Related
I'm Linux & BSD literate, and used to administering servers, compiling programs and kernels from source. I've also managed to root and flash my Magic, following advice found here. What I'd like to do is gather up some info on how to build ROMs for the Sapphire platform.
I'm already poking around the Android Wiki FAQ and the Dream dev forum on this site. There's quite a bit of info there but some of it is out of date and I've not found much that's Sapphire-specific. I also plan to take apart the .zip files released by Haykuro and others and compare/diff configs to get a feel for things.
My intent is to put together enough info to allow anyone to pull apart a released ROM and replace the dialler, add some language support or some extra apps, maybe make some other simple changes.
What I need is any pointers on:
1. Sapphire-specific info.
2. Any danger of bricking my Magic by messing around with home-made ROMs.
3. Anything else that might be useful.
Hopefully I'll be able to put together a rudimentary HowTo for the wiki, which others can add some fine-tuning and extra info to.
Thanks for any input.
I think this is a very good idea!
It would simplify things if everybody would understand how exactly custom ROMs are created.
1 - Be aware that there are different Magic HW versions...
2 - I don't think you can brick your magic as long as you make backups via nandroid.
3 - A few things I think should be in the wiki :
- how to completely setup a linux environment and which applications you need to be able to build custom ROMs.
- Explain how the android OS is working, explain what boot, hboot, recovery, system is, how the partitions work, etc..
- What are test-keys, what is the difference with and release-keys.
- How to sign.
- How to dump the recovery.img, boot.img without having root access.
- What to change into the recovery.img and boot.img to get root.
- How create an update.zip
- How to make backups with nandroid and how to restore them..
Agreed think this would be a fantastic idea, unfortunately it seems like the people in the know are not willing to share any of their knowledge =o(
Do keep us up to date as to what you find by dissecting the ROMs, had a look the other day briefly but didn't have time to play yet,
Also waiting for info/confirmation that as long as you just flash bad roms its not possible to brick your phone only if you play with SPL's and such
fxn said:
Agreed think this would be a fantastic idea, unfortunately it seems like the people in the know are not willing to share any of their knowledge =o(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I'm sure the knowledge is scattered around the place - sharing is one thing, bothering to document is quite another!
The only thing I don't expect to find openly shared is traceable leaked material, and frankly I can live without that.
OMG ROXORZ I DID IT I DID IT!!!
ok now that i have all the noobs attention please read, and stop posting stupid questions.....
(Mods, i know this is probably not what the forums need, especially as this is a repost of a sticky, but I (along with others) am tired of seeing inexperienced users post about system dumps/ROM/apps/stupid junk when all they need to do is use the search function!)
***Informative Threads***Post your question / issue / success story / etc. in the appropriate threads instead of starting a new thread!
Do NOT post a new thread to ask a QUESTION!!!
If your post has a question mark in it, you most likely need to post your thread in the Q&A Section
[Build Indexes] - Don't ask which build is best -- choose for yourself based on the features you desire!
androidspin.com
SimonNWalker & a group of Android Community members are maintaining a site which showcases the feature sets of the latest and greatest android builds ("roms" if you prefer). Check here to see "which is best" and try them out for yourself. The site is also ripe with news about Android development and more. XDA Thread
androidrevisions.com
Sir Savant is maintaining another build database. This web app allows for sorting / filtering / etc - XDA Thread
Google Docs Build Spreadsheet - View and edit build info - Google Docs Build Spreadsheet
[Guides/Tutorials/Info]
HTC Dream overview and useful information - Wiki article
Highly recommended for beginners.
In the beginning... There was ROOT
Lots of good definitions, history, and an excellent overview of most things going on here.
SPLs for DREA100 & DREA110 (Orig, Eng, Hard)
Contains information and downloads for SPLs (Secondary Program Loader) for the Dream. A modded SPL is instrumental in restoring from backup, preventing a brick, applying builds designed for foreign markets, etc.
Nandroid v2.0 - Full NAND backup and restore tool
In-depth discussion of your best friend whilst modding your android device. A good Nandroid backup regimen will pay dividends to keep you up and running.
Basic adb/root commands for noobs
Using ADB and terminal commands for your Android phone.
