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Hi everyone
my device: Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 GINGERBREAD Android 2.3.1 or so...
I use super one click 2.3.3 with short fuse to root my device and unroot my device successfully.
When my device is rooted, I found "ROM Manager" by "ClockWork"
This device by default has a half recovery type setup if I hold the "volume up" button and then turn the device on.
It does a partial recovery.
My friend said that using rom manager I can make a full recovery.
Inside rom manager there is a selection to "Flash clockwork Mod Recovery"
When I click this, I see a list of devices, and my device is not in the list
Here is what the list shows:
-Galaxy Tab - ATT
-Samsung Charge
-Samsung Epic4G
-Samsung Galaxy Taab - T - Mobile
-Samsung Galaxy Tab - VZW
-Samsung GalaxyS 4G
-Samsung GalaxySCaptivate
-Samsung GalaxyS Fascinate
-Samsung GalaxyS Vibrant
-Samsung GalaxyS i9000
-Samsung Indulge 910
-Samsung Indulge 915
-Samsung Sidekick 4G
My friend says to select the one that is closes to my device to create an environment to hold the "Complete" backup of my device as it is right now.
Once the environment is created it will make a complete backup of my device, rom, apps, settings, etc...?
I do not understand this, can someone help me out on this part on selecting the correct one that best matches my device?
Or should I just wait and select my device when it shows up, if it ever happens?
**The problems I have are, this:
-My friend tried adb on my device to check it, he says that the boot manager seems to be locked out, and if I ever made a mistake, i can brick my device and should make this full backup first.
-I do not have a full download of the "Factory" ROM/kernal installed on this device from the box. So if I make a mistake or remove my original, I have no way of going back, and the original supposedly has "Proprietary drivers" specific to this device?
Thanks for the help,
this is really confusing to me, and I'd like to have a working Galaxy player 5.0, not an expensive brick...lol
PS: I just happen to come across this buried thread after continuing reading around for the past 4 hours:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1385061
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Sorry if this post I made is in the wrong spot, I posted in the "Android Software and Hacking General" because the title seems relevant to the topic at question.
I've been looking around and I found one small sentence saying: "Samsung galaxy player 5.0 = Samsung Galaxy S (WiFi)'
I have come across this kernel that is compatible with my galaxy player 5.0 (YP-G70) USA version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1445840
And this rom for the same device:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1458325
But I can not continue until I make a complete backup of the entire device, which I seem to keep running into walls with the few methods I come across, each of which I can get to work part way, but the problem is that there seems to be a lack of documentation for some things.
I'm trying to attempt to dump the entire devices memory to a savable archive on my PC, and if this app I found can partly do this, but with the devices internam memory, its a good place for me to try and start. Some posts I read explain how this can't be done, and others say it can be done, but they do not know how, or somewhere tthey saw someone did it once...
I finally posted this in efforts that someone will have an idea, This is how I see the device:
-Its a wifi phone/wifi media player.
-it has internal memory, which can be seen as a USB type storage in a way. This means that USB storage hardware exists.
-if the internal device NAND memory (whether its the same chip, or multiple chips) it can be read, copied, edited, deleted, etc...
if I can insert an option within its recovery "system" that is accesses by vol up and pwr on, to connect ALL storage to the USB, I'm set.
but this seems to be a difficult task at the moment.
What I'm trying to get a copy of, from this device:
-Android ROM.
-Linux Kernel.
-Boot ROM.
I can seem to access the Android ROM files and copy them through forcing a kind of SSH, but it only seems to work then the device is powered on in a usable state.
The linux kernel, I honestly have no clue of where and what this is.
The boot ROM, seems locked out to me, I tried some software I came across to tray and control it throughh the computer, but it was not properly responsive, it just did its own thing, seems locked out. if I knew where the program sends the commands to after passing through the USB, I could attempt a read, then try to dump to a usable file later. but I havent the slightest idea on how to de-commpile this thing.
Someone please tell me I'm crazy... O_O
I'm overly paranoid about loosing the software that came on this device before I flash the custom kernel and android ROM I found (That if I go forwards, I might not be able to go back if something goes wrong or if I dislike what I just did)...
Reserved...
Here is a guide I have put together for the VZW Samsung SCH-I535 Galaxy S3
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This guide contains 7 sections:
Section 1: How to Root/Unlock bootloader/Flash CWM recovery coming from stock 4.0.4 ICS
Section 2: How to flash a Custom Touchwiz 4.0/4.1 rom
Section 3: How to flash a CM10/AOSP/AOKP JellyBean rom
Section 4: How to flash a Custom Kernel
Section 5: How to Odin back to Stock from any rom/recover from a soft brick/flash a stock radio
Section 6: Directory
Section 7: Glossary
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This Guide Is For The D2VZW SCH-I535 ONLY!! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLASH ANYTHING FROM THE I9300 International GS3 Or You Will Hard Brick The Device!!
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*I am not liable for what you do to your DEVICE!!
*I take no credit for links posted in this thread... This is just a guide or more so a collaboration of different guides all put into one thread!!
*This Guide will not trip your flash counter!! Flashing any custom software via odin will infact trip the flash counter!! Thats why I use these methods and the only thing I use odin is for flashing STOCK firmware Only!!!
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*** Before going any further I strongly suggest reading and performing this action before flashing any custom roms!!! ***
[HOWTO]Comprehensive IMEI/EFS Backup- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
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Section 1: ( For Windows OS)How to Root/Unlock bootloader/Flash CWM recovery coming from Stock 4.0.4 ICS
*This works with all current Stock 4.0.4 ICS builds...VRALF2, VRALG1, VRALG7, VRALHD, and VRALHE.
*However RootdebugFS does not work for 4.1.1 JellyBean. If you want Stock rooted Jellybean then there are 2 options! .
*Option 1 is to proceed to section 5 and use odin to flash a Stock pre-rooted Jellybean rom. Then follow steps 8-12 from this section for unlocking and flashing a custom recovery.
*Option 2 is to complete this section 1, then proceed to section 2 and flash a Jellybean rom via CWM or TWRP recovery.
Step 1: Download these files to your pc:
Samsung Driver- http://tinyw.in/Fdoz
RootDebugFS- http://goo.im/devs/invisiblek/i535/Root%20Debug%20FS.7z
Step 2: Install samsung drivers to the pc and unzip the RootDebugFS tool to desktop.
Step 3: Connect the device with the oem usb cable to pc.
Step 4: On your device, Make sure USB Debugging(settings/developer options/usb debugging) and Install of Unknown Sources(settings/security/unknown source) is checked.(Also, make sure there are no other android devices, emulators, or any tethering programs running!!).
Step 5: From the PC, Open the Root Tool folder you downloaded in step 1 and Double click "RootDebugFS". press 1 then hit enter.
Step 6: Agree to all of the disclaimers by pressing Y after each one pops up.
Step 7: Once the root process starts DO NOT UNPLUG YOUR DEVICE until it completes!
*Congrats you should now be rooted! Continue following instructions for unlocking bootloader and flashing a custom recovery*
*TAKE NOTE THAT IF YOU EVER OTA UPDATE YOUR BOOTLOADER WILL BE LOCKED*
Step 8: Open up the SuperUser application from your app drawer and make sure the binaries are up to date! You can do this by sliding over to the info screen and selecting update binary.
Step 9: Download the EZ-Unlock app to your device from HERE.(Only use version 1.1 or 1.2 for now as the latest versions have issues!)
Step 10: Open the app and select unlock! Now your unlocked...yup its that easy!
Step 11: Download the EZ-recovery app to your device from HERE.
Step 12: Open app, select CWM recovery, tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 13: Congrats you are now rooted, unlocked, and have a custom recovery installed!! If you want to flash a custom rom proceed to section 3 or 4.
*Credit goes to Adam Outler, Noxious Ninja, mmmeff, and all others involved!!!
*(Mac/Linux) users read HERE for Rooting!
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Section 2: How to flash a Custom TouchWiz 4.0/4.1 rom from CWM recovery
**YOU MUST BE ROOTED AND HAVE BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED!**
Step 1: Download one of the roms below to the root of your internal sd card(/mnt/sdcard):
ICS 4.0.4
Bean's Custom Stock-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1768209
Rooted Stock VRALHD- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1911118
TW JellyBean 4.x
Incubus JellyWiz- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853337
Eschelon's Synergy- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792499
Scrosler's CleanRom- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1832070
Puremotives Galaxy Mod- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1953008
Beans JellyBeans- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1973982
Stock rooted VRBLK3 4.1.1- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=9390214368362234071
Stock rooted VRBMB1 4.1.2- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2178482
Step 2: Download and install the EZ recovery App from HERE (If your coming from section 1 and already have a custom recovery, reboot recovery and skip to step 4).
Step 3: Open app, select CWM recovery, tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 4: Perform a Nadroid Backup from the "back up/restore" menu(optional but recomended)!
Step 5: Wipe Data/Factory reset, then under the "mounts & storage" menu Format System.
Step 6: Navigate to "install zip from sdcard", then from there "choose zip from sdcard", and finally install the rom you downloaded in step 1.
Step 7: Reboot.
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Section 3: How to flash a CM10/AOSP/AOKP Jelly Bean rom
**YOU MUST BE ROOTED AND HAVE BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED!**
Step 1: Choose and download one of the roms in part A and the file in part B to the root of internal sd card(/mnt/sdcard):
A.
CM11- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2558946
CM10.2- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2405425
Pac-Man http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2028443
Eclipse- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1934572
B.
Kit Kat Gapps https://plus.google.com/107979589566958860409/posts/FYkuneXi3J7
JB Gapps- http://goo.im/gapps
Inverted JellyBean Gapps- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1797292
Step 2: Download and open the EZ recovery app from HERE (If your coming from section 1 and already have a custom recovery, reboot recovery and skip to step 4).
Step 3: Open app, select CWM recovery, then tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 4: From CWM recovery, Perform a nandroid backup from the "backup/restore" menu(Optional but recomended).
Step 5: Wipe data/factory reset, then under the "mounts & storage menu" Format System.
Step 6: Navigate to "install zip from sdcard", from there "choose zip from sdcard", and finally install the rom you downloaded in step 1 part A.
Step 7: Again, Navigate to "install zip from sdcard", from there "choose zip from sdcard", and finally install the gapps package you downloaded in step 1 part B.
Step 8: Reboot.
*This same method can be of use to revert back to Touchwiz ICS or JellyBean aswell...no extra steps are needed. Simply wipe data in cwm recovery and flash rom or restore nandroid.
