Related
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE WIKI
I have decided to open a Questions and Answers thread on this section of the forum. This is a good way to keep the number of new threads with questions down to a minimum, which will make new threads essentially for people that are contributing to the Samsung Epic 4G. This includes, but is not limited to, people that are providing the following:
- Roms & Kitchens
- Programs & Apps
- Fixes & Tweaks
- Skins & Themes
- Tips & Tricks
I would like to request the help from other members to keep the thread in order and in check. This will have the added side effect of creating an ever self updating knowledge base that will far extend the content of the Wiki. This will in turn save us from having to answer the same question a billion times...
Please refer to the Wiki first before asking any questions though! It can be located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S/SPH-D700
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE WIKI
Any idea when the OTA push for2.2 will start?
jg187211 said:
Any idea when the OTA push for2.2 will start?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, we don't have anyone in the community who has inside access to that information. Some of our members are affiliated with Sprint, and so have slightly more reliable rumors, but even their sources have thus far been wrong if they quoted a specific date...
So I hope you understand that I'm not being a jerk when I say, we won't know until it actually happens (and this will probably always be the case)
That being said, this most recent leak (DK28) seems stable so far IMO, so it could potentially become our official update
ok im a total noob to all this stuff. i followed the guide to update my epic to 2.2. the problem is, that the camera, gallery, and a couple other apps dont work. Can someone help me? Should i go back to 2.1, if so, how do i do that?
EDIT: Angry rant removed, thanks to the mods for a quick response (and to the member who's post was removed: no hard feelings, I hope you understand)
Just remember to read before posting, to make sure your post will be relevant and not redundant
jayzn210 said:
ok im a total noob to all this stuff. i followed the guide to update my epic to 2.2. the problem is, that the camera, gallery, and a couple other apps dont work. Can someone help me? Should i go back to 2.1, if so, how do i do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever flashing a ROM using either recovery, it's always a good idea to wipe the phone (as in factory reset - I'm not referring to wiping the cache or the dalvik cache, although both steps are also usually recommended)
If you used the odin method described in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=861213
then you might have flashed the wrong tar - DK05 and DK17 both had the camera problem, make sure you have the DK28 file.
If you have the right tar, then you could have an incomplete download... I doubt that though, when that happened to me, my phone wouldn't boot at all. But you might want to redownload the tar just to be sure (double check the filesize after it finishes and before you flash, if it seems too small then it messed up again)
That's the best general advice I can offer, but if you'd like to provide more details about the method you used (especially a link to the guide you used, if it isn't the one I provided), someone here might be able to identify where you're going wrong
i followed the instructions from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=861213. i didnt use odin, i just used the .zip method. it took me a lot of tries cause i kept getting errors. the second mirror link worked for me, but like i said, my camera, gps, gallery and some other apps dont work.
oh and everytime i try to flash again, i get the error.
It sounds like you're either starting from the wrong rom or not wiping the phone before flashing the zip. All of the zip updates I have seen require you to start from DI18 stock (root an clockwork seem to be okay in my experience, all other mods must be removed) - if you have installed any custom roms, your best bet is to follow the odin method using the stock DI18 tar - so you may as well just skip the zip methodand odin to the stock DK28 tar
And you absolutely must wipe the phone (again, factory reset - I suspect many people are just wiping the cache and/or the dalvik cache).
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Odin flashing
I've got a quick question. I'm looking to move to a build using the DK28 information release and it requires that I update the pit and modem files on my phone using Odin. Do I need to flash a 2.2 rom right away or am I safe to boot into my current rom first?
KaiXXV said:
I've got a quick question. I'm looking to move to a build using the DK28 information release and it requires that I update the pit and modem files on my phone using Odin. Do I need to flash a 2.2 rom right away or am I safe to boot into my current rom first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you doing the strictly odin method (full froyo in a tar file)? Or an update.zip?
The odin method *should* include the modem and everything (and you use the updated pit in the same process) - you'll have to read the particular thread that you got the download link from, but I haven't noticed any odin tar files that required the modem separately
For the update.zip method, I don't know if it matters whether you flash the modem before or after applying the zip through recovery - I don't think either one overwrites the other, but that's a part of the process I can only guess about. But regardless of when you odin flash the modem, that's when you'll use the new pit file (the same as the odin-only method above).
As far as I know, the primary difference is that the update.zip doesn't inherently overwrite user data (but you'll probably have broken programs that FC all the time, which means a wipe is necessary, making this somewhat null). I prefer the odin method because it is a fresh flash of the entire system (I usually let it repartition as well - no one else has posted about that feature so I have no idea if it's a fluke that it hasn't given me problems)
Hope that helps
which is the best
so i have updated to dk28 froyo 2.2 i like battery life and performance can anyone offer info on which is the best rom for me or just some insight on which rom is the best overall
How do I stop running applications from starting every time I restart my phone?? I have the start up auditor but for some reason everytime I restart my phone the apps I have disabled keep restarting themselves and I have to go into the running programs and disable them manually. WTH?? Doesnt programs constantly running in the background kill the battery life?? How do I disable apps from starting?
youngpro83 said:
How do I stop running applications from starting every time I restart my phone?? I have the start up auditor but for some reason everytime I restart my phone the apps I have disabled keep restarting themselves and I have to go into the running programs and disable them manually. WTH?? Doesnt programs constantly running in the background kill the battery life?? How do I disable apps from starting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How I understand it, especially with Froyo, you shouldn't have to kill programs in the background, if said 'background' process or service is working normal or efficiently. I still kill the DRM process when I reboot my phone, and not sure if it's still causing drain issues.
