Verizon Galaxy S3 Stock Rooted Overclocking Help

First Post
I searched through the Galaxy S3 Forum and can't seem to find any current information and guide that would walk me through overclocking my phone. I want to be able to tweak voltage and overclock my phone to the 1.7-1.89 ghz area. I'm aware my mileage may vary on this but my real challenge is finding a current guide that will actually work.
Model: SCH-1535
Okay so a little background and information
I bought my phone on Black Friday and it came with ICS. Shortly after I updated to Jelly bean 4.1.1, then and now I have 4.1.2.
I have rooted my phone and installed pacman rom, via the following guide/s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-tQ05Zo_9U (How I rooted)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2028443 (How I installed PacMan Rom)
My next goal was to overclock my phone.
I tried following this guide, but ended up soft bricking my phone
So I freaked like a noob would freak, However I'm proud that I kept a cool head because I eventually found a guide that got me back to stock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030 (How I un-softbricked)
So I re-rooted my phone via the first link I provided and decided to stay back on my stock OS since I missed many of the features and samsung stuff I liked.
Just FYI, I never backed up my original OS as when I un-softbricked I had to find a stock OS online and it looks like I found a very early build of ICS but anyway I'm updated back to 4.1.2 JB and I am successfully rooted, Titanium backup says I'm completely rooted and I have superuser in a few apps I use.
My ultimate goal is to overclock my phone maximum and set a lower voltage minimum to help battery life as well. Everything I find on this seems to be dated back to June 2012 or July 2012 when the phone released and seems outdated and to not work on the newer JB updates out there. I think this needs to be revisited and a current process that is known-working be made forum knowledge.
So again, my first post, Thanks for reading, Hopefully someone can help. Hopefully the replies on this thread help many people out there seeking the same knowledge on their uber hard Verizon GS3 with it's locked bootloader.
Ahead of time Disclaimer, I do not hold anyone responsible with what happens to my phone if they give me advice to overclock my phone in good faith and something goes wrong. I take full responsibility for taking the risk with my device.
Thanks in advance

Just throwing this out there, I honestly didn't bother watching the youtube videos that you linked.
Have you unlocked your bootloader? You are rooted but you can not flash a kernel unless you have unlocked your bootloader. Otherwise you will be softbricked and need to use Odin to recover. Use the guide by open1your1eyes titled "[GUIDE] Root for Jelly Bean 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 OTA ***UPDATED 3/5***" if you still need to do so.
Once you've have unlocked your bootloader, there are a number of kernels to use depending on if you're going to stick with your stock rooted TW rom or AOSP. Find a kernel you like, flash it, then you can adjust your voltages and/or CPU speeds with apps like System Tuner, SetCPU, Trickster Mod, etc.
Voltages, are tricky depending on the type of cpu you have. You can check the type of CPU you have by following these steps here. Make sure to read the link included which directs you to post #1341 by Imoseyon on the cpu differences.

Lord_Exodia said:
First Post
I searched through the Galaxy S3 Forum and can't seem to find any current information and guide that would walk me through overclocking my phone. I want to be able to tweak voltage and overclock my phone to the 1.7-1.89 ghz area. I'm aware my mileage may vary on this but my real challenge is finding a current guide that will actually work.
Model: SCH-1535
Okay so a little background and information
I bought my phone on Black Friday and it came with ICS. Shortly after I updated to Jelly bean 4.1.1, then and now I have 4.1.2.
I have rooted my phone and installed pacman rom, via the following guide/s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-tQ05Zo_9U (How I rooted)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2028443 (How I installed PacMan Rom)
My next goal was to overclock my phone.
I tried following this guide, but ended up soft bricking my phone
So I freaked like a noob would freak, However I'm proud that I kept a cool head because I eventually found a guide that got me back to stock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030 (How I un-softbricked)
So I re-rooted my phone via the first link I provided and decided to stay back on my stock OS since I missed many of the features and samsung stuff I liked.
Just FYI, I never backed up my original OS as when I un-softbricked I had to find a stock OS online and it looks like I found a very early build of ICS but anyway I'm updated back to 4.1.2 JB and I am successfully rooted, Titanium backup says I'm completely rooted and I have superuser in a few apps I use.
My ultimate goal is to overclock my phone maximum and set a lower voltage minimum to help battery life as well. Everything I find on this seems to be dated back to June 2012 or July 2012 when the phone released and seems outdated and to not work on the newer JB updates out there. I think this needs to be revisited and a current process that is known-working be made forum knowledge.
So again, my first post, Thanks for reading, Hopefully someone can help. Hopefully the replies on this thread help many people out there seeking the same knowledge on their uber hard Verizon GS3 with it's locked bootloader.
Ahead of time Disclaimer, I do not hold anyone responsible with what happens to my phone if they give me advice to overclock my phone in good faith and something goes wrong. I take full responsibility for taking the risk with my device.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Overclocking is a lot easier as the previously mentioned apps can do that as long as the custom kernel supports it. As for undervolting some custom kernels are already undervolted by default. There is also this for the KT kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2144004
There is also this: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/31329-kerneltouchwiz-leankernel-minimalistic-kernel-mb1-v21-31513/page__st__1410#entry1042976