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Section 4: How to flash a Custom Kernel
**YOU MUST BE ROOTED AND HAVE BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED!**
Step 1: Download one of these kernels to the root of your Internal SD Card(/mnt/sdcard):
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TouchWiz ICS 4.0.4 Kernels
Imoseyon LeanKernel- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/31329-imoseyon-test-leankernel-tw-729-v111-kexec/
Scrosler's CleanKernel- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1850495&page=2 (DOES NOT work on BEANS)
Morfic's Trinity GST- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1874720 (Works on CM9 or TouchWiz)
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ICS & JellyBean Kernels(CM9/CM10/AOKP/AOSP)
Imoseyon LeanKernel- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/32286-kernel-aosp-jb-leankernel-minimalistic-kernel-v02-beta-81312/
Ktoonsez KT747- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853816
Faux (CM9/CM10/AOKP/AOSP)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1905141
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Step 2: Download the EZ Recovery app from- HERE (If your coming from section 1 and already have a custom recovery, reboot recovery and skip to step 4).
Step 3: Open app, select CWM recovery, tap the pulldown menu, choose CWM 6.0.1, select flash, then reboot recovery.
Step 4: From CWM recovery, wipe cache, then navigate to the "advanced" menu and wipe dalvik cache.
Step 5: Navigate to "install zip from sdcard" and then from there "choose internal sdcard".
Step 6: Install the kernel.zip that you downloaded in step 1.
Step 7: Reboot.
*Credit goes to Imoseyon, BMc08GT, Invisiblek and all other devs involved.
*These steps work for any .zip file such as themes, custom boot animations, and what not...just replace the .zip file in step 1 with the one your trying to flash!
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Section 5: How to Odin back to Stock from any rom/recover from a soft brick/flash a stock radio
* If your device is currently running a 4.0-4.2 base and you forgot to unlock your bootloader before flashing a custom rom, you probably were greeted with the yellow triangle....Dont Panic! Simply power off the device and follow directions below. Odin will recover your device!! Make sure to only use a 4.0-4.2 Odin file to restore back to stock.
***NOTE*** If you did not take the 4.3 OTA then do not use the 4.3 files in link below. These will permanently lock your bootloader and you will be limited to using safestrap from here on out.
Step 1: Download and install these files to your pc:
Odin- http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1165122&d=1340993443
Samsung Driver- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2038555
Step 2: Download one of the Factory Stock roms below to your PC:
*These are Official full wipe versions that will format the internal sd and lock bootloader!!
All Official Stock Builds- http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SCH-I535(Only use these files if you have a locked 4.3 bootloader.)
VRALG1 4.0 ICS-http://www.mediafire.com/download/kkhq5wtj4r3fpwf/COMBINATION_I535VRALG1_I535VZWALG1_743127_REV09_user_low_ship.tar.zip(Do Not use this if your device took the 4.3 OTA)
*In the link below are PRE-ROOTED full wipe versions that will lock the bootloader(Thanks Mr. Robinson!!) See section 1. steps(8-12) for unlocking and flashing a custom recovery.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436
Please Remember to back everything up to a pc or external sd before flashing!!
Step 3: Power device off, hold the volume down/home/power keys until you see a yellow triangle, then press the volume up key to access "odin or download mode".
Step 4: Open odin and connect the oem usb cable from pc to device. There should be a "comport number" in upper left hand corner of odin indicating communication between the pc & device.
Step 5: Click on the PDA function of odin. Select the stock rom you downloaded in step 2, then select start. This operation should take less than 8 minutes before odin will say pass/reset and your device will reboot.
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*Flashing a Stock Radio with Odin or a Custom Recovery
Download's:
Stock Radios- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/34053-officialmodems-vrlhd-verizon-sgs3-sch-i535-odin-or-recovery-flashable/
Odin Method:
Step 1: Download one of the files above to your pc.
Step 2: Power device off, then hold the volume down/home/power keys until you see a yellow triangle, then press the volume up key to access "download mode".
Step 3: Open Odin and connect the oem usb cable to pc & device, you should see a "comport #" in upper left hand corner of odin.
Step 4: Make sure auto reboot is checked.
Step 5: Click on the PDA function of odin and select the file you downloaded in step 1, select start, should take roughly 1min, then odin will say pass/reset.
Step 6: Your device should Reboot.
CWM or TWRP Recovery method:
Step 1: Download files A and B(optional) to the internal sd.
A) Choose a Recovery flashable radio- http://rootzwiki.com/topic/34053-officialmodems-vrli5-verizon-sgs3-sch-i535-odin-or-recovery-flashable/
B) RPM.zip(Optional)-
* A great explanation about RPM cand be found HERE
VRABLI5- https://app.dumptruck.goldenfrog.com/#p/_DeLB5rDRb
VRABLJ1- http://myandroidfiles.com/beanstown106/VRALJ1.rpm.zip
VRABLK1- http://myandroidfiles.com/beanstown106/VRBLK1.rpm.zip
VRABLK3- http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=9390214368362234078
Step 2: Reboot recovery via the power menu or power off and use the three finger method.
Step 3: Select install zip from sd and flash the radio.zip you downloaded in step 1A.
Step 4: Slect install zip from sd and flash the rpm.zip you downloaded in step 1B.
Step 5: Reboot.
Section 6: Directory
[APP][MOD] MOBILE ODIN- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899
[APP][MOD] SIII AOSP Camera- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746611
[APP][MOD] AC!D Audio Technology | v4.0 (22.10.12)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1883262
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[GUIDE] Unsure about your ROM choice- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1950824
[GUIDE] Verizon Galaxy SIII Downloads List- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1850506
[GUIDE] Set up Verizon Galaxy S3 as World GSM Phone (confirmed working)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1809314
[GUIDE] Enable UMS Mode for External SD Card- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1785243
[GUIDE]Google Wallet - Everything you need to know before you flash or root- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1764428
[GUIDE] for dual booting CM9- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1774795
[GUIDE][HOW TO] Edit Earphones Connected-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1782155
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[HACK] for removing wifi reminder-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1770622
[HOW-TO] Unbrick your soft bricked Galaxy S III- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1840030
[How To] Backup and restore your IMEI / MEID / EFS Data- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1791291
[How To] invoke self hardware test-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767247
[HOWTO]Comprehensive IMEI/EFS Backup- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1852255
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[MOD][VRBLK3] PDroid Privacy Protection- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2043699
[MOD]AOSP Lock Screen with Toggle- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2002620
[MOD]Super Simple 5 minutes Wireless Charging Mod for Samsung SG3- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1877191
[MOD]Enable wifi in notfication bar- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775235
[MOD]App2ExtSD2 [Works for all U.S. Galaxy S3!]- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1849860
[MOD] Latest Google Wallet (10/23/12)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1810040
[MOD]AGPS Patch Galaxy S III 3.1 & 2.2 | NEW SIII SPECIFIC BUILD | Tentative Support - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1880411
[MOD] OTA updates - keep root, custom recovery, unlocked bootloader and Google Wallet- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1964502
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[OFFICIAL] Tips and Tricks thread-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1732018
[OFFICIAL][MODEMS] Verizon SGS3 (SCH-I535)- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1788313
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[ROOT][TOOL] Root the Verizon GSIII without flashing-http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792342
[ROOT][TOOL][2012-09-12] SuperSU-Version_Debugfs: Root VZW SGS3 w/out Flashing ROM- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1883984
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Section 7: Android Glossary
Download Mode - This is a setting in which you will put your phone when using Odin. There are other ways, but most noobs will reach download mode by powering down, removing the battery, and holding volume down while plugging the factory usb cord into the computer and phone. Odin can only communicate properly with your phone if the phone is in download mode.
F. Reset Time - This is a check box in Odin. It's not clear that anyone knows the exact details of what it actually does, nor is it clear what will happen if you leave it unchecked vs checked. It seems to reset some arbitrary counter in your phone. As a general rule, you can either follow the instructions of whatever guide you're using or just leave the checkbox how you found it.
Fast Charge - This is a feature on some ICS ROMs that can be turned on or off. When enabled, it allows your phone to draw as much charge as possible regardless of the charging source. Without fast charge, your phone will place artificial speed limits on charging when plugged, for example, into the USB slot on your computer. Fast charge bypasses these limits, letting your phone believe it is always plugged into a wall charger. It is worth noting that your phone will not be recognized by your computer as a USB device when fast charge is enabled. It will only charge.
FC - Force Close - This is when an app stops working unexpectedly. This can happen to both rooted and unrooted phones. It doesn't cause any damage to the phone. In most cases, the app can just be opened right back up. It seems to depend on a lot of factors, including the quality of the app itself. ROMs and kernels that experience very few FCs are said to be "stable."
Flash - This is a term used to describe the installation of software onto your phone. It refers to fundamental changes in your phone's operating system. It is different from just installing an app from the Marketplace (Google Play). Commonly, people will flash ROMs, kernels, patches, and radios. There are basically two ways to flash new software onto your phone:
1. Odin
2. CWM Recovery (or a comparable recovery program)
Freeze - There are two meanings in general use. One might use this term to refer to his or her phone becoming unresponsive. More commonly, though, it refers to a special ability of a program called Titanium Backup. This program can be downloaded from the Android Marketplace (Google Play), but it requires a rooted phone to work. When Titanium Backup is used to freeze an app or process, that app or process is essentially gone from the phone. It won't show up in the app drawer, and it won't be running in the background. The difference between freezing and uninstalling, though, is that anything frozen can be quickly "thawed," also with Titanium Backup. With the touch of a button, the missing app or process is right back where it used to be. This is a convenient way for newly rooted users to test the waters of debloating.
Gapps - Google Apps - When flashing custom ROMs, the apps on the phone are usually deleted. As an alternative to going to the Marketplace (Google Play) and re-installing all the favorites (Google Maps, Google Talk, Google Voice, etc.), many devs have packaged these into a tidy zip file that can be flashed via CWM. Why don't they just put the Google Apps in the ROM, you ask? Custom ROMs and Google Apps get software updates at different rates, so keeping the two separate allows users to always have the most up-to-date version of each. On MTD ROMs such as CM7 or anything ICS, you generally must flash the gapps package to get the Android Marketplace (Google Play).
GB - Gingerbread - Android 2.3. Google likes to name its Android releases after sweet foods. Most of our stock phones are running on this release of Android. There are numerous ROMS and kernels compatible with Gingerbread. These are a good starting point for newly rooted users, as they will feel quite familiar.
Github - This is a web-based service where developers can post their code. Depending on the situation, their code can be accessed by other users, modified, or just shared with the world. The site encourages the kind of open source development for which Android is famous.