Also (someone else confirm this), I believe that constantly 'killing' certain background processes actually uses MORE battery, since it has to constantly restart itself. I've had a much more stable device *not* using auto killers, and just sniping one here and there that I know to cause drain.
Some reading material on GC, tho, in regards to memory management
Ignore me!
devo52 said:
so i have updated to dk28 froyo 2.2 i like battery life and performance can anyone offer info on which is the best rom for me or just some insight on which rom is the best overall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of it is personal preference - this early in the game, the primary differences between the roms are going to be mostly cosmetic. So for now, the best advice I can offer is to try each of them and decide which theme you like. Regardless of how you upgraded, you had to use odin, so you have succeeded at the most difficult step of the process - and odin can bring your phone back to life if something goes wrong, so it's an invaluable skill to have.
In the meantime, keep watching the threads (quietly, unless you have a question that hasn't been asked already - we're working on cleaning up the forum to make it easier for everyone to find answers... but I digress...)
It's too early to be sure of any of the fixes out there - we have at least three separate fixes for the GPS issues; some people find success with one, others with another, and a lucky few don't need the fixes at all... so in summary, we can't say which is better or worse just yet, stay tuned and decide whether you want to experiment on the bleeding edge, or wait for these things to be stable and thoroughly tested.
And if you have any doubts, just stick with the stock DK28 for now
tl;dr, questions in BOLD.
Okay, after spending the entire night scouring the internet/this forum and starting from absolutely zero-knowledge about the Android OS, I managed to update my Epic to 2.2, and root the phone. Now, I'm kinda stuck as far as customization goes. I see all these cool skins and battery life mods and stuff, but they don't exactly offer any steps as to how to install them. Since I don't exactly know what file-types do what, I'm kinda shooting blindly at trying to update/install something "custom" onto the phone. So, my question(s) is/are:
What does the ROM do?
What does the ROOT do?
I know the root basically "unlocks" your phone, but that's all I know. The process of customizing the phone still remains a mystery. (that's the problem with following step-by-step instructions, rather than actually knowing what you're doing.)
I also don't understand the purpose of flashing a phone. Flashing, in my experience is to update something, like say a BIOS. But that sets the system back to square 1 as far as all settings go, in this particular example.
If I flash, with say Odin, after having updated to DK28 and "rooting," won't this make all the "customization" that I've done prior basically 'null' because I've just flashed the phone into a blank-state?
Sorry if these are questions easily answered by searching, but I just spent my entire sleep-cycle trying to find the answers to these questions, and managed to only get so far. I look forward to the answers On another note, I am now EXTREEEEMELY pleased with my phone. Before this evening, I was just the regular, old run-of-the-mill enduser. I liked the cool built-in customizations and all the apps and what not, but never dreamed of being able to customize my phone to THIS EXTENT. So, now it's something I'm very interested in doing..it makes my phone truly mine.
zdavidi said:
What does the ROM do?
What does the ROOT do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see the link to the Wiki in the original post of this thread? That's where I started when I first got here, it helped me understand the basics.
zdavidi said:
If I flash, with say Odin, after having updated to DK28 and "rooting," won't this make all the "customization" that I've done prior basically 'null' because I've just flashed the phone into a blank-state?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what you flashed with Odin. If you only flash a modem file, then your customizations and apps are untouched. If you flash an entire ROM in "tarball" form then not only does it re-write the modem but it also overwrites all user data. Think of the latter as resetting the phone to stock and works even if you cannot boot up.
When can we expect a custom Kernel with netfilters for wifi tethering?
n00b question.
If an SDK version is released (say, like, Gingerbread today), does that mean chefs could take it and cook up a ROM for ANY phone (say, like, the Epic)? Or do they need something else to do that?
Remove Touchwiz Launcher (consequences?)
Hey-- I'm using Quantum 2.0.0 ROM, and I never use the touchwiz launcher. Does anyone know if it's safe to just remove the apk? (TouchWiz30Launcher.apk) or is there other functionality tied to it?
I use LauncherPro, fyi.
Please forgive my ignorance... I've searched the forums, looked at the wiki...
I use titanium backup and am now running the DK27 froyo build by noobnl. My question... How do I restore my e-mail accounts to the phone everytime without having to re-type them in? I've been flashing a rom every other day on average since I got the phone and it's getting REALLY old.