Surviving a Data Wipe / Update (Reduces Force Closes, too!)
Save (most of) your data while switching between builds (wipes are not your enemy!!)
Cyanogen's recovery partition
Amon_Ra's Recovery Partition
Modded recovery and boot images
SDSPLIT repartition your SDcard on phone (w/o a PC) - NOW handles > 2G FAT!!!
An easy way to re-partition your SD card without a PC.
LucidREM's Latest JF mod scripts
The swiss army knife of build customization
Auto-lucid script by tehseano
Let's fix that SPL Pay attention too post 3
Report in here if your phone is unresponsive after applying the 1.33.2005 SPL released by Haykuro. If you can get into Recovery or the SPL bootloader screen (three skateboarding androids), this is not you.
ROM guide for HTC Dream
T-Mobile G1 User Guides/Manuals
HTC Dream Wiki
"Brick" Thread or Technical Think Tank for Bricked G1's
If your phone is stuck at your splash screen (most likely a big white "G1")...if you you think something is broken...if you otherwise think you have a brick, post here instead of starting a new thread and any online members will do everything they can to help you out. (Reading as much as possible of these threads before posting will give you lots of insight as well!!)
Benchmark your build (apps thread)
[HOW TO]
STOCK-2-CYANOGEN / Root, Recovery, Radio, Rom / Partition SD / FAQ
How To Partition SD Card With Ubuntu For Dummies
Partition sdcard w/parted,goto ext3/4 & install rom from adb. no liveCD req'd
UNROOT, get phone to STOCK firmware
Reverting back to stock firmware.
New and improved Apps to SD(more stable, more powerful, etc)
The latest tutorial on how to get apps to SD.
Convert and mount ext2 sd partition ( /system/sd ) to ext3
Tools and instructions to add journaling to your ext sd card partition (apps2sd, etc). trust me, journaling is a good thing!
Register the G1 without a sim or data plan
Increase Max Volume -- Automated, no reboot needed
ADB for Dummies Supported Operating Systems Drivers and SDK
Get Home Auto Rotate on JFv1.51
Unpack, Edit, and Repack Boot Images
Create and edit "recovery" and "boot" .img files -- this thread is not for splash images.
Custom SPLASH Image
Replace that G1 splash logo that displays when your device turns on.
Alternative way to creating a SPLASH image
View Man Pages in terminal / adb shell
Mount SD card in recovery via adb
Use ash as your login shell
[MOD]user configurable userinit.sh V0.1.4.1 for CM
config file for setting up compcache, tweaks, etc. at boot
[How to] mount SD card in recovery.
Ported Hero Programs:
HTC Camera
HTC Music
***Developer Links***
Developers - Instead of maintaining a list of builds, I've changed this list to include links to your publications (blog, twitter, main release thread, etc.) let me know when / if you want these modified or if any should be added -- I'm sure I've missed some of you!
JesusFreke's Blog
Haykuro's Blog
TheDudeOfLife's google code page
Cyanogen's Twitter
TwistedUmbrella's Twitter
justanothercrowd's twitter
Stericson's twitter
For links / info on particular builds, check out the AndroidSpin, Android Revisions, or the Google Docs Build Spreadsheet
misleading topic title?
Pinesal said:
misleading topic title?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the point... maybe if people see something they are wanting, they will actually read the thread.
palosjr said:
thats the point... maybe if people see something they are wanting, they will actually read the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha. thanks for wasting 30secs of my life... anyway, what's Eclair?
[e] still props for compiling the list, i would correct the title (FAQ?) and make sure it gets sticky... i was really wondering why noone else did something like that. you can't complain about newcomers asking question if you don't have such a list
this thread is misleading bull****, should be locked
vihil said:
haha. thanks for wasting 30secs of my life... anyway, what's Eclair?
[e] still props for compiling the list, i would correct the title (FAQ?) and make sure it gets sticky... i was really wondering why noone else did something like that. you can't complain about newcomers asking question if you don't have such a list
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is exactly what i was pointing out ^^^^^^ nothing against you vihil, but you were the first to bite. all this information is in a sticky at the top of the Development Forum, but noone reads it anymore. I was just trying to get it out there in the "threads that are actually read" stream.
where are the sshots?
sshots or it didn't happen
rubbachicken said:
where are the sshots?
sshots or it didn't happen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lmao .. please tell me you're joking right? .. did you not read ANYTHING?