Governor - This refers to the type of logic your phone uses to control how fast its processor ramps up when needed or slows down when not. The choice of governor can influence overall performance and battery life. The governor can be selected using an OC/UV program such as Voltage Control or NS Tools. No one governor is right for everyone. The fun is in experimenting. Here are some examples and brief descriptions:
performance: Keeps the processor always ramped up to to maximum; useful for benchmarking
ondemand: Rapidly ramps up the processor when needed; gradually slows it down when not needed
conservative: Similar to ondemand, but ramps up more slowly
userspace: The user can define the parameters (for advanced users only).
lazy: This was developed specifically for Android by xda dev Ezekeel. He states it is an enhanced version of ondemand, tuned to our phones' capabilities. Don't be fooled by the name. He tested it with numerous processor-intensive applications.
interactive: Uses a logic to try to predict how quickly it needs to ramp up processor speed, attempting to balance battery life and performance
interactiveX: A tweak on interactive (by dev imoseyon), which locks the processor at the minimum speed when the screen is off
smartass & smartassV2: Modified interactive governors by dev erasmux, they use logic to determine how quickly to ramp up or slow down; designed to optimize battery life without sacrificing performance.
powersave: This keeps the processor always set at the minimum frequency. The name may be a bit misleading, as certain processes will just take longer, using up more battery.
Heimdall - This program is similar to Odin. It was created by an Australian software company called Glass Echidna. It can be used to flash files onto your phone. Some users prefer this program over Odin. Heimdall can be used with Mac computers, whereas Odin can not. Many high level users regularly use both Heimdall and Odin.
ICS - Ice Cream Sandwich - Android 4.0. Google likes to name its Android releases after sweet foods. It comes pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus from Verizon. Several developers have created ways to install ICS on the Samsung Fascinate.
init.d - This is a type of script used by developers when they modify Android code. You hear the term a lot because modifications using this type of script have far-reaching effects in the overall performance of the phone. High level users (who aren't quite devs) can even insert bits and pieces of init.d scripts to make minor tweaks to their phones.
Inverted - By default, most Google apps consist of a white screen with dark lettering. Inverting changes this to a dark screen with light letters. There are several advantages to this. Beyond the aesthetic advantages, it tends to be easier on the eyes in low light situations and reduce battery consumption. Inversion is done by talented individuals called themers.
I/O Scheduler - This refers to the type of logic your phone uses to order and process read and write requests to your phone's hard drive. There are several types, which are listed below, but there is no magic bullet. The joy is in finding the one that works for you in terms of performance and battery life. It is worth noting, though, that certain schedulers were designed to be used with mechanical rotating hard drives, taking the drive's rotational position into account. This does not apply to our phones, which use solid state drive technology. A scheduler can be selected by using an OC/UV control program such as Voltage Control or NS Tools. Specific descriptions are beyond the scope of this glossary, but simple Internet searches can expand on any of schedulers listed.
Examples: noop, deadline, cfq, bfq, sio, vr, bfs
* In the absence of a dev's recommendation, if you don't feel like reading up on the subject, you can leave the scheduler at the default or choose noop or sio.
JB - Jelly Bean - Android 4.1. Google likes to name its Android releases after sweet foods. This is the latest version of Android to hit the streets, and devs are flocking to it , making all JB development new and exciting.
Jig - This is a tiny Frankensteinian device made of a small chip, a transistor, and the tip of the little micro-USB connector that you plug into your phone to charge it or attach it to your computer. When your phone will not go into download mode through normal means, putting a jig into the phone when the battery is in will make your phone go into download mode. You can make one yourself or buy one online for less than $10.
Kang - Generally used as a verb, this means to take bits and pieces of someone else's coding and to then integrate it into your own. Granted, noobs won't be doing this, but devs do it all the time. For the most part, this is considered a welcome practice among friendly devs, provided it is done correctly and politely. Kanging often serves to better the community as a whole. The key for devs is to give credit to the other devs from whom they have kanged.
Kernel - This is one of the two main components (ROM being the other) of the software running on an Android phone. It is the piece of software that connects the hardware (screen, softkeys, vibration, speakers, etc.) to the other software components. An unrooted phone comes with a stock kernel. It is stable but somewhat slow. Practically speaking, installing (flashing) a custom kernel will make your phone feel much faster and smoother as it moves through screens and opens apps. Generally speaking, installing a new kernel will not change the basic appearance of your phone or erase any of your phone's information. Custom kernels can also unlock several abilities of rooted phones. Examples include:
-wireless tethering (ignoring that pesky $30/month charge from Verizon)
-control over how and when the softkeys at the bottom of the screen light up
-overclocking/undervolting
-voodoo lagfix (This only applies to phones with BML-based ROMs. MTD ROMs don't need lagfix.)
-custom boot animations
Lean Kernel - Created by imoseyon, He intentionally leaves out a lot of the "bells and whistles" to keep the experience simple, smooth, and fast. Imoseyon works with several phones, so it is imperative that you have the correct version of Lean Kernel, the one appropriate for your phone.
Linaro - This is a team of software engineers developing open source software for numerous platforms, particularly as it relates to getting maximum bang for the buck from systems with memory and hardware limitations. For our purposes, many Linaro modifications are making their way into our custom ROMs, promising increased speed and responsiveness.
Logcat - This is a log of all of the processing activity your phone did over a certain period of time. This is useful for bug reporting, as devs can examine logcats and attempt to determine the source of the error(s). Many threads in the development forum request logcats to go alongside any bug reports. A logcat can be generated through adb, and there are also some apps that will do it for you. Random complaints aren't terribly useful for devs, but logcats generally are. This classic cartoon illustrates how many devs feel about disorderly complaints about their work, even though most are far too polite to say anything.
Milestone - Devs are always trying to incorporate the latest and greatest features into their ROMs. The add-ons are incorporated as parts of new releases, or "builds." This is what makes development exciting, but it also leads to bugs. Milestone builds occur when the devs sit back, roll up their sleeves, and work the bugs out of all the awesome features they've crammed into their work. The milestones are considered the relatively safe and stable builds. When installed correctly, they rarely experience major bugs.
MIUI - This term is a transliteration of a Chinese name for a special customization of Android actually developed in China. MIUI ROMs can be installed on the Fascinate. They change the look and feel of the Android system, moving it closer to something resembling iOS, the iPhone's operating system. A lot of custom development has been done with the software code from the MIUI system. Many devs will integrate bits and pieces of MIUI into their own ROMs. For example, the TSM Resurrection ROM allows you to use the MIUI battery indicator, which looks completely different from the standard battery indicator.
MTD - This is a technical term used by devs to describe the software organization in your phone, as it relates to things called partitions. The bottom line is that the stock organizational system, called BML, is somewhat fixed and limited, whereas MTD offers devs a great deal of flexibility. Heavily customized ROMs like those from CyanogenMod or anything MIUI rely on MTD file organization. All of our ICS ROMs use MTD. MTD ROMs, generally speaking, experience very little lag, as compared to BML ROMs. When returning to a normal BML ROM from an MTD ROM, special precautions need to be taken.
Nandroid - This is a backup of your entire phone as it stands at that moment in time (ROM, kernel, text messages, your Angry Birds progress, etc.). It is stored on your sd card, which is somewhat immune to your tinkering. A Nandroid backup is a good failsafe for the times when you might want to try out that new experimental kernel your favorite dev has been working on. The files can also be saved on a home computer/flash drive/etc. for safe keeping. Nandroid backups are created using a recovery program like Clockworkmod Recovery. CWM can also use old Nandroids to restore a phone to its previous condition.
Nightly - Nightlies - Some rooted users like the idea of having the most stable, tested, and reliable ROMs available. Others prefer the excitement of being on the cutting edge. Nightlies are the untested regular releases of whatever a certain dev happens to be working on at the time. They package them up, post them online, and let the discussions ensue. These are not for the faint of heart. They are for people who are comfortable addressing freezes, boot loops, and force closes.
Noob - If you have to ask what this means, this is what you are. It's a derivation of "newbie" or "newb," someone who's new to the activity at hand. In many ways, the noob is defined by his actions rather than by the amount of time he's spent rooting phones or posting on xda. Here are a few standard behaviors that will immediately brand someone as a noob:
-Posting new threads to ask questions that have been answered dozens of times. (Hint: It's best to search before posting)
-Posting ROM complaints (without logcat), beginner questions, and other non-development topics in the development forums (It has been theorized that this will ultimately be the end of xda)
-Diving in and flashing away without reading and then posting about your problems (Everyone needs to read the Guide.)
NSTools - This is an app that requires superuser permissions. It can be used to control a variety of the phone's features that are unlocked when running a custom kernel. It can enable fast charge, BLN, overclocking, and undervolting. It often comes pre-installed with ICS ROMs.
OC - Overclocking - Computer processors operate at a variety of speeds. When a manufacturer sells a product (like a phone) to the general public, they strictly limit the speed at which the built in processor can operate, even though the processor may be capable of more. This is to promote stability and reliability. Rooted users can overclock their phone's processor, raising the maximum speed at which it can operate. This can be done through various apps, including Voltage Control and NS Tools. Some ROMs even have the controls built into their settings. There are limits, though. Running a processor at too high a speed can cause overheating and/or glitches.
Odin - This is a program of seemingly mysterious origins that allows your home computer to communicate with your phone. You download it to your home computer. Good communication with your phone requires the installation of Samsung drivers on your computer as well as the use of the USB cable that came with your phone. Among other things, Odin can be used to root your phone, install CWM Recovery, install custom ROMs and kernels, and return your phone to stock after you've screwed it up.
*NEVER touch the "Phone" button on Odin. It should be labeled "Destroy your Phone"
OP - Original Post - This refers to the first post in any given thread, the one that started the thread in a discussion forum. A common noob mistake is to hop into a thread on page 27, read for 30 seconds, and then chime in with a question. He is often directed to the OP, which contains the answer to his question.
OTA - Over the Air - These are the official firmware upgrades that Verizon has released over the life of this phone. They were either pushed out to our phones in the middle of the night or offered up for us to download at our convenience. The latest one, EH03, came in December of 2011. Generally speaking, rooted users do not receive OTA updates. Also generally speaking, this doesn't really matter. The updates can be found on xda, and it is unlikely that the Fascinate will ever receive another OTA update.
Patch - This generally refers to a zip file that can be flashed using CWM. The file usually contains updates or small modifications to an existing ROM or kernel. A great example is the patch that reprograms the phone dialer's voicemail button to open Google Voice instead of the standard voicemail or Visual Voice Mail.
PDA Button - This is the button you will want to use when using the Odin program. You should always avoid the "Phone" button.