Alright, so I rooted my Dinc yesterday, and there are several ROM's that I want to try out but am a little confused about a couple of things and the more I'm searching and reading, the more I'm getting confused. I'm probably over-analyzing it but I wanted to make sure before I venture on just to be safe. So if ya'll don't mind (as I'm sure these are total n00b questions that have been asked before):
1) My initial Nandroid backup - Does that backup the entire phone. So if I want to restore the phone to the original stock ROM and everything I can just restore the whole Nandroid backup and be good to go? My fear is flashing a new ROM, wanting to get the phone back to what it was stock, and not having a backup of it.
2) ROM's/Kernels. I thought a ROM included a Kernel to go with it, but I keep reading about people trying different kernels with certain ROM's. I'm really confused here so any info would help.
3) It is obvious that a lot of people have put in a LOT of hard work here. I just wanted to personally thank you all for the hard work and support, if it wasn't for what you guys have done and documented here, n00b's like me would be stuck with bloated handcuffed phones. So thanks a ton.
badogg said:
1) My initial Nandroid backup - Does that backup the entire phone. So if I want to restore the phone to the original stock ROM and everything I can just restore the whole Nandroid backup and be good to go? My fear is flashing a new ROM, wanting to get the phone back to what it was stock, and not having a backup of it.
2) ROM's/Kernels. I thought a ROM included a Kernel to go with it, but I keep reading about people trying different kernels with certain ROM's. I'm really confused here so any info would help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1). Yes, it does. If you were to restore it, it would be restored to the point you made the backup. That's why it is recommended before you flash anything, do a nandroid. It saves the headache of reflashing a ROM, or going back to a really old backup and losing anything you've done since then.
2). Yes, the developer will include the kernel with the ROM. People flash a custom kernel to overclock/underclock the CPU, better battery performance, among many other features. One thing to keep in mind: A Sense based ROM (HTC Sense) takes a Sense kernel, and an AOSP ROM (like CyanogenMod) requires an AOSP kernel. Don't flash an AOSP kernel on a Sense ROM (and vice versa), won't work and you'll need to restore your nandroid.
In the Development section, the developers are really good with explaining what it is they've produced, so you'll know what you're downloading, and if you are unsure, ask!
RMarkwald said:
1). Yes, it does. If you were to restore it, it would be restored to the point you made the backup. That's why it is recommended before you flash anything, do a nandroid. It saves the headache of reflashing a ROM, or going back to a really old backup and losing anything you've done since then.
2). Yes, the developer will include the kernel with the ROM. People flash a custom kernel to overclock/underclock the CPU, better battery performance, among many other features. One thing to keep in mind: A Sense based ROM (HTC Sense) takes a Sense kernel, and an AOSP ROM (like CyanogenMod) requires an AOSP kernel. Don't flash an AOSP kernel on a Sense ROM (and vice versa), won't work and you'll need to restore your nandroid.
In the Development section, the developers are really good with explaining what it is they've produced, so you'll know what you're downloading, and if you are unsure, ask!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Thanks for the reply, and I do apologize for asking things that were probably asked a hundred times over, I try not to be *that* guy, but I was just getting all confused over it and needed a direct answer.
badogg said:
1) My initial Nandroid backup - Does that backup the entire phone. So if I want to restore the phone to the original stock ROM and everything I can just restore the whole Nandroid backup and be good to go? My fear is flashing a new ROM, wanting to get the phone back to what it was stock, and not having a backup of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It backs up EVERYTHING. Literally.
It returns your phone to the EXACT state that it was in when you did the Nanadroid backup. Every single phone call, setting, data, EVERYTHING.
badogg said:
2) ROM's/Kernels. I thought a ROM included a Kernel to go with it, but I keep reading about people trying different kernels with certain ROM's. I'm really confused here so any info would help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roms come with their own kernels. just like roms, some kernels offer different tweaks to improve battery life and/or improve performance.
badogg said:
3) It is obvious that a lot of people have put in a LOT of hard work here. I just wanted to personally thank you all for the hard work and support, if it wasn't for what you guys have done and documented here, n00b's like me would be stuck with bloated handcuffed phones. So thanks a ton.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would also like to thank all the devs out there. while verizon is ending the life of the incredible, this community keeps it alive.
badogg said:
Awesome. Thanks for the reply, and I do apologize for asking things that were probably asked a hundred times over, I try not to be *that* guy, but I was just getting all confused over it and needed a direct answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem!
O.M.G...
I loaded the CM7 nightly ROM and holy cow it has re-invigorated my Dinc. It is WAY snappier than it was before. Seems better on battery life so far.
LOVE the UI.
I am thinking of trying out other ROM's, but this CM7 ROM is seriously the shizz...
Thanks for this post, it clears up a few things for me as well.