Ok....But how did you get 2.0 working on your Hero?
;]
xidominicanoix said:
lmao .. please tell me you're joking right? .. did you not read ANYTHING?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seriously... some of these ppl should not even be a part of this forum... i am half tempted to open a poll for the banning of members that post on this thread asking how i got it to work, ask for "sshots" or ask any other stupid question pertaining to eclair...
palosjr said:
seriously... some of these ppl should not even be a part of this forum... i am half tempted to open a poll for the banning of members that post on this thread asking how i got it to work, ask for "sshots" or ask any other stupid question pertaining to eclair...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAA i love this. now for real n00bs to find this and read it...
This thread should be removed... you're only adding more useless content to the forum. Kinda hypocritical.
You got me good. I was actually excited for 0.5 seconds until I read the first sentence.
I thought this would be interesting....you realize legitimate power users would click on this and now we just have wasted time. I hope this thread vanishes.
dills84 said:
This thread should be removed... you're only adding more useless content to the forum. Kinda hypocritical.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no more useless than the previous 6 threads on eclair or an eclair port within the past 3 days.
even if they open it they wont even read it nonetheless, its almost impossible for these nubs
my point in this entire thread is an attempt to get noobs to read important info. case in point... in 15 minutes this thread already has almost 600 views...
This thread made me happy lol. I praise your efforts, but the n00bs are out of control and there is no helping them anymore. Its just "gimme, gimme, gimme". They want everything handed to them.....
At least the XDA Wrecking Crew made an appearance before the thread got locked.
LOL
+1
/10char
I am getting rather tired of answering questions answered 10...000 times
Hi, I am new to the world of smart phones and would like to learn more about them. I've been reading threads about people changing their ROMs and how it can affect future software updates.
I've done some searching w/ "what is a rom" and "stock rom" but the results are in techno-wiz-lingo that's right over my head.
I have two (pretty basic) questions regarding ROMs.
1. What is a rom?
and
2. If I use Titanium Backup (and install its corresponding busybox), does this change my ROM?
Sorry for the 4th-grader-noob questions. Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
John
We all were there sometime in past, so no problem.
1. A ROM is a part of a non-volatile non-"erasable" memory in phone that hold the operating system and main applications; you can compare it to a premade install of an operating system in a Desktop computer (for example: windows 7 and what manufacturer applications has installed), the difference is that you can't modifiy a ROM directly from inside the phone.
Now, smartphones comes also with premade install os the OS, that's called 'stock ROM', a ROM that come from the phone manufacturer; some people are able to extract ROMs from certain models and modify (kitchen) it, fixing bugs, adding new features, even upgrading main OS version, in short improving what came from the manufacturer that's called 'custom ROM' and that's what xda-developers is all about, in the several forums you will see sections where they talk about improving phone usability.
2. I have no much experience with Android but it seems that titanium backup can backup all your user data, so you can flash a custom ROM to your phone then restore you user data back to your phone, so you won't need to readd everything back at hand (usually when you flash a new ROM to your phone, everything is wiped out and the phone is left blank).
Hope that helps.
Thanks Drakh, that helps a lot! I did some more reading on wikipedia. Looks like I have a bit more to learn.
Thank you also Drakh. I have a lot to learn also.
Hi Fellow old and New Devs,
The title suggests it all. I have four questions that I think ALL newbies want to understand. I would try and explain them, but as I am just coming out of the newbie stage, I'm sure people would prefer an answer from a experianced Dev.
When answering a question please put the Question Number. Feel free to answer only one or two of the questions, I'm sure other people will cover your missing fields of knowledge.
Here they are:
1. What is rooting? Can I root my device (HTC Buzz Wildfire) and keep the stock interface? Will I loose my data?
2. What do all these Dev's mean by Recovery? What are they, why are they needed?
3. What is a ROM? Do I need to be rooted for a custom ROM? How can you trust them? Will I loose my data when installing a custom ROM?