Pit file - This is a type of file used with Odin when returning your phone to stock. There is a "Pit" button on Odin you can push to enter the pit file you wish to use. An example of a pit file that you will probably use is Atlas_v2.2.pit. To return to stock, you would use a pit file along with a stock ROM, putting both into Odin at the same time. Droidstyle's guide provides detailed instructions.
Project Butter - This is a Google initiative, launched with Jelly Bean, aimed at reducing phone lag, both real and perceived. It involves research into human visual perception, the pairing of GPU and CPU, graphics buffering, and so on. It's purpose is to make your Android phone run "like buttah."
Radio - a.k.a. Modem - This generally refers to the software that manages the phone's connection to the outside world, not the physical device itself. Verizon would release new versions of this software from time to time in their OTA updates. The two most popular ones are currently EH03 (the latest) and EC09. Both of these work with Android 2.3 and the various Android 4.0 ROMs. The choice of radio can determine your 3g download speeds. It's difficult to say that one is better than another. Different users find good results with each one. Both radios are available as zip files that can be flashed in CWM.
Recovery - Your phone comes with a recovery program. You have to choose to boot it up as an alternative to booting up your phone's normal touchscreen interface. An ordinary phone user would probably never even see this program. It's not pretty. It's just functional. It is basically a list of commands and technical terms that you can navigate using the phone's softkeys, volume up & down buttons, and the power button (to select). Essential to rooting are the special recovery programs such as CWM Recovery. A special recovery program, which is flashed via Odin, will replace the stock recovery program for a rooted user.
Re-Partition - This is one of the check boxes in Odin. This box should be checked only when returning your phone to stock. Of Odin's various check boxes, this is the only one for which widespread agreement of its use exists.
ROM - This is one of the two main components (kernel being the other) of the software running on an android phone. It generally determines the overall appearance of your phone, including which apps are installed by default. The ROM that comes installed on your phone right out of the box is known as the stock ROM. Created by devs, there are numerous custom ROMs available for the Fascinate. Popular ROMs a newly rooted user might try are Superclean3, PWGB, and GeeWiz. The process of flashing a custom ROM to your phone will, generally speaking, erase everything on your phone. The most popular ROM for the Fascinate right now is probably the AOKP version of ICS.
Root - When you buy your phone from Verizon, Verizon still controls it. You are simply a user who is allowed to perform various Verizon-approved activities on it. Gaining root access to your phone grants you the control that Verizon had previously held. Rooting quite literally makes you the "Superuser," opening numerous possibilities for improvement, customization, and ruin. Root access is essential to having a fast, fully customized phone.
Root Explorer - This is an app downloadable from the Android Marketplace (Google Play). As it requires Superuser permissions, it is only functional for rooted users. Its abilities far exceed those of standard file management apps. For example, Root Explorer can copy .apk files directly into the system/apps folder in Android. It's a great way to get that obscure Samsung widget reinstalled on your phone after your favorite developer's ROM washed it away and called it bloat.
Samsung Drivers - This is a small piece of downloadable software that will need to be installed on your home computer before it will be able to communicate with your phone (via Odin or adb).
Skin - This is a program that a phone manufacturer creates with the goal of making its phones more user friendly. It is basically an interface that sits on top of the pure Android guts underneath, hence the term "skin." The skin that comes with Samsung phones is called TouchWiz. This is why our phones don't look quite the same as our friends' HTC or Motorola phones, even though they are all using Android. Some people love TouchWiz. Some people hate it. Some custom ROMs are designed to be used with TouchWiz. Others are designed to be rid of it.
SOD - Sleep of Death - This is when your phone goes into standby mode but then goes into a catatonic state somewhere between being asleep and completely powered down. Users report various degrees of SOD. Some ROMs and kernels have been associated with it, as have certain apps, certain radios, and certain SD cards. Experimenting with fringe OC/UV and didle settings are often responsible these days. Generally, a battery pull (or better, Volume Up + Power) will revive the phone. Once a phone experiences a SOD, it seems likely that it will happen again, so a fix will need to be instituted. A modification of OC/UV settings or a return to stock and clean installation of your ROM, kernel, and apps are recommended.
Superuser - A rooted phone will have a new icon in the list of apps called Superuser. This is what distinguishes a rooted phone from a non-rooted phone. There are numerous apps available on the web and Android Marketplace (Google Play) that require "Superuser permission" to do what they do. Common examples of these apps include NS Tools, Titanium Backup, Root Explorer, Voodoo Sound, NS Tools, and Voltage Control. When a rooted user first runs one of these special apps, the app will ask for Superuser permission. Since you are now the Superuser, you get to press the button that says allow or one that says deny.
S Voice - Korean Siri, courtesy of Samsung.
Swype Beta - One of the early perks of rooting, the latest version of Swype is not available to unrooted users because the Fascinate comes with a special pre-installed (and perhaps outdated) version of Swype. Upgrading gives a slicker version of Swype with a more advanced word selection logic. You must follow a few steps to do it correctly:
1. Change the input method to the Android keyboard (settings->language & keyboard).
2. Uninstall Swype using Titanium Backup.
3. Go to the Swype website, give them your email address, and then follow their lead.
*ICS ROMs don't contain any traces of Swype, so steps 1 and 2 can be skipped for them
.tar - This is the file extension for the files that get flashed via Odin. The file to install CWM, for example, is a .tar file. Another example is the file that returns your phone back to stock.
TB - TiBu - Titanium Backup - This is an app available on the Android Marketplace (Google Play). It is for rooted users only, and it requires Superuser permissions to operate normally. Its two main functions are:
1. Creating backups of your phone (or parts of it) in case you screw it up
2. Freezing or uninstalling apps and other stuff you don't want (i.e. debloating)
Thanks button - Once you have created an established account at xda and made a post or two, you will begin to see a button with a little thumbs up sign next to the word "Thanks." This can be found on the lower right corner of someone's post. Pushing this button lets the person who posted know that their work is appreciated. It is considered polite to thank anyone who has helped you, whether or not it was in direct response to your own question. It is always polite to thank the devs whose software you are using. Xda tallies these thanks and gives experienced users a quantifiable measure of their contributions to the community. You will see a thanks meter under other users' names. Helpful people and prolific devs can have hundreds or thousands of thanks.
Troll - This describes a person who attempts to transform a civil forum discussion into a battle of harsh words. They generally lure people into a massive argument by posting inflammatory remarks that are just slightly off topic. They then sit back and laugh to themselves as the argument develops into the nerd equivalent of a bar fight. To feed a troll and make him stronger, just respond to him. To weaken him, report his posts to moderators.
TW - TouchWiz - see "Skin"
TWRP - TeamWin Recovery Project - This is an alternative to the traditional recovery program. Rather than using the volume rocker, softkeys, and power button to interact with it, a touchscreen interface is used. While it offers some interesting potential, it is still under development in terms of compatibility with the Fascinate and our popular ROM/kernel setups.
UV - Undervolting - This is a means of attempting to reduce battery consumption when using custom kernels. Rooted users can accomplish this through one of several apps, with Voltage Control and NS Tools being common examples. The point of whether UV reduces battery consumption is highly contentious, but there does seem to be a theoretical basis for its validity, as well as a preponderance of anecdotal evidence.
Voltage Control - This is an app available on the Android Marketplace (Google Play). It requires root access (i.e. Superuser permissions). When used with compatible kernels, it allows you to overclock and undervolt your phone.
Voodoo - Project Voodoo is a collaborative software development effort started by dev supercurio back when Galaxy S phones first hit the market. Its goal was to optimize the Galaxy S, bringing it up to its full potential. Voodoo innovations have been used by countless rooted users. Voodoo features can only be used on compatible custom kernels. The project consists of three main branches:
1. Voodoo Color - optimizes screen images/video *Not really available in most modern Fascinate setups, but people still talk about how they miss it.
2. Voodoo Sound - optimizes sound quality for audiophiles *The Voodoo Sound app is available from the Marketplace (Google Play) to control settings.
Wipe x3 - This term refers to the act of wiping the slate clean on your phone. It removes all apps you have installed and any data associated with those apps. It will not erase Android, your ROM, your kernel, or anything on your sd card (your photos and videos are on your sd card by default). The Wipe x3 is often done before making major changes to your phone's system. The process is accomplished through a recovery program such as CWM. Here are the 3 commands (hence the "x3"):
1. wipe data/factory reset
2. wipe cache partition
3. wipe dalvik cache
*Note, performing a wipe data/factory reset will reportedly wipe the cache partition and the dalvik cache, so steps 2 & 3 may be redundant.
zip - For our purposes, this refers to the file type for files that can be flashed with CWM or other recovery programs.
*Credit goes to Jawman27 for a great glossary! I just edited a bit for the gs3!
did this man just collect the $1000 bounty?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
lol I wish I was that intelligent. This is merely just a guide of whats already posted in the dev section, just consolidated into one thread. I made a guide like this for the SCH-I500 Fascinate and was very popular because all the files and steps needed are in the op... No need to search for anything!!! Its pretty basic now, but once development takes off it should be benificial to new android users...should also help keep the bricks to a minimum.
This will definitely be useful to us first time Samsung peeps who haven't used Odin before. Thank you for taking the time to put this together!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Marcismo55 said:
This will definitely be useful to us first time Samsung peeps who haven't used Odin before. Thank you for taking the time to put this together!
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you like! Now all we need is for development to get rollin and more will be added. All in due time...guess Im a little anxious, since this is the first device that I purchased before actual release date :highfive:
Nice man! I have years of HTC experience behind me, but coming to Sammy is totally new with odin. Definitely using this guide on Thursday
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Do you think you could add the dialer programming codes? I'm coming from a Thunderbolt and was curious if *#*#4636#*#* worked or were there other codes I haven't come across yet?
Thanks for this my first time to a Samsung device coming from HTC gonna wait on rooting till the bootloader issue is resolved but nonetheless added this thread to my favorites list
Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt using xda premium
I have always been hesitant about rooting devices before the 1year Verizon warranty has expired, but I don't think I'll be able to make it that long with this phone. As such, I have two questions for y'all...
1.) Will following the return-to-stock instructions leave me with a device that is indistinguishable from one that had never been rooted at all? Will there be any way to tell that it had been rooted?
2.) While I understand that if you follow directions it's unlikely that you'll brick your device, it is still something that concerns me a little... I have heard that an unlocked bootloader is something that is required for moth methods of recovering from a soft brick. Is this true? If so, I assume that Verizon's bootloader would pose a problem in this regard?
I just want to understand the risks before I jump in. Thanks in advance.
Seems from experience with my phone, enabling root will not force custom screen at boot, installing custom recovery will. Idk if it ups the flash counter though. If you only root and one day revert back, I'd imagine it will be indistinguishable.