Sent from my ADR6300 using......blah blah you get the idea.
hey xda fans....ok so i have a severe issue here:
i have the evo 4g...rooted... and am on sense with 2.2 and 3.70 (i think you guys know what that is) so anyway i want to get the new update and start really having fun with my phone. I have not been able to fully understand all this rooting and flashing etc...O_O so i installed ROM manager, which now some peeps are sayin dont use if you dont know what you are doing WELL HI, THAT WOULD BE ME so for all the experts, gods and godesses of rooting (EVO) flashing, please please please help me from start to absoulute finish...i need to know what am i downloading, running, saving and to where- that was a huge issue too i couldnt find the files after i downloaded them LOL if i am successful...I will post the greatest YOUTUBE, forum, blog about this..i am so lost right now
b4 i forget a couple updates of info everytime i tried to flash or do any type of recent updates i get the usb connection 170 error or maybe 171 cant remember now....ummm...i rooted originally with unrevoked so unrooting i wouldnt have a clue...and yes i have searched allll possible threads for help but i only get 50/50 and then still get messed up..thanks
thanks again and happy rooting
While I am not going to hold your hand as there is plenty of information on these forums and the internet, I will steer you in the right direction. Since you are rooted, all you really need to do is download the rooted version of the latest stock rom. There are a few in the development section. The version is 4.22. After downloading you will flash this rom in recovery. Make sure you do a nandroid backup before flashing the update.
DO NOT unroot just to install the update. You will lose the ability to root hour phone for the foreseeable future.
Good luck
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
ok thanks i will try it now...stay tuned
Ur not going to see much difference. The update dissapointed lots of people expecting a new look. Install a couple of custom roms if u want to have some fun. I am using the MikG v1.03 Rom with new sense incorperated and its waaaay better than the stock update we just got.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Pleat try to see this as advice and not being an ass.
Rooting your phone is really for being able to dig in to your phone and get all you want out of it and be able to customize more than the average evo.
What were your initial intentions for rooting? I get the draw to have free wifi tether but, that just happens to be one perk of it. Of course, there are the options of kernels and cpu clocking.
But, really the developers are attempting to bring the newest and most useful and functional features to the roms opening the full potential of your phone.
Aside from that, if you are unclear and confused about the process of flashing, you should really hold off and do some more research.
Go to the wiki page and read up! i spent about a month reading everything I could find on rooting, flashing, kernels, radios, prls, threads on roms and their issues and up sides. I knew what I was doing and what rom and features I was going to use.
Honestly, youtube will also be your friend. A few devs also post videos people have made about their roms including how to flash them. You should also read up on the results of mistakes made during flashing and how to fix them.
Get to know your phone and submit it to do your will!
Good luck!
Sent by Supersonic!
thanks to all...and no offence at all imheroldman. i appreciate every piece of info...well i did flash the new 2.3 and totally hated it no difference...apps were gone (probably my fault LOL) but i went back so ill keep trying until i find the absolute best ROM for me. i may try your advise sand1303 and look at MIK
thanks again guys
dmccoy516 said:
thanks to all...and no offence at all imheroldman. i appreciate every piece of info...well i did flash the new 2.3 and totally hated it no difference...apps were gone (probably my fault LOL) but i went back so ill keep trying until i find the absolute best ROM for me. i may try your advise sand1303 and look at MIK
thanks again guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your apps were gone because you wiped data. Try Titanium Backup - there's a free version in the market that allows you to backup and restore, get the Pro key to avoid agreeing to the permissions/install of each individual app. The Pro version also allows for a larger number of backups per app, where the free version limits to one and when you make another backup it overwrites the first one. You can also freeze apps with the full version, but if you enable "Chuck Norris Mode" in settings the free version will allow you to uninstall system apps. There are other perks to the Pro Key, but I digress...
If you backup your apps & data, you can restore them on the new one. Whenever you flash a new rom, always wipe data, cache and dalvik (dalvik cache is under advanced in Clockwork). If you're simply updating the rom (ie to a newer version by the same dev, like Cyanogenmod nightlies) you can just wipe cache and dalvik unless otherwise stated in the rom. Whenever you flash anything other than a rom - kernels, themes, mods, radios, etc - do not wipe data.
If you don't know which rom to use, as long as you have a nandroid backup you can always go back to your setup that you like... so flash away. If you want to stick with something closer to what you're used to, try Myn's Warm TwoPointTwo... it's still FroYo. If you want Gingerbread/Sense, I've heard great things about MikG. I would avoid any rom that needs you to partition your SD card until you get your feet wet & know what you're doing.
Oh, and if you decide to flash the new radio update, don't pull the battery when you see the screen you've never seen before - you'll brick your phone. Just wait it out, and it'll take you back to recovery where you can then reboot normally.
(from... Evo/MIUI/Tapatalk)
Definitely look at Mik, and learn all you can about partitioning your card for APS2SD, you'll want that for the bigger ROMS, about flashing radios, very important to do that correctly, about theming, and so many other things that being rooted opens up for you.