4. What is a Kernal? How are they Different to ROM's? Should I change from the stock Kernal?
I know this is a tall order and you could write a book on the topic, but please could you write a short (a couple of sentaces will do) paragraph on each question you choose to do.
When we get enough understandable answers I will edit this post publish the Final answers for other newbies in the future.
Also feel free to enter the poll! As this is a Dev site I presume one of the options will have the most votes but we will see....
Cheers for any contribution in advanced.
th3ant
th3ant said:
Hi Fellow old and New Devs,
The title suggests it all. I have four questions that I think ALL newbies want to understand. I would try and explain them, but as I am just coming out of the newbie stage, I'm sure people would prefer an answer from a experianced Dev.
When answering a question please put the Question Number. Feel free to answer only one or two of the questions, I'm sure other people will cover your missing fields of knowledge.
Here they are:
1. What is rooting? Can I root my device (HTC Buzz Wildfire) and keep the stock interface? Will I loose my data?
2. What do all these Dev's mean by Recovery? What are they, why are they needed?
3. What is a ROM? Do I need to be rooted for a custom ROM? How can you trust them? Will I loose my data when installing a custom ROM?
4. What is a Kernal? How are they Different to ROM's? Should I change from the stock Kernal?
I know this is a tall order and you could write a book on the topic, but please could you write a short (a couple of sentaces will do) paragraph on each question you choose to do.
When we get enough understandable answers I will edit this post publish the Final answers for other newbies in the future.
Also feel free to enter the poll! As this is a Dev site I presume one of the options will have the most votes but we will see....
Cheers for any contribution in advanced.
th3ant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, from the best of my understanding, here we go:
1: Rooting. To understand this, we must consider a computer, running linux, windows, or mac. In windows, the "Administrator" account is similar to the root account in linux and mac. Basically if you have root privileges in a system, you can modify every part of the filesystem, as well as perform any tasks the system is equipped to handle. Basically achieving root on an android device means that you can unlock the ability to flash roms, mod, and otherwise hack your device any which way you like. Nearly every model of android device has been rooted, so in most cases, yes you can root XXXXX phone. Also, since you're just gaining privileges, you can root without losing any data, apps, or settings.
2: Recovery. This is a long standing concept in SoC/Embedded device hacking. Basically it is a minimal operating system that performs some very basic, but very important tasks. The reason for it is so that you can write to the necessary areas on the NAND, which would be "busy" while android is booted. This offers a way to access the necessary partitions and write data to them while the data is not being accessed. It's also useful for backing up your NAND. Hence the name "nandroid."
3: ROM. By definition, it means "Read Only Memory." This is a chip on the board. ROM has evolved over the years. It started out as a chip that was sensitive to UV light. The earliest ROMs were "flashed" to a device by stenciling out the pathways and exposing the chip to UV radiation. Nowadays, we have fancy EEPROMs instead, which stands for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. This means that you can "flash" the chip by means of software, namely via Recovery mode in our case. Different ROMs have different features. They are all variations on source code made available by AOSP, or the android open source project. Some projects have their own code tracking, such as CyanogenMod. In most devices, you must be rooted to be able to install a ROM, however it is not explicitly necessary. A bit vague, I suppose. Specifically the tablet I own, the WITS a81e, you can flash a ROM to it just by putting the correct files on the TF card. This is not very common with phones, however. Flashing any rom that is not just a newer version of your current ROM will require a full format. For instance, if you have cyanogenmod and switch to a Sense or Blur ROM, you must format, but if you update from CM6 to CM6.1 you will not need to wipe. How can you trust ROM's? Well the best way to know is to either roll your own, or go with CyanogenMod, as their source is freely and easily available for scrutiny and improvement, along with a nice changelog tracker.