Sent from my rooted SCH-I535 using xda premium
Will this trip the counter? Also, is CWM in the first root?
Solar257 said:
Do you think you could add the dialer programming codes? I'm coming from a Thunderbolt and was curious if *#*#4636#*#* worked or were there other codes I haven't come across yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill look into it thx!
No this root method does not trip the counter....yes going back to stock erases all traces of being rooted. Thx to odin this device is damn near unbrickable.
droidstyle said:
No this root method does not trip the counter....yes going back to stock erases all traces of being rooted. Thx to odin this device is damn near unbrickable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the detailed Guide I am sure this will help a lot of people out.
Section 1 updated with new root.img
Updated!! Consolidated the three sections into one and added section 2 for Recoveries.
Sorry if this is a total nub question:
Will flashing this cause my current data to be wiped?
I just got the phone how I like it, not complaining cause root>most things I can stock but I wanna plan for it just in case my apps/settings/contacts/etc. go bye bye.
voted to counter the trolls who think its funny to 1 star threads.
Fellow Pro10 6203 users:
Welcome! As we do not yet have a forum dedicated to this device, I am creating this thread to serve as a means to share everything that I've come to discover about the usage of this inexpensive yet capable Android tablet. This thread will include varying topics such as rooting, custom recovery, accessories, customization apps, custom ROM's, and anything else I might come across that may enhance our experience with the product. I have found no real one-stop source for information concerning this device, so I am beginning this one that I hope everyone that owns one will find useful. Please feel free to ask questions and add constructive commentary
Tech Specs:
Model Number: RCT6203W46KB
Operating System: Android 4.4.2
CPU Chip: Quad Core
CPU Chipset Model Number: MTK MT8127 1.5GHz
GPU: Mali-450 MP
Resolution: 1024x600
Density: 160dpi
Screen Features: 10.1 Thin-film Transistor
RAM: 1GB
RAM Type: DDR3
Storage Capacity: 16GB
Camera: Yes (Front & Back)
Camera Specifications: Front Facing 0.3M pixel webcam (640x480), Rear 2M pixel webcam (1600x1200)
Battery Life: 6 hours
Battery Life Details: Playback downloaded video with WiFi turn off
Connectivity/Audio: Headphone jack, Micro USB, DC jack, Micro HDMI
Dimensions: 262(W)x165(H)x11.5(D)
Weight: 921g
Software: Walmart, Sam's Club, Vudu, eMusic, Kingsoft Office
Included Accessories: Power adapter, Keyboard Folio
If you happen to find something here worth your while, please hit the thanks button!
Rooting
Always remember, you root your device AT YOUR OWN RISK. Rooting will void your warranty and you may brick your device in attempting this. Its a choice and you're the only one who can make it.
Rooting instructions (tested up to RCA firmware 1.9.50):
(Beginning with a tablet never before rooted, or has been completely unrooted prior)
1. On your tablet, go to Settings > About tablet > Build number and tap the build number 7 times. This will unhide the Developer options menu.
2. Tap the Developer options menu. Enable it by sliding the slider to the right in top bar. Select "USB debugging" by placing a check mark in the box next to it.
3. Go to Settings > Security. Select "Unknown sources" by placing a check mark in the box next to it. Deselect "Verify apps" by removing the check mark in the box (you can enable it again afterwards if you wish).
4. Connect your tablet to PC via USB.
5. Download the Windows iRoot rooting application here.
6. Install the app.
7. Start iRoot and follow instructions to root. Remember to enable USB permissions on tablet when prompted.
8. Once successfully completed, download and install SuperSU from here to replace the Chinese root manager called Superuser 1.0.4.
9. Start SuperSU and you will be asked for permission, choose to allow.
10. SuperSU will prompt to install SU binary, go ahead with OK and install normally (not TWRP). IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO INSTALL THE BINARY.
11. Once SuperSU is installed and the binary updated, you can uninstall Superuser 1.0.4 and the second app it installs, something like "Clean Master" (unless you want it).
Happiness is now achieved with having a rooted device
* For further details regarding root, please see "Rooting considerations" in the Misc. section below.
Custom Recovery
Always remember, you install a custom recovery on your device AT YOUR OWN RISK. Installing a custom recovery will void your warranty and you may brick your device in attempting this. Its a choice and you're the only one who can make it.
99% of the credit for this section goes to johnemc2, PatF and mexicandroid for creating and contributing to this thread. Although it was created for a different but similar RCA tablet model, they provided everything I am going to reiterate here. Also the original thread for TWRP on MediaTek devices (which is the chipset for these RCA tablets) is here, and all credit goes to yuweng for this. Make sure to hit the thanks button in the respective threads for these guys!
TWRP installation instructions (tested up to RCA firmware 1.9.50):
1. Device must be rooted. See rooting section above or use another method of your choice.
2. Download the TWRP recovery image for the 6203 from here. Rename it by deleting "[RCA 6203 TWRP - Remove this tag]" so that the file name reads only "recovery.img" (with no quotes of course).
3. Place this file on your external sdcard.
4. Download and install [ROOT] Rashr Flash Tool from here. If the app suggests updates, go ahead and install them.
5. Rashr will ask you to make a backup. If you try, it will fail. Not to worry too much though, a stock recovery image is available below.
6. Start Rashr. From the menu, tap Recovery from Storage. From the "Pick a file" menu select /storage/emulated. Select /storage/, then select sdcard1/. From there select the recovery.img file you saved in step 3.
7. It will give you a warning prompt asking if you are sure. If so, select "Yes please" to install TWRP.
8. Upon successful flashing of TWRP you will have the choice to boot into the custom recovery, go check it out!
9. One procedural maintenance item to perform after: I have noticed that the rashr app holds on to a large amount of data for some reason and haven't found the need. Once you reboot, you can go into Settings > Apps > All and find Rashr and clear data to reclaim the space.
Good guide for using TWRP can be found here.
How to manually get into recovery (TWRP or stock):
From a powered off state, simultaneously depress the power and volume up buttons until the white RCA boot screen appears. Once this screen appears, release the power button but REMAIN DEPRESSING THE VOLUME UP BUTTON until you are in recovery.
Stock recovery installation:
It is the exact same procedure as was with TWRP, with the exception of step 2. Instead download the stock recovery image from here, rename it by deleting "[RCA 6203 Stock Repacked - Remove this tag]" so that the file name reads only "recovery.img" (with no quotes of course). Continue on using step 3 above. Check out why you might need the stock recovery image in the "Firmware updating considerations" area of the Misc. section below.
Ultimate happiness and assurance is now achieved with having a custom recovery installed on your device to back it up!
Accessories
Here are some of the accessories I am currently using for the 6203:
Cases:
The keyboard case is good, but I found it cumbersome in most cases and unnecessary. So I purchased this case from Ebay. Here are some photos of mine. I have had it for 5+ months with no issue upon daily use.
Screen Protectors:
I purchased this anti-glare and anti-fingerprint screen protector from Amazon. Although they now have it for the 6203, at the time they only had them for the 6103 and I had to modify it. But 5 months later it is still great. Being anti-glare means there is a slight matte to them, but overall I found it hardly effected the clarity of the screen. It really kept having to wipe off the screen due to fingerprints to a minimum!
I am just sharing what I have found to work for our devices and hope it helps you too in some way!
Customization Apps
Customization apps that require root (seeing rooting section above):
Xposed Framework. Man is this awesome. Here is the description from the site: Xposed is a framework for modules that can change the behavior of the system and apps without touching any APKs. That's great because it means that modules can work for different versions and even ROMs without any changes (as long as the original code was not changed too much). It's also easy to undo. As all changes are done in the memory, you just need to deactivate the module and reboot to get your original system back. There are many other advantages, but here is just one more: Multiple modules can do changes to the same part of the system or app. With modified APKs, you to decide for one. No way to combine them, unless the author builds multiple APKs with different combinations. You can find version 2.6.1 for our tablet here (select "show older versions" at the bottom of the page).
GravityBox [KK]. TONS of customization for our device. Find it here.
Customization apps that do not require root:
Blacked out or inverted apps. I love darkened apps. I prefer a black or dark background to most apps. It looks good and is easier on the eyes! You can download the Team Blacked Out updater apk from here. You can download many popular apps that have been "blacked out" by this team.
I am just sharing these apps for fellow fans of customization. Enjoy!
Custom ROM's
[reserved]
Misc.
Rooting considerations:
Although there is a risk of bricking the device in doing so, to date I have rolled through both the 1.3.51 and 1.9.50 RCA updates without the update being hindered by having my device rooted prior (never unrooted), and I have not lost root once the update completes. Although I have not tried this without, I believe this may be because I use SuperSU Pro OTA survival. This app is not necessary, but the free version does not have the "OTA survival mode" that the pro version possesses. I recommend spending the $3.75 for purchase.
Firmware updating considerations:
If you delete any of the bloatware apps that comes preloaded (VUDU, Walmart, Sam's Club, Opera, etc.) and try to update the device, it will soft brick your tablet. This is because the update performs a core app comparison check to test validity prior to completing installation. You will only be able to get into stock recovery once this happens. Therefore my recommendation is not to delete any of these apps but instead use Titanium or MyBackup Pro to freeze them, and prior to attempting any firmware update remember to UNFREEZE THEM FIRST. This will save you any headache with the firmware updates.
I do not think you can install an official firmware update via TWRP, so you may need to reinstall the stock recovery to do this. See the "Custom Recovery" section above.
Misc. #2
[reserved]
One frustrating thing about our device is that some apps will not install from the Play store. It will state "this item is not compatible with your device". Well I have tried many methods to circumvent this, including changing prop files and using apps that fake screen densities. I don't recommend that . Instead I sideload. I use a Google Chrome extension called APK Downloader. You can get it here. To set up it will ask for devide ID info. I plug in the number for my S4. Once downloaded, I just copy the apk over to my tablet and install from there. The only caveat to this is that it does not work for purchased apps.
There are other ways to procure the app and sideload, but this is the method I use most often for the 6203.
I have a support request in to RCA for these concerns (here is the text as I sent):
Hello,
I have 3 questions. The first is that by reading the specs for this tablet the CPU is supposed to be set for 1.5Ghz. But when you use the tablet, it is only set for 1300Mhz (1.3Ghz) (I can provide screenshots). Which is wrong and why?
My second question is do we have any access to a complete firmware ROM that can be used via recovery? This would be nice to have in case the tablet is soft bricked for any reason. Update ROMs do not provide this.
Lastly, is there anywhere to download USB drivers for this tablet?
Thanks in advance for your help.