Mik is great for sure, also kings roms. If you want something that is still htc sense there are many great developers and right now is the time because they are able to merge ports with the ota for the max performance for our phone while running gingerbread and having nifty new 3.0 sense features.
And maybe someday you will venture to the aosp world some day...
Sent by Supersonic!
Well everyone the dinc2 community has treated me well but I have moved on to the htc rezound please do not hesitate to still pm questions though I'm hoping I can find a volunteer to take over this thread. I'll miss you guys cuz for the most part it was a very mature forum and ill pop in once in awhile to say hello. Good luck if anyone would like to give back to this community and take over this thread pm and ill pm a mod. god bless
I thought it maybe fun to have a light and humorous side to this also so everyone keep your eyes out for funny posts that can make our quote of the day:
if you guys see any posts that make you chuckle pm me and I will put it here and credit you for finding it
Anyone looking to root your incredible2 that is on 2.3.4 with the.98 hboot please see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1298990 then after your hboot is downgraded follow the instructions on rivera82falcons thread,linked below
hey guys I'm attempting to get a thread started to get all the basic info out to the newcomers that they will need to start there modding a flashing journey. I'm also hoping this will help cut down on the repetitive questions and useless posts mucking up our forums. This is and always will be a work in progress, so this is just a start there will be much more info added as time goes on.
First thing if your not rooted yet everything you need to know is in this thread by rivera82falcon http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1219246
Next up is how to flash a custom rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263756 by AgalychnisCallidryas
Another thing is the gingerbread ruu. If your phone comes with froyo I would reccommend following the directions on this page before trying to root because unrevoked is becoming increasingly harder to find. Also this can get you out of some pretty sticky situations if you mess up badly enough: http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...8-605-4-same-as-the-official-gingerbread-ota/
wanna try a different radio? Head over to gu1dry's thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134451
Its my opinion that every flasher should have adb setup on their computer, it will bail you out of a bootloop, tell you why its happening and do all kinds of other awesome stuff. here is an excellent thread from nephron to get you on your way, its from another phones forums but everything except the drivers apply to us, obviously install the correct drivers for your phone: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532719
for those of you who use aosp roms, just about everyone prefers the miui camera over the aosp stock one and here it is with instructions. Thanks pacerguydon: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17691395&postcount=11
if your market is missing apps, check this out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1275574 thanks knipp
those of you who want to learn java and general scripting here is a few good tutorials that artvandelay440 dug up:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17691710&postcount=13
for the up and coming themers here is where to get brut.alls apktool:http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/ if anyone can find me a good noob friendly tutorial for apktool let me know and I'll post it.
tommytomato created a fantastic super tool called android utility, you can decompile apks sign them and do all kinds of good stuff. Really the ultimate themeing tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1167623 if your thinking of doing mods and themes of your own you should check this out, tommy is a modding master and extremely helpful to new themers
wanna changer your splash screen or boot animation? Have a look at 06stangs thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1161543
if your running an aosp rom you can change the carrier label here's how: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1221882 thanks to artvandelay440
running a sense rom? Go here for a new lockring: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1260128 thanks to jwhetstone02
our friend knipp21 has started modding miui lockscreens check it out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1288566
before getting my incredible2 I had an inspire, the one thing I missed about the inspire was 4ext recovery,well now we have it. Big thanks to madmaxx80 for the awesome recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267540
here is a great tool for undervolting, it provides an easy to use gui, please read up on the pros and cons of undervolting before attempting and remember you must have a kernel that supports undervolting to use this. It will not work on the stock kernel. Thanks to chad0989 for this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1190004
here is setcpu a tool for overclocking, your kernel must support overclocking and this should not be used in conjunction with any other overclocking apps. Thanks to coolbho3000 for this, and please guys consider purchasing the donate version of this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=505419
here is a very educational thread similar to this one, its from the thunderbolt forums but most of the info applies to us as well. Its a very well put together thread and super informative. I reccommend you guys check it out because its a good read. Big thanks to loonatik78 for putting it together: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16695064#post16695064
another thing I would like to stress to the new people, xda has a thanks button, and now you can even use it right from the xda app, don't be greedy with it guys if someone helps you click thanks.
I would like this thread to become a community effort, if there is anything you guys feel should be here dont hesitate to let me know. This is my small effort to give back to a community that gave me so much so I will gladly try to answer any and all questions in an effort to keep our forums clean. No matter how stupid you think the question may be pm me and I'll try to help. I may not always have your answer but will most likely be able to point you in the right direction. see post three for frequently asked questions
Pm me for any and all questions as well.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
this q and a section will be a work in progress as well. If anyone has suggestions for questions that you think should be here, by all means let me know.
Q: I think I bricked my phone what should I do?
A: calm down 99 percent of the time people think they are bricked they really aren't. If your device shows any sign of life your chances are good that your ok. If you can access hboot by holding volume down and power while the device is off your in good shape you can still flash the ruu and get back to stock.