SlimSnoopOS said:
Just throwing this out there, I honestly didn't bother watching the youtube videos that you linked.
Have you unlocked your bootloader? You are rooted but you can not flash a kernel unless you have unlocked your bootloader. Otherwise you will be softbricked and need to use Odin to recover. Use the guide by open1your1eyes titled "[GUIDE] Root for Jelly Bean 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 OTA ***UPDATED 3/5***" if you still need to do so.
Once you've have unlocked your bootloader, there are a number of kernels to use depending on if you're going to stick with your stock rooted TW rom or AOSP. Find a kernel you like, flash it, then you can adjust your voltages and/or CPU speeds with apps like System Tuner, SetCPU, Trickster Mod, etc.
Voltages, are tricky depending on the type of cpu you have. You can check the type of CPU you have by following these steps here. Make sure to read the link included which directs you to post #1341 by Imoseyon on the cpu differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, those are the steps that I've actually followed to get rooted, the youtube video I linked linked to that specific thread and that's the steps I took to root my device
So, I apologize but I'm completely new to rooting and flashing custom roms and things to your smartphone, my last two phones were blackberries so I'm now on my first of many droids to come (dont like iphone). This question will sound stupid of me but is flashing clockwork mod and then flashing the BRBMB1 bootchain unlocking my bootloader? If so I've done this already. The current steps out there don't seem to work for me.
I dont understand the terminology of some of these thing but I can follow a guide well. So far I've tried flashing the INvisblek v2 Kernel through EZ-Recovery and it really messed me up. I can double check my methodology. I'm wondering if maybe I just had a bad flash and maybe it will work if I do it again, but I'm hoping someone who has recently gone through this can share what they did to get it working on Verizon GS3 SCH-1535 because verizon sure does go out of it's way to prevent tampering

jmxc23 said:
Overclocking is a lot easier as the previously mentioned apps can do that as long as the custom kernel supports it. As for undervolting some custom kernels are already undervolted by default. There is also this for the KT kernel: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2144004
There is also this: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/31329-kerneltouchwiz-leankernel-minimalistic-kernel-mb1-v21-31513/page__st__1410#entry1042976
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are both of those Kernels for overclocking? It looks like your second link seems to allow voltage tweaks, funny thing is before I started this thread I saw that thread but it didn't say anything about overclocking so to a noob like me what does kernel tweaking mean
I'll take a good look at those treads when I get home, I'm about to head home from work, thanks for your reply.

Lord_Exodia said:
Thanks for your reply, those are the steps that I've actually followed to get rooted, the youtube video I linked linked to that specific thread and that's the steps I took to root my device
So, I apologize but I'm completely new to rooting and flashing custom roms and things to your smartphone, my last two phones were blackberries so I'm now on my first of many droids to come (dont like iphone). This question will sound stupid of me but is flashing clockwork mod and then flashing the BRBMB1 bootchain unlocking my bootloader? If so I've done this already. The current steps out there don't seem to work for me.
I dont understand the terminology of some of these thing but I can follow a guide well. So far I've tried flashing the INvisblek v2 Kernel through EZ-Recovery and it really messed me up. I can double check my methodology. I'm wondering if maybe I just had a bad flash and maybe it will work if I do it again, but I'm hoping someone who has recently gone through this can share what they did to get it working on Verizon GS3 SCH-1535 because verizon sure does go out of it's way to prevent tampering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lord_Exodia said:
Are both of those Kernels for overclocking? It looks like your second link seems to allow voltage tweaks, funny thing is before I started this thread I saw that thread but it didn't say anything about overclocking so to a noob like me what does kernel tweaking mean
I'll take a good look at those treads when I get home, I'm about to head home from work, thanks for your reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, first off, EZ-recovery isn't for flashing anything but a custom recovery. You flash kernels with the recovery just like you would with a ROM. It sounds like you're unlocked, and should be good to go.
Another thing to know/understand is that most custom kernels will support over/underclocking and many will support voltage settings. Most won't say they support clock changes because its almost understood for people who've been playing with this stuff for a while.
I will also say one last thing, and that is that you honestly shouldn't have much need to overclock this phone much at all. Its a very snappy devices, and especially if you can find a custom ROM that plays well with you. Overclocking will really more than anything lessen your battery life with the upside of slightly boosted performance (read: borderline negligible). At least in my experience.
Sent from my SCH-i535 using Tapatalk 2
If I've helped, please hit the thanks button.