From RCA:
Glen (RCA Support)
Apr 27, 3:18 PM
1) The max threshold is 1.5Ghz. The reason it is running at 1.3 is probably because your not using its absolute full capacity
2) We dont have the ROM
3) Is this for the USB stick or memory stick?
Glen
Technical Support
#Madeforyourlifestyle
My response:
Glen,
Here are my responses:
1. I have attached 3 screenshots from independent apps that all report the CPU set for 1.3Ghz and not 1.5Ghz. In fact they show the governor as having the range for the CPU set to 598-1300mhz. I believe this happened in the firmware 1.9.50 update and was not the case prior. Can you check to see why this was done? We purchased tablets that were intending on having a 1.5Ghz processor.
2. You will see many returns then from tablets that were soft bricked due to the most recent update corrupting the system file, and then only allowing people to boot into recovery and not into Android.
3. No, USB drivers as in this explanation: http://developer.android.com/tools/extras/oem-usb.html
Thanks. I really appreciate your assistance with these questions. Please let me know if there is any other information I can offer.
From RCA 5/4/15:
Glen (RCA Support)
May 4, 3:43 PM
The tablet will use the 1.5Ghz only when it will take big update like firmware updates.
#Madeforyourlifestyle
My response:
Glen,
There is no way for the Android kernel to know only to use full CPU capability during an upgrade procedure. Its there for all operations or it is not.
Can I have my concern escalated to your engineering team? As I said previous, the system showed 1.5Ghz was available in processing speed before the last upgrade.
Thanks
From RCA 5-7-15:
Hello,
We'd love to hear what you think of our customer service. Please take a moment to answer one simple question by clicking either link below:
How would you rate the support you received?
Good, I'm satisfied
Bad, I'm unsatisfied
Conclusion:
So apparently RCA doesn't intend to do anything about the most recent update failures outside of performing RMA's for people, and also doesn't care to answer why these tabs are advertised as 1.5Ghz and are being throttled to 1.3.
Rct6203w46-android4.4.2-3101-v50-v1.3.71
What can I do with this or this - no ROM Backups, and an annoying 'brick' on my table?
I successfully rooted with KingRoot and tried to manually switch to SuperSU with a script I found.
The script seemed workable. I found all of the targets and: # root.sh ... oh *hi*
The transition failed and after trying to 'clean up' remnants the script seemed to have missed, the screen froze: RESET BUTTON - nothing, nothing, nothing.
I wish I hadn't believed it would work without a 'dd ... system.img'. The tablet had about 12hrs mileage and is now a very new [Black Friday] $49 item about to be smashed on the driveway.
I read somewhere that RCA will not be distributing winusb drivers.
*uc* it - i b-roke i-t! :victory:
It's Alive! After the battery drained, 2 weeks later, it booted!
removed supersu
probeafargavin said:
What can I do with this or this - no ROM Backups, and an annoying 'brick' on my table?
I successfully rooted with KingRoot and tried to manually switch to SuperSU with a script I found.
The script seemed workable. I found all of the targets and: # root.sh ... oh *hi*
The transition failed and after trying to 'clean up' remnants the script seemed to have missed, the screen froze: RESET BUTTON - nothing, nothing, nothing.
I wish I hadn't believed it would work without a 'dd ... system.img'. The tablet had about 12hrs mileage and is now a very new [Black Friday] $49 item about to be smashed on the driveway.
I read somewhere that RCA will not be distributing winusb drivers.
*uc* it - i b-roke i-t! :victory:
It's Alive! After the battery drained, 2 weeks later, it booted!
removed supersu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probeafargavin,
Sorry for slow reply. Been a busy month! I recommend sending the unit back to RCA for an RMA. I had to do this once and although it took a month, I received back a working tablet. It doesn't matter that you did this, they will not check. They will end up sending you back a refurbed tablet. Mine works fine.
-droidify
Needing Help
I rooted my device (same exact make/ model you have listed). Well it just so happens that now I am not able to open the Google App store. I have clicked the app logo so many times now and all what I see is what looks like the app is about to open but it just disappears about a half second later.
Looks like I am no longer able to use the back button also. I have tried factory resetting the device yet problem remains. Clearing cache of the Google Play app, no results. Please help!!!!! I would surely appreciate it, I'm sure you can imagine how devastated I am over this.
C_Cee said:
I rooted my device (same exact make/ model you have listed). Well it just so happens that now I am not able to open the Google App store. I have clicked the app logo so many times now and all what I see is what looks like the app is about to open but it just disappears about a half second later.
Looks like I am no longer able to use the back button also. I have tried factory resetting the device yet problem remains. Clearing cache of the Google Play app, no results. Please help!!!!! I would surely appreciate it, I'm sure you can imagine how devastated I am over this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C_Cee unless you have TWRP installed and had a back up, there is not much you can do. I would RMA the tablet through RCA. I had to do this once and it was a pretty quick turn around.
-Droidify
RCT203W46L Questions
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
kwmike said:
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lollipop is going to have a different recovery, so what I posted likely will not work and may cause serious problems if attempted. Not sure about stagefright vulnerabilities.
Any advance?
No more advance in this device?
drakedalfa said:
No more advance in this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My tablet is still going. Although not my daily driver device, I use it to watch videos on break at work and to read on. There hasn't been any development for this device that I am aware of and unlikely to be considering it is not that popular.
Flashing recovery from build Build: RCT6303W87DK-ANDROID5.0-V63-V1.12.20-B
kwmike said:
Hi,
I have just purchased the above and rooted it with Kingroot. This is the lollipop 5.0 version.
a) a stagefright detector from lookout reports this device is vulnerable to this hack. Any thoughts?
b) are the twrp and stock recovery images pointed to by droidify post #2 and #3 still usable? even though its lollipop5.0?
Any help appreciated before I mod this thing!!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aloha -
I just received one of these today:
Model: RCT6303W87DK (32GB)
Android version: Lollipop 5.0.
Kernel: 3.10.54
Build: RCT6303W87DK-ANDROID5.0-V63-V1.12.20-B
I installed NewKingrootV4.62_C133_B233_en_release_2015_11_24_105203.apk downloaded from www\.kingroot\.net
On the first attempt, Kingroot rebooted at 22%, and failed to root. I repeated the procedure without rebooting, and achieved root on the second attempt.
I am curious to know if you flashed TWRP and, if so, what results you had.
Also: does anyone know if, in fact, the 5.0 loader actually is different from the 4.4.2 loader.
Thanks in advance.
I'm confused, is this thread on the RCA Pro 10 RCT6203W46KB or for it's successor (I assume) the RCA 10 Viking Pro RCT6303W87DK. I ask because I have the RCT6303W87DK and am looking to see if there are any ROMs for it, as I would prefer to be running Android 5.1.2 or 6.0 over 5.0.
Hello
Seeing there is very little info about this model, I decided to make available my findings. Initially I was a bit annoyed with the phone in the start. The "stock" rom was a disaster (malware-ridden, non-official). First I tried to de-bloat that but the whole rom was just bad and unstable. Since then I've learned some things, and newer official builds have surfaced.
Also I should say; this phone is basically a K3 Note with 720p screen (another difference is MT6752M cpu instead of MT6752 in the K3 Note) and it's very similar to the A7000 model.
The best rom I have tried so far is this : VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU ---> DL - This is latest official stock Rom for the 7600 (not 7600M which is Chinese version)
Here is also TWRP recovery with english + chinese language: DL
Rename ROM to "update.zip", use stock recovery and flash (probably best to use stock lenovo recovery first to make sure everything gets flashed, can be flashed with twrp but I suspect it only flashes boot and system), boot it up, finish the setup wizard, turn it off. Use SPflashtool to flash TWRP, turn off again.
Start phone in recovery mode (Press volume Up + Down, and power button. Hold until recovery appears). Now you can flash Gapps (arm64, lollipop 5.0, opengapps.org), SuperSU, xposed arm64 lollipop, etc.
I have been able to get a very pleasing phone doing this. I don't really feel right now that much is missing, and I'm not annoyed by various other problems. Using xposed modules gravity box, GEL settings, Lollipop memory fix, etc.
This Rom has very little bloatware, there are some chinese apps, but they can easily be uninstalled - don't even need root. There are a few more you can uninstall using root if you want, but be careful not to break the system.
I'm not going to explain everything in great detail here. Using SPFlashTool is explained so many other places. Getting supersu and xposed also explained everywhere.
If I could I would integrate all in to one flashable package, but I'm not a rom cooker. Sorry
PS: As you can see in the image, i use iFONT xposed. But I don't enable it as xposed module, that caused problems. I just used it to download a font and applied it. It's system wide, and it works
There's a newer link in post #6 with the latest firmware
There's a newer link in post #10 with TWRP 3.0.2.3
Hi,do you have custom rom for lenovo s8 a7600?
askermk2000 said:
Hello
The best rom I have tried so far is this : VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU ---> - This is latest official stock Rom for the 7600 (not 7600M which is Chinese version)
Here is also TWRP recovery with english + chinese language:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, I had to remove your links, because I have small amount of posts and I am not allowed to submit post with urls - even if quoted.
Hi!
Do you know way to install other languages into ROM (or add them and somehow rebuild ROM), I am searching informations for last few days with no succes. The main problem is when international apps using EN for directory, when all information in directory should be in my language (polish). Changing locale helps, but settings are crashing with changed locales..
Also I installed xposed, but system tells me that xposed is not installed... I heard about it from your post and found only version v79 for sdk 21. I need to remove search box from desktop at google now.
Any custom rom for this device ?
Hi everyone, hi @askermk2000
I just received my Lenovo S8 A7600 "Golden Warrior" phone from an Asian vendor, it came with VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU and SuperSU was seemingly installed when I first turned on phone (asked me to update binary).
Specs are MTK6752M 64-bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage.
Can I install your version VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU through the Lenovo stock recovery/flash (phone) as you suggest?
You mention "not 7600M" so I am not sure...
I also see in other places that there's even a newer VibeUI version VIBEUI_V2.5_1537_5.1978.1_ST_A7600_CU, any idea where to get it and if it is compatible? I cannot find any download link...
Thanks...
konsti said:
Hi everyone, hi @askermk2000
I just received my Lenovo S8 A7600 "Golden Warrior" phone from an Asian vendor, it came with VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU and SuperSU was seemingly installed when I first turned on phone (asked me to update binary).
Specs are MTK6752M 64-bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage.
Can I install your version VIBEUI_V2.5_1532_5.1797.1_ST_A7600_CU through the Lenovo stock recovery/flash (phone) as you suggest?
You mention "not 7600M" so I am not sure...