Q: I put the ruu on my sdcard but hboot cannot find it
A: when flashing anything from hboot it must be named exactly PG32IMG.zip and yes it is case sensitive. Also if you have to rename the file, if doing it on a computer be careful because a computer will automatically add a .zip to the end of it and hboot will not recognize it.
Q: I flashed a kernel a now my "insert issue here" don't work
A: did you flash an aosp kernel on a sense Rom or vice versa? If so things will not work as they should always make sure the kernel you are flashing is compatible with your Rom.
Q: will sense apps and widgets work on aosp roms?
A: short answer is no
Q: my phone is stuck in a bootloop what should I do?
A: some time in your flashing career you will encounter a bootloop, there are a couple of ways to fix this number one is start adb (which every Rom flasher should have set up in my opinion) and type adb reboot recovery and hit enter then once in recovery you can reflash and try again. Your other option is to pop the battery out, put it back in then hold volume down and power to get into the bootloader once there select recovery. If you can not navigate in the bootloader that means the PG32IMG.zip is on your sdcard still. Remove that and it will let you navigate the bootloader. If you have no way to remove that .zip pop out your sdcard boot into bootloader select recovery then pop your card back in.
Q: what is the best Rom out there?
A: there is none its all a matter of opinion. Just a warning, don't start a new thread asking this question you will be flamed into oblivion and the mods will lock it. I've seen it a million times
Q: I just flashed an aosp Rom (miui, cm7, omgb) why is my earpiece volume so low?
A: as of now this is a known issue for our aosp Roms, the tiamat kernel is said to fix it.
this is the start of my q and a and it is far from complete, if you think there is something important that is not here by all means let me know.
Ok guys here is some basic terms you should be familiar with before rooting and flashing
1. Flash or flashing, basically just means to install something from recovery or bootloader
2. Rom- the word rom is kind of an outdated term (read only memory) because we can in fact write to it, nonetheless a rom in the simplest of terms is basically your operating system.
3. Kernel- the kernel is the heart of your o.s. It basically communicates with your software and hardware, wifi and processor speed are a few examples of things your kernel controls among many other things. Sense kernels should not be used on aosp roms and vice versa things will not work as they should.
4. Overclocking- to increase your processors stock speed to increase performance
5. Underclocking- pretty self explanatory underclocking is used to help save battery
6. Undervolting- to decrease your voltage to save battery. Undervolting is a slightly controversial topic some people swear by it and others say it can actually decrease your battery life. Undervolting can cause stability issues so educateyourself before attempting.
7. Radio- basically the software that works with your hardware to give you your signal and mobile network, on other phones they are also reffered to as modems
8. Aosp- android open source project, aosp roms are roms built from the original google source code, some examples of these are cm7, miui, omgb, these are typically lightweight roms that you can customize yourself, they are preffered by many users because of the great battery life and performance
9. Sense roms- these are roms based on an original htc rom, sense is th ui that htc adds to android, sense roms have many nice apps and widgets, and usually are packed with eyecandy, however many people say that sense it a resource hog and needs a lot more ram to run than aosp roms
10. Port- a port is a rom or theme originally made for another device but made to work with ours
11. Wipe- it is usually recommended to wipe before flashing a rom, but not always mandatory, read the forum of the rom your flashing to see if a wipe is recommended or not. Some roms will wipe data automatically some will not. A wipe is just basically giving you a clean start like when you first got the device and is done in the recovery menu. When in doubt wipe, you will run into less issues.
12. Ruu- an ruu is a stock signed rom that is flashed in hboot, an ruu is your get out of jail free card, if you mess your phone up too bad an ruu will bring your device back to its stock state
13. Hboot_ this is basically your bootloader from hboot you can enter recovery, do a factory reset, and flash an ruu, a radio, and other things not flashable in recovery
there is some more basic definitions that I overlooked, see post 28 by artvandelay440
How about some basic definitions? Sense, AOSP, Rosie, kernel, recovery, md5 sum, etc.
How, when, and why to wipe.
How to perform a battery calibration.
Don't restore system data when moving to a different ROM or updating to a new framework.
ontophantoms said:
How about some basic definitions? Sense, AOSP, Rosie, kernel, recovery, md5 sum, etc.
How, when, and why to wipe.
How to perform a battery calibration.
Don't restore system data when moving to a different ROM or updating to a new framework.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes good idea. Definitely will do. I also plan to add a miscellaneous goodies section including commonly used apps like miui camera. And links to kernels and other good stuff. Like I said this thread is a wip I just wanted to get a start on it tonight. I'm not at home now and I'm doing this on my touchpad so its quite tedious. Will work on it a lot more tomorrow. Thanks for the input
Love this idea for a thread. I know this will be a stop that noobs and even seasoned vets will make. Thanks for taking the time to put something like this together!
Thanks for setting this up!
It's really helpful to us newcomers, who inevitably ask a question that will annoy the seasoned members. There is so much info buried in threads with many pages that it's hard to read it all and not overlook something along the way.
Having all the start-up info, and maybe a list of well-known bugs for each rom, in one place will be great!