4. Kernels. A kernel is basically the most low level part of an operating system. It interfaces directly with the processor and provides all instruction for operation. Linux is technically not an operating system, it's a Kernel. The different distributions have the Linux kernel, and use their own different User Interfaces. Different kernels in android devices can allow you to overclock. There are many choices in kernels, and the features they offer. Some features are BFS/CFS which is the priority scheduling of processes. Some kernels allow you to charge your battery differently and conserve life. These are often called battery kernels. Also, some kernels unlock extra multitouch points in certain devices. There are different versions of the linux kernel, with many improvements with each iteration. Currently, the latest kernel available that I know of for android devices is 2.6.37. The froyo default kernel was a 2.6.32. I wish I knew a bit more about kernels, however this is about all I know. Perhaps someone could help us out and expand on this a bit?
Brilliant answer not too complicated... let's see what others say....
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using XDA App
What he said...
Pyroboy1080 well said...
That pretty much covers it.
thx for the infos..
Agreed. Thanks for using the poll!
nothing to add on that, as we used to say "merci beaucoup"
Can't ROM
Gotta be something stupid......
Can't install 2.2 or 2.3. Tried two different ODIN flashers. When I do the reset I do not get the triangel with downloading in the center. I'm rooted, Have ROM Manager, Superuser, Root Explorer, Super Manager, I'm unlocked.
I have Android SDK, Congnitive 4.1, NPS, Samsung Kies,SGH I897 USB Drivers, What else? I think I have it covered. In any case I never get the download . Even if I do a "ROM Manager Install fron SD Card, the result is a screen, blue at top and yellow at bottom with the last line saying "Installing Multi- CSC. I can let it run all night, no change in ROM. Does the Captivate sold by ATT have some kind of block or filter keeping me from updating?
Current firmware is 2.1 update 1, baseband I897UCJH7, Kernel 2.6.29 [email protected] #2, Build ECLAIR.UCJH7
Thanks
To better answer your question, I first need to know what type of device you're using...
fxstsb said:
Gotta be something stupid......
Can't install 2.2 or 2.3. Tried two different ODIN flashers. When I do the reset I do not get the triangel with downloading in the center. I'm rooted, Have ROM Manager, Superuser, Root Explorer, Super Manager, I'm unlocked.
I have Android SDK, Congnitive 4.1, NPS, Samsung Kies,SGH I897 USB Drivers, What else? I think I have it covered. In any case I never get the download . Even if I do a "ROM Manager Install fron SD Card, the result is a screen, blue at top and yellow at bottom with the last line saying "Installing Multi- CSC. I can let it run all night, no change in ROM. Does the Captivate sold by ATT have some kind of block or filter keeping me from updating?
Current firmware is 2.1 update 1, baseband I897UCJH7, Kernel 2.6.29 [email protected] #2, Build ECLAIR.UCJH7
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didn't know where to ask this?
hello, everyone..
i have some questions, i'm hoping some of you can anwser.
I used unrevoked to root my htc desire. after that, I used alpharev to gain s-off.
everything went fine, i got the joker, the white screen that lets me pick different options..
now Í tried all those options, nothing works.
I've been searching all night for a solution, and it seems my recovery boot and rom are missing? and what I came across is installing ANDROID SDK tools, and then run fastboot to recover an image. So I installed SDK tools, but fastboot doesn't run, it says some .dll driver is missing. in the platform-tools map is that .dll driver, should i move it?
Can someone get me a step by step tutorial on how to make my desire work again? Im kind of a noob, all I needed was to make a screenshot..
Thanks in advance, it would be appreciated so much..
Pyroboy, I'm using a Samsung Captivate. In another thread someone lead me to "All in One Toolbox". The other stuff is just stuff. That allowed me to install my ROM.
I don't really know what I'm doing here, but I'm a total noob and I was a bit lost when I got my Pocophone, and now that I've done some research, I'd like to compile it here to help others : I'm gonna put some interesting links at first, because it feels like stealing to re-write what others have done, but I'm probably gonna post a markdown version (does the editor support markdown btw ?) that I'm gonna write for myself.
For making backups :
https://androidfilebox.com/tips/how-to-backup-phone-data-without-root-and-unlocking-bootloader/
For unlocking the bootloader :
https://androidfilebox.com/tips/how-to-unlock-miui-bootloader-officially/
For flashing TWRP :
https://androidfilebox.com/tips/flash-twrp-poco-f1/
And for rooting :
https://androidfilebox.com/tips/how-to-root-pocophone-f1/