I also see in other places that there's even a newer VibeUI version VIBEUI_V2.5_1537_5.1978.1_ST_A7600_CU, any idea where to get it and if it is compatible? I cannot find any download link...
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
It's wise of you to remove that dubious vendor firmware.
Since "A7600M" is a model number, or simply name of the phone, I would be surprised if it doesn't say so anywhere. Look at the packaging, phone and battery compartment etc. If you don't see A7600M anywhere, it's likely not that model.
See here: Lenovo Inquiry Page
At the bottom there you'll find link for the latest official (Full) firmware.
Thank you @askermk2000 for your kind and immediate reply.
This known asian vendor on their page mentions: Lenovo "Golden Warrior" S8 A7600, 4G, LTE, MTK6752M @1.5GHz 64bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5.5inch HD IPS screen, OTG, Android 5.0 Phone
In settings, the ROM version is: VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU, no bloatware; was surprised to see SuperSU pre-installed but the vendor does have a service (at a cost) to provide pre-rooted phones (which I did NOT order but maybe got).
The (Lenovo) box doesn't mention much, even under the phone I can see a lot of Chinese, so it's definitely for China -- vendor wrote it's unlocked for world use on their page.
The mentioned model is A7600 on the rear, there's only a A838 reference besides model (i.e. QQ-A838-xxxxxx) but not much more than that.
I suspect these may be older stock they wanted to get rid of.
As you can see, the model is (S8) A7600, not A7600M. The chipset has "M" i.e. is MTK6752M.
So can I not use the official latest (full) firmware that you posted, via stock recovery?
Is this not for MTK6752M processor? Will this firmware brick the phone, you think?
Thank you very much in advance!
konsti said:
Thank you @askermk2000 for your kind and immediate reply.
This known asian vendor on their page mentions: Lenovo "Golden Warrior" S8 A7600, 4G, LTE, MTK6752M @1.5GHz 64bit OctaCore, 2GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5.5inch HD IPS screen, OTG, Android 5.0 Phone
In settings, the ROM version is: VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU, no bloatware; was surprised to see SuperSU pre-installed but the vendor does have a service (at a cost) to provide pre-rooted phones (which I did NOT order but maybe got).
The (Lenovo) box doesn't mention much, even under the phone I can see a lot of Chinese, so it's definitely for China -- vendor wrote it's unlocked for world use on their page.
The mentioned model is A7600 on the rear, there's only a A838 reference besides model (i.e. QQ-A838-xxxxxx) but not much more than that.
I suspect these may be older stock they wanted to get rid of.
As you can see, the model is (S8) A7600, not A7600M. The chipset has "M" i.e. is MTK6752M.
So can I not use the official latest (full) firmware that you posted, via stock recovery?
Is this not for MTK6752M processor? Will this firmware brick the phone, you think?
Thank you very much in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, your phone is the right model, as you said "Unlocked for world use", the A7600M only works in china.
MTK6752M is the chipset used - it has nothing to do with A7600M, that there are two M's there is a coincidence.
So you can go ahead and use the latest firmware.
OK for the sake of information to everyone, I did the following:
0. Formatted SD card from within the phone (just to be sure). Then charged battery fully to 100%.
1. Copy (via PC) the latest firmware zip file (currently is VIBEUI_V2.5_1628_5.2186.1_ST_A7600_CU_WC5DAF1811.zip about 1GB size) to root of my SD card. This file looks like a recovery type, but files inside (some IMG, DAT and scatter files) could be flashable from PC (i.e. like SP Flash Tool etc.).
2. Renamed it update.zip
3. Put SD and battery back to phone.
4. Started phone in recovery mode: Pressed Volume Up + Down and Power buttons simultaneously; held them until recovery screen appeared. First, Lenovo logo, then a screen to choose language (Chinese/English); pressed English.
5. Selected the Install Upgrade Pack menu and pressed "YES" to the warning about encrypted phones.
6. Waited for update with circle-type update progress; for some reason it got seemingly stuck at 75% for some period. Waited patiently to finish.
7. I selected "Back" to go and clean user data.
8. Once done, I pressed back touch-button and selected "Restart".
9. Waited to see what happens. Was curiously greeted with a white chinese splash-screen saying "4G" something. Waited...
10. Phone next booted to the usual Lenovo logo, with some chinese text at the bottom and three dots [...] flashing with thin white progress-line (most likely "rebuilding apps"?). This took a while, too.
11. The phone finally went into the wizard in Chinese, and then offered choice of English or Chinese as wizard language.
Wizard finished OK, then went to Settings -> About device -> ROM is upgraded indeed to VibeUI v2.5-1628 and Android 5.0.2.
NOTE: There's a LOT of chinese stuff, unfortunately, I guess it's part of the ROM; obviously this ROM is non-rooted...
However, the asian vendor installed/shipped ROM (VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU) was very light and fast -- I guess a deodex version? Or a VibeUI port?
Many thanks @askermk2000 for your help nevertheless.
Any idea, compared to your experience., if...
a) if your URL for latest firmware is maybe only for China? Your first post photos/screenshots don't have such Chinese apps On this ROM version, the shutdown logo is again that white chinese splash-screen with a big red "4G". Perhaps there's some other version for non-Chinese region?
b) if there's a stock, deodex ROM like that one? How did the Asian vendor find such light ROM, I am curious -- in that shipped ROM version, I had many menu languages. Now I only have English and Chinese as choices
c) if I need TWRP so I can flash Play Store, gapps and SuperSU? I don't think stock Recovery allows for these, any idea?
Cheers mate.
konsti said:
OK for the sake of information to everyone, I did the following:
0. Formatted SD card from within the phone (just to be sure). Then charged battery fully to 100%.
1. Copy (via PC) the latest firmware zip file (currently is VIBEUI_V2.5_1628_5.2186.1_ST_A7600_CU_WC5DAF1811.zip about 1GB size) to root of my SD card. This file looks like a recovery type, but files inside (some IMG, DAT and scatter files) could be flashable from PC (i.e. like SP Flash Tool etc.).
2. Renamed it update.zip
3. Put SD and battery back to phone.
4. Started phone in recovery mode: Pressed Volume Up + Down and Power buttons simultaneously; held them until recovery screen appeared. First, Lenovo logo, then a screen to choose language (Chinese/English); pressed English.
5. Selected the Install Upgrade Pack menu and pressed "YES" to the warning about encrypted phones.
6. Waited for update with circle-type update progress; for some reason it got seemingly stuck at 75% for some period. Waited patiently to finish.
7. I selected "Back" to go and clean user data.
8. Once done, I pressed back touch-button and selected "Restart".
9. Waited to see what happens. Was curiously greeted with a white chinese splash-screen saying "4G" something. Waited...
10. Phone next booted to the usual Lenovo logo, with some chinese text at the bottom and three dots [...] flashing with thin white progress-line (most likely "rebuilding apps"?). This took a while, too.
11. The phone finally went into the wizard in Chinese, and then offered choice of English or Chinese as wizard language.
Wizard finishedOK, then went to Settings -> About device -> ROM is upgraded indeed to VibeUI v2.5-1628 and Android 5.0.2.
There's a LOT of chinese stuff, unfortunately, I guess it's part of the ROM; obviously this ROM is non-rooted.
But the installed/shipped ROM (VIBEUI_V2.5_1524_5.1460.1_ST_A7600_CU) was very light and fast -- I guess a deodex version? Or a VibeUI port?
Many thanks @askermk2000 for your help nevertheless. Your photos/screenshots however don't have such Chinese apps...
Any idea, compared to your experience., if...
a) if your linked latest firmware is maybe only for China? The shutdown logo is again that white chinese splash-screen with a big red "4G". Perhaps there's some other version for non-Chinese region?
b) if there's a stock, deodex ROM like that one? How did the Asian vendor find such light ROM, I am curious -- in that shipped ROM version, I had many menu languages. Now I only have English and Chinese as choices
c) if I need TWRP so I can flash Play Store, gapps and SuperSU? I don't think stock Recovery allows for these, any idea?
Cheers mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again
Yes, the official Chinese rom only has Eng/Chinese language. There may be a way to add more, idk because I only need English. The 4G boot logo is normal, was there on the rom linked in the first post also.
All the Chinese apps (or almost all) can be uninstalled without root permission. I never experience the rom to be less than fast and good, but I always immediately uninstalled the chinese apps, they do me no good anyways.
The rom you where supplied with is what is called ROW (international). If it's possible to get an updated ROW rom idk. All I know is that if you want a clean unhampered ROM, then the one I've shown you is the way to go.
PS: Yes you need custom recovery to flash the other stuff. Here is an updated TWRP: TWRP-3.0.2.3
^^This recovery has wrong device description in build.prop (actually it uses Lenovo K3) as a consequence you will receive error if trying to flash ROM's. So try the old one if you get these errors.
HI everyone, hi @askermk2000 and many many thanks for sharing your TWRP version 3.0.2.3 with us.
I followed this thread on how to root the Lenovo S8 A7600 phone and downloaded the tools needed (SP Flash Tool v5.1452.00 and VCOM drivers) on my Windows 7 laptop; then, installed them accordingly. Many thanks to @XxpikaachuuxX for providing links and steps on his thread!
1. Started up SP Flash Tool with administrator rights.
2. Chose the scatter file that was inside your shared TWRP-3.0.2.3 zip file; recovery image is automatically selected.
3. Shut down phone, remove battery.
4. Made sure all boxes in list were unchecked, except "recovery" then pressed "Download" button.
5 . Plugged phone on USB cable to PC, then inserted battery under the phone, as instructed.
6. Windows made a "USB plugged" sound, then SP Flash Tool detected phone OK and flashed recovery fine (there was the green tick-mark shown!)
7. Removed cable, removed battery, waited 10 seconds, re-inserted battery.
Then, copied to my SD card root folder, via PC (card reader) the following:
a) UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip
b) gapps-lp-20150211-signed.zip from this thread (lp=Lollipop)
(I had downloaded and installed wrong Gapps for 5.1 Android, but we need 5.0 version for this ROM--silly me. I just re-flashed via TWRP the correct package).
Went into recovery by pressing briefly Power then when the short vibration was felt, pressed VOL+ and VOL- and POWER simultaneously; the pleasant splash-screen of TWRP was shown!
1. Installed the needed SuperSU; then went back.
2. Installed gapps.
3. Wiped cache and Davlik (inside TWRP) then rebooted phone i.e. "system".
4. Waited patiently as it took a few minutes to go on the main Home screen.
5. Created Google account in "Settings" then went straight to "PlayStore" to update all applications, including SuperSU.
6. Ran SuperSU and upon request, updated the binary "normally" and rebooted just fine.
NOTE: In the Wi-Fi detected lists, since my first ever boot of this phone, I get a (fake?) SSID entry "NVRAM WARNING: Err = 0x10" which is apparently easily fixed for other phones. Do you guys you also got that?