Woot! Got a sticky!
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+1 For the best idea ever. Great job.
I think you should spice it up a bit I'll add more later lol. Good thread guys.
For the first post you can start it like this:
Rooting your phone (Achieving S-OFF)
Please read and re-read rivera82falcons execellent write up located here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1219246
Flashing a custom ROM to your device
Please read AgalychnisCallidryas thread on how to manually flash a ROM located here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263756
Please note that you don't need to back up every user app with titanium backup, some people only like to backup apps that have data, such as games.
It's also important not to back up system apps (apps that came with the phone). Restoring those apps may cause system failure.
Setting up ADB
Nephron has a full set of instructions on how to set up ADB, you can find the thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532719
Finding the ROM that's right for you
This is one of those threads that may be sensitive to some. I find that finding the best ROM depends on your tastes. When ROMs are released they generally have bugs. Some may be deal breakers, like not having MMS working, or something small like not having a particular tweak installed or an application force closing. You really have to download the ROM and take it for a test drive.
Read through the threads on feedback. Generally, if you see the same bug being mentioned it probably is plagued through every ROM install.
GSM functionality of the phone is important to some, but not most. Generally, if you download a ROM that's based off of the original ROM it should work fine. But if you are downloading a port from another device expect that feature not to work.
Don't be afraid to flash a ROM. The worst that can happen is it will throw your phone into a soft brick (bootloop). Simple way to fix it is restore a backup you made or flash a ROM that you know is solid.
Creating a backup (nandroid) of your device
Your phone at this point must be rooted, and the ROM you are running has to be rooted.
Get Rom Manager from the market. Install the latest recovery that it prompts you with - If you've already installed clockwork mod then proceed.
In ROM Manager:
1. Scroll down to Backup Current ROM
2. Name it what you like, like backup_09192011
3. Let it back up. The more data you have the longer it takes.
In recovery: (You cannot assign names in recovery)
1. Boot into recovery
2. Go to backup and restore
3. Choose backup
To restore a nandroid backup - Wiping data, cache, and dalvik isn't necessary.
1. Boot into recovery
2. Go to backup and restore
3. Choose restore
Useful Applications:
http://androidcommander.com/ great for deleting or replacing apps on the fly. Windows interface, simple to use.
Here are a few more additions:
Replacement camera app for those that don't like to use the stock camera that came with CM 7 or other AOSP Roms.
This Click me Miui camera app works great, just remember to go into the camera settings after installing and select 8mp as the picture size. It can be installed as either a separate camera app or as a replacement to the stock camera.
To install as a add on, just install the apk as a you would any other app. Download to your sd card and install.
To replace the stock camera app, rename the downloaded apk to "camera" (without the quotes) and using root explorer (make sure and select R/W) move the renamed apk to system/app and replace the stock camera apk (first though, make a copy of the stock camera app and add .bak onto the end and store this copy on your sd card, I make a folder named storage so I know where my .bak files are at).
Now that the camera apk is in the system/app folder, the permissions and ownership will need to be changed.
Long press on the camera apk and in the popup menu select permissions,
You will want to change it to look like this:
Read Write Execute
Owner x x
Group x
Others x
After changing the permissions, scroll to the bottom of the popup menu and select "change owner"
You will want to change the ownership so that it reads"
Owner 0 - root
group 0 - root
Select OK and your done. Reboot and you will know have the Miui camera installed.
Wallpapers:
Click me
More to follow later.
Awesome guys keep em coming. I didnt expect this thread to explode so quickly great job guys. Anyonr tutorials or info you guys add i will link to in the op. I will typically update the thread every night around midnight eastern time. Thanks guys.
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I always see lots of beginning android users who want to learn Java/xml/whatever to begin building. I made a list of some coding tutorials-they might be of some help to a newcomer who wants to learn.
JavaScript for Android:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL34F010EEF9D45FB8
General Introduction to learning Android development:
http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/index.html
General Coding:
http://www.codecademy.com/#!/exercise/0
From around XDA:
making your own boot animations: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1096068
ADB workshop and guide, including edited path variables: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9959449
How to decompile/edit/sign/recompile apks with APK Manager:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
how to use APK Edit (apk tool with custom GUI): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890199
Editing with NinePatch (.9.png) images: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192207
Great thanks!
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Add how to change boot animations and splash screens? (my thread)
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Sure will thanks
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oxlong27 said:
Sure will thanks
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the how to on hulu? I dont think many use it...but it won't take up too much space right and the how to for renting movies from the market (posted somewhere as changing permissions to mu from Su temporarily)
But seriously this is a great job. I didn't expect all this lol. I'm glad we are trying to save our community.
I came to the Eris and it already had a community. We built this one and it needed some leadership. Way to take charge bro
Unlike the Eris all our devs would rather have their own site and that's ok. But ppl haven't been mature about it. I like the devs like tazz and the way he does things. Just the way I am lol.