Lord_Exodia said:
Thanks for your reply, those are the steps that I've actually followed to get rooted, the youtube video I linked linked to that specific thread and that's the steps I took to root my device
So, I apologize but I'm completely new to rooting and flashing custom roms and things to your smartphone, my last two phones were blackberries so I'm now on my first of many droids to come (dont like iphone). This question will sound stupid of me but is flashing clockwork mod and then flashing the BRBMB1 bootchain unlocking my bootloader? If so I've done this already. The current steps out there don't seem to work for me.
I dont understand the terminology of some of these thing but I can follow a guide well. So far I've tried flashing the INvisblek v2 Kernel through EZ-Recovery and it really messed me up. I can double check my methodology. I'm wondering if maybe I just had a bad flash and maybe it will work if I do it again, but I'm hoping someone who has recently gone through this can share what they did to get it working on Verizon GS3 SCH-1535 because verizon sure does go out of it's way to prevent tampering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my first Android device as well and like you my last device was a blackberry. The thing is when overclocking you must undervolt to compensate for the increase in performance as it is a detriment to the battery. The first link I posted also supports overclocking and undervolted as when you're are flashing it you're also flashing it's KT Tweaker app it also allows you to save your oc/uv setup or use the team's own setups that you have downloaded. Also I recommend an app called DS battery saver as it fully utilizes the phone's deep sleep mode. For the aforementioned app I suggest put it in slumberer mode as in 8 hours of off screen time you're only losing 1-5% of battery life.

jmxc23 said:
This is my first Android device as well and like you my last device was a blackberry. The thing is when overclocking you must undervolt to compensate for the increase in performance as it is a detriment to the battery. The first link I posted also supports overclocking and undervolted as when you're are flashing it you're also flashing it's KT Tweaker app it also allows you to save your oc/uv setup or use the team's own setups that you have downloaded. Also I recommend an app called DS battery saver as it fully utilizes the phone's deep sleep mode. For the aforementioned app I suggest put it in slumberer mode as in 8 hours of off screen time you're only losing 1-5% of battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply too. I have one more question looking over those links it looks like there's two different types of things mentioned that I'm not clear on, what does AOSP and TW mean. Tw seems to refer to touchwiz. What exactly are those. Also from what you see do these seem compatible with my stock rom rooted SCH 1535? Thanks for all the help thus far.

Lord_Exodia said:
Thanks for the reply too. I have one more question looking over those links it looks like there's two different types of things mentioned that I'm not clear on, what does AOSP and TW mean. Tw seems to refer to touchwiz. What exactly are those. Also from what you see do these seem compatible with my stock rom rooted SCH 1535? Thanks for all the help thus far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TW is Touchwiz which is Samsung's UI while AOSP is android before any OEMs messes with it so it is basically stock Android. Since you are on Touchwiz the kernels made for it are your best bet.

So I wanted to update this thread I ended up flashing synergy ROM everything is solved. I'm not sure if this rom comes with a kernel that allows overclocking but after flashing I can overclock up to 1.9 gigahertz Thanks for everyone who gave feedback on this. Now that I have synergy installed I have the best of both worlds all of the Samsung things I like and even custom things that are awesome.

Android to a dummie

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.

installing custom ROM CM11

Hello. Im new here and I have Motorola Photon Q with SIM mod and custom ROM Mokee (Android 6.0.1).
I want to know if I want to instal CM11/12 (or CM13) on my phone i need to get back to Stock ROM and than do all of the rom stuff?
Also i trying playing PoGO with Mygisk but when i turn off root it gets back on. Any solution?
And one more, is there a big chance to I change my phone to a ussles brick?
Thanks for help.

There's always the potential to brick a device, if you do something incorrect.
While the chances are less likely nowadays, the issue is still possible. If you are afraid of this potential, stop now.
Otherwise, you can flash any ROM you want - no need to go back to stock.
As for the root comment, no clue - I'm guessing you didn't truly disable root (perhaps you can't disable it in Mokee? Never used it myself. Never wanted to disable root either...).
Good luck.

arrrghhh said:
There's always the potential to brick a device, if you do something incorrect.
While the chances are less likely nowadays, the issue is still possible. If you are afraid of this potential, stop now.
Otherwise, you can flash any ROM you want - no need to go back to stock.
As for the root comment, no clue - I'm guessing you didn't truly disable root (perhaps you can't disable it in Mokee? Never used it myself. Never wanted to disable root either...).
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sucessly upgrade my phone to CM12, its nightly in fact but everything is ok for now. :good:
In Mokee I have a option to dislabe root in developer options but this didn't give anything, PoGO still won't start.
I was wondering about it and I think I shouldn't risk to brick my phone for one silly game.
Thank You very much for help

I realize this is way old so you probably figured out a way, but to play PoGo one easy way (that works for me) is to use TWRP to rename the 'su' binaries to something else. There are a couple of them and I don't recall exactly where they are but I found the info on this site. Of course then you won't have root automatically, but can still run your renamed su from a terminal if needed, or use twrp to rename them back to su. Every time you update builds su gets restored, so have to rename again for PoGo.