A bunch of final questions to you, @askermk2000 when you have time to reply.
1) Does the stock weather display on a Home page work for you? I only get Chinese cities, location doesn't work as it says "city not found". Manual input of e.g. Europe cities doesn't show results, either.
2) Despite removing most via "Settings -> App Manager", any suggestions oh how to remove some further chinese apps that are marked "system app"? This article suggests NoBloat Free, Titanium Backup, System App Remover and App Master. I am not familiar with this approach but for example, "LenovoStore" could be removed...
3) Do you have by any chance the original, black b/g, folding (yes, boring) Lenovo animation boot logo to share? I see there's a file logo.bin for SP Flash Tools but others talk about /system/media/bootanimation.zip file... I ask if you have it, as the "Boot Animations" PlayStore app may not have the stock Lenovo boot. Perhaps flashing it via SP Flash Tool is better?
4) Will you kindly share any updates here to TWRP versions, whenever released? Do you anticipate any update in the coming 1-2 months, for example? (not sure there are bugs in TWRP-3.0.2.3, if any)
5) If there is a newer Lenovo official ROM available (than today) we obviously lose the TWRP recovery if we flash it all via SP Flash Tools; but we keep TWRP recovery if we update to the new ROM via TWRP, correct?
Thank you.
konsti said:
HI everyone, hi @askermk2000 and many many thanks for sharing your TWRP version 3.0.2.3 with us.
I followed this thread on how to root the Lenovo S8 A7600 phone and downloaded the tools needed (SP Flash Tool v5.1452.00 and VCOM drivers) on my Windows 7 laptop; then, installed them accordingly. Many thanks to @XxpikaachuuxX for providing links and steps on his thread!
1. Started up SP Flash Tool with administrator rights.
2. Chose the scatter file that was inside your shared TWRP-3.0.2.3 zip file; recovery image is automatically selected.
3. Shut down phone, remove battery.
4. Made sure all boxes in list were unchecked, except "recovery" then pressed "Download" button.
5 . Plugged phone on USB cable to PC, then inserted battery under the phone, as instructed.
6. Windows made a "USB plugged" sound, then SP Flash Tool detected phone OK and flashed recovery fine (there was the green tick-mark shown!)
7. Removed cable, removed battery, waited 10 seconds, re-inserted battery.
Then, copied to my SD card root folder, via PC (card reader) the following:
a) UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip
b) gapps-lp-20150211-signed.zip from this thread (lp=Lollipop)
(I had downloaded and installed wrong Gapps for 5.1 Android, but we need 5.0 version for this ROM--silly me. I just re-flashed via TWRP the correct package).
Went into recovery by pressing briefly Power then when the short vibration was felt, pressed VOL+ and VOL- and POWER simultaneously; the pleasant splash-screen of TWRP was shown!
1. Installed the needed SuperSU; then went back.
2. Installed gapps.
3. Wiped cache and Davlik (inside TWRP) then rebooted phone i.e. "system".
4. Waited patiently as it took a few minutes to go on the main Home screen.
5. Created Google account in "Settings" then went straight to "PlayStore" to update all applications, including SuperSU.
6. Ran SuperSU and upon request, updated the binary "normally" and rebooted just fine.
NOTE: In the Wi-Fi detected lists, since my first ever boot of this phone, I get a (fake?) SSID entry "NVRAM WARNING: Err = 0x10" which is apparently easily fixed for other phones. Do you guys you also got that?
A bunch of final questions to you, @askermk2000 when you have time to reply.
1) Does the stock weather display on a Home page work for you? I only get Chinese cities, location doesn't work as it says "city not found". Manual input of e.g. Europe cities doesn't show results, either.
2) Despite removing most via "Settings -> App Manager", any suggestions oh how to remove some further chinese apps that are marked "system app"? This article suggests NoBloat Free, Titanium Backup, System App Remover and App Master. I am not familiar with this approach but for example, "LenovoStore" could be removed...
3) Do you have by any chance the original, black b/g, folding (yes, boring) Lenovo animation boot logo to share? I see there's a file logo.bin for SP Flash Tools but others talk about /system/media/bootanimation.zip file... I ask if you have it, as the "Boot Animations" PlayStore app may not have the stock Lenovo boot. Perhaps flashing it via SP Flash Tool is better?
4) Will you kindly share any updates here to TWRP versions, whenever released? Do you anticipate any update in the coming 1-2 months, for example? (not sure there are bugs in TWRP-3.0.2.3, if any)
5) If there is a newer Lenovo official ROM available (than today) we obviously lose the TWRP recovery if we flash it all via SP Flash Tools; but we keep TWRP recovery if we update to the new ROM via TWRP, correct?
Thank you.
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Click to collapse
About that Wi-Fi problem. No I don't have it, and I was reading that page with the fix. It seems it's caused by using wrong settings in SPFlashtool, so likely the vendor did this when applying his trash firmware.
If you wifi is not working (as some reported in that thread) I would of course try to get a refund.
Weather gadget only has Chinese cities, yes I noticed that so I was using yahoo weather instead on my phone.
I would suggest Titanium Backup, it's what I use.
No, sorry I don't have any boot logos or animations.
This phone is a bit slow on the updates. But if there's an update, you can do it through the OTA update function which only downloads the changes as a patch. Though If your phone is heavily modified it might not work correctly. Could try a factory reset first, or simply start a fresh.
Then you would probably need to download the original recovery and flash that first.
PS: You can break the system by removing too much of the lenovo stuff. Remember VibeUi is heavily integrated and impossible to remove completely. Also, for gapps go to www.opengapps.org
help
Can you help me a bit? I got an infected phone and i need to install a new rom to keep myself safe. (im kinda noob to installing stuff like these)
First bootanimation "china4Gchina", second ok and poweroff ok.
Please help to change to first animation or delete.
Thanks.
BOOKMARK THIS THREAD SO YOU CAN FIND IT AGAIN LATER
Credit & Shout Outs @ShinySide For Root via TrapKernel and TWRP!
@Koognod his SlimPickens ROM!
@bogarty For all his help, guides and advice to all! (A lot of the 2nd post stuff - coming tomorrow when I'm not tired and it's not 2 AM)
@TheDerekHarper Root, Video Tutorial
If you’re new to android rooting, modding, TWRP, etc. read this..
Make sure your question has not been answered
Do you own research before asking
Be polite since everyone helping here is doing so Voluntarily
Drop a comment if something is missing, just be sure it’s for the SM-G360T1. Let’s Get Started!
YOUR WARRANTY IS GONE Not myself or the people who made these guides or files are responsible for you device
A great rule of thumb, what I always tell people is “Read twice, flash once”
What you will need
Drivers click on manuals and downloads
Odin
Backup all your stuff!
Root
Go over and flash TrapKernel. Follow all the instructions! A video tutorial was made by a very kind person here
TWRP
Go over and grab the Unofficial Recovery Unofficial TWRP SM-G360T1. The steps are as follows:
Download TWRP
Open Odin
Place phone in download mode
Place TWRP in the AP slot
Click Start and wait until reboot is done.
Hold Volume up, Home button, and power button to enter TWRP.
You have flashed TWRP!
ROMs
[5.1.1][SM-G360T1]SlimPickins stock, rooted, de-(-bloated,-odexed,-knoxed),etc.
[SM-G360T & SM-G360T1][5.1.1] Monstro's Rom v3 Fastest and Lightest Rom 6/3/2016
So You didn’t read carefully & you broke something…. This might help
If you broke boot or recovery try stock boot and stock recovery
Want to get rid of the “Security Notice – Unauthorized actions have been detected” go here
Wanna go back to stock? SM-G360T1 Stock ROM **This will not wipe your personal files
Wifi Calling issues? Check here and try Bogarty custom radio
I’m rooted! So much room for activities! Where’s the fun?!?!
Xposed (thanks @wanam for the guide/files)
How to install:
- Install Xposed Installer App
- Make a nandroid backup
- Copy the Xposed file and the uninstaller to your sdcard
- Flash "xposed-vxx-sdk22-tw-arm64-custom-build-by-wanam-xxxxxxxx.zip" through CWM recovery
- Reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DPI ChangerI changed my DPI to 220, why? More stuff fits into the screen Pretty safe to try, noob friendly. Try textdroider DPI in the play store. pretty straight forward app for changing DPI.
Viper4Android
I love music, I love listening to it and I love when it sounds amazing. Welcome to Viper4android. It is a highly configurable Sound EQ app for all android phones. It does not work for our phone unless you are rooted of course and follow the steps here. This guide is for the Galaxy S6 and works for most Samsung phones, including ours.
PLEASE READ:
I recommend apps root browser and titanium to complete the Viper4android setup.
Skip the steps about busybox and adaptsound 4.0
Do not use the alternative version, the standard version works fine for our phone.
Disable/Debloat System Apps
Use thisLink found by @bogarty to get more space or remove Samsung bloat from the phone.
Read @bogarty’s guide
Disable System Services
Warning! Not for beginners. You can also break stuff, make stuff crash, so only disable what you don’t use! If you’re confused or scared, turn around and leave now. Here is a starters guide for disabling services.
So you’re still reading? This can get give you amazing standby times and deep sleep, way better battery.
[ADVANCED] Drago’s guide to disabling system services:I used the app Disable Service to disable all the services below. go into the "google play services" disable the following services containing the words below and enjoy better standby, screen on time and battery life! :good:
Contains word “.wear” can be disabled as that relates to android wear
Contains word “.analytics” Related to Google Analytics
Contains word “.Tapandpay” being that our phone doesn’t even have that, just a waste that it’s even on.
Contains word “.fitness” think this is obvious
Ends in word “fingerprintscannerintentservice” also very obvious
Contains word “.games” Play Games, I never use this
Contains word “.Heartbeatalarm” safe to disbale, phones don't have hearts
Contains word “.wearable” related to android wearable devicesFacts/Randomness
MetroPCS Samsung Galaxy Core prime Specs – SM-G360T1
Also Coming to a theater near you
Also maybe perhaps Coming to a theater near you
@drago10029
Do you know anything about the hidden menus on this phone(service,test etc.)? Thanks.
QuickGold said:
Do you know anything about the hidden menus on this phone(service,test etc.)? Thanks.
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I do not, and for some reason i wasn't notified of your post. i upgraded to a nexus 6p but can check that out a later tonight, that cool or have you moved on? lol