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I never expected it to take off like this either, but im definately glad everyone likes this and will continue to work hard on it thanks again guys. Will update tonight with links to your suggestion
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Another thing.
Some questions would be answered of you tried it yourself.
Like "how does this app work" open the darn thing and find put...if you're still lost in the sauce come ask here. Please research and try yourself first.
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knipp21 said:
Another thing.
Some questions would be answered of you tried it yourself.
Like "how does this app work" open the darn thing and find put...if you're still lost in the sauce come ask here. Please research and try yourself first.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes very good point knipp I want this thread to be informative and educational not a hand holding experience. I have no problem helping anyone that is willing to help themselves but it makes my skin crawl when I see a post that says “wanna root someone please give me detailed instructions" and I have seen a lot of them.
ok so i know you can backup your apps through titanium or rom toolbox or something else but what i want to know is there a nandroid like backup that backups everything but the rom...so i can freely switch the rom as i like and then tap 1 thing and have all my apps, data, settings, lock screen / background photos, etc etc back in place. basically what i want to accomplish is to be able to swap roms...is that something that is out there or at least an idea that is the works / maybe something someone would see and have the motive/skill set to make for us. i believe it would be an amazing tool. just go into cwm and not have to wipe data or anything else, just select new rom and the cwm would take care of everything, deleting the rom you have installed and replacing it with the new rom.
any information would be greatly appreciated.
Unless the rom you're running has an update based on the same build and all its features on the update are compatible with your current rom, what you're asking is not possible, every rom or software our devs make made by compiling files and scripts, that take tame to decompile then put back together to make things work properly if not close to it unless you read, if you read the installation suggested methods and it says DO A FULL WIPE, in order to have a successful installation, unless you want a 500$ paperweight, keep on dreaming on your cool idea
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It would be a nice idea and make things a lot easier, but as suprakarma said it's unfortunately not possible. This is probably the biggest reason I don't flash custom ROM's. It's fast to wipe, format and install a new ROM. But then takes time reinstalling and setting up everything again, just like if you were to get a brand new phone.
If I have time on a weekend or am bored then I have given it a try in the past, but with 2 kids and always being on the go it's just not an option to play around with my settings so I just stick with stock. Everything works, everything is set the way I like and I don't have to keep wiping/installing and reconfiguring everything again.
I am missing out on a lot of great ROM's though and would love to give some a try even if for a couple days. Just not in the cards at the moment. Peace.
thank you i didnt think it was possible but was just thinking that it would be cool, like when you go to install a new rom, it would do a backup of your info/data on to your sd card then do a full wipe, install the new rom and then insert your info/data so everything is the way it was (when i say info/data i mean like photos, music, contacts, texts, wifi passwords, apps, so basically combine titanium with cwm and have it all run together in nice move)
suprakarma said:
Unless the rom you're running has an update based on the same build and all its features on the update are compatible with your current rom, what you're asking is not possible, every rom or software our devs make made by compiling files and scripts, that take tame to decompile then put back together to make things work properly if not close to it unless you read, if you read the installation suggested methods and it says DO A FULL WIPE, in order to have a successful installation, unless you want a 500$ paperweight, keep on dreaming on your cool idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually don't really agree with this post. First of all, I don't think you can create a paperweight by restoring a /data partition.. this just sounds like fear-mongering (I often try doing an advanced restore of /data just in case - It often causes problems, but sometimes it works perfectly and everything is as it was before I flashed).
I think the OP has a great idea, and I think it is entirely possible. In all honesty though.. although I am a software developer, I am not an android dev, so I could just be talking tripe.
We all know that some apps can be restored along with their data across roms and even across roms with a different Android OS. The problem is that there is some data that is not. What we need is a mechanism (perhaps an app) that will identify and 'export' metadata for the system data that is potentially not compatible. Of course, it wouldn't be able to export passwords for accounts etc, but those could be easily re-entered during an "import" of this metadata and could in fact perform all the manual installation and data entry (usually done by the end-user) in an automatic way.
Theoretically, data content shouldn't need to be changed, just the way its stored/read/written, so it might just need to get reformatted with each new rom (there may be exceptions of course).
Practically speaking, this is a beast of a project, and may not be feasible for any dev to undertake. It will likely cause more grief to end-users than anything until all the bugs are worked out (which may be never) and will be difficult to maintain across many devices.
Just wanted to point out that it could be possible in thoery. I would love to hear arguments to the contrary though (love to learn!)
As long as new devices keep on merging they become less development Friendly, and in order for this to be possible, every ROM would need to be equal, meaning no room for development choices, and this feature would need to be on a specially made recovery, what this idea means is to disclosure a nandroid backup, leaving only what is needed for the new ROM, this may have been plausible on gingerbread, and there are much more rom development in progress for developers in order to make what we have to work properly if not close to it instead of working on a project like this, therefore, at least for our device is not possible and there are many threads of users bricking their devices by not following instructions, whipping correctly, not reading etc and I stand for my statements without meaning to flame
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