[Q] Roms And Kernels - EVO 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm a little confused on the subject of kernels and roms. Im not sure whether you have to start fresh on your phone every time you change either the rom or the kernel. If you don't have to start fresh, I mean redo all your apps and settings etc, then I would be a lot more tempted to play around with more roms and kernels.
On a second note, if I wished to change a rom or kernel, what do i need to do while in recovery, minus making a nandroid backup.
Any Help is Welcome! Thanks!

You can change a kernel without much effort and without wiping anything out. In recovery, wipe dalvik cache, and then flash the kernel. It should be a signed flashable zip.
But kernels are tricky. If you use the wrong one, you could lose things like bluetooth. Some are designed for AOSP roms, and some are designed for Sense roms, so just make sure you pick a kernel that is compatible with the Rom you are using.
Once the new kernel is flashed, you will probably not notice anything has changed, because the kernel handles all the underlying processes.
Roms on the other hand, change everything. When flashing a new rom, it's always a good idea to do a complete wipe of your phone. Even if you are flashing a newer version of the same rom.
You can use apps like Titanium backup to restore missing apps, and settings once the new Rom is on.

Thanks
Thats great to know. Thanks so much.

Related

SetCPU = Neurotic with stock rooted 2.2

I know you need to do perf unlock now, but even when I do that setCPU still has shows the processor as fluxing all over the place. I had to uninstall it.
Guess I'll have to install a custom kernel.
Is anyone else having these problems?
If I install a custom kernel, will flashing a nandroid backup of what I had before hand get me back to before I flashed? Or are kernels more permanent than, say flashing a ROM? Do i need to wipe anything before flashing the kernel?
If you nandroid it will save your kernel. I recommend nandroiding then wiping cache/dalvik and flashing the kernel. then if you want to go back you can just restore. For the most part flashing a kernel should not mess up anything that would require you to re-setup your whole phone. it should be pretty painless.
If you can find a separate zips for the original kernels it is very much like flashing a rom. I am not sure if it will fix your problem but i do know i haven't had that problem using netarchy's kernel (as long as you dotn mind the 3MP back camera)

Kernels and flashing

Noob here.
I had a question about kernels. What the hell are they and how do you flash?
I just put Miui on my EVO. I really like it but there are some issues with Bluetooth and also voice messages not wanting to send or receive. Plus the front camera issue.
I saw some others flashed a different kernel to fix some issues so I was wondering how to do that.
Also mentioned was doing a Nandroid backup... what is that?
zatos said:
Noob here.
I had a question about kernels. What the hell are they and how do you flash?
I just put Miui on my EVO. I really like it but there are some issues with Bluetooth and also voice messages not wanting to send or receive. Plus the front camera issue.
I saw some others flashed a different kernel to fix some issues so I was wondering how to do that.
Also mentioned was doing a Nandroid backup... what is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take the zip you want drop it in your sd card use rom manager recovery and install new zip nanroid is under recovery mode as well
Flash a kernel- place the zip file on the root of your sd card [not in a folder], wipe you cache and dalvik cache, then click install zip from sd card, then select your file
Nandroid [a backup]- from the main menu, select backup and restore, click backup, done.
Always do a backup before flashing a kernel because it may not play nice.
Once you've got the basics down. Just start with one of Netarchy's (my preference) and try a few to see what seems to flow best with your phone. I've had the best luck with Nets 4.3.1 more havs nosbc. Good luck.
To wipe the cache and dalvik cache, is that listed under the recovery menu or do I have to do it some other way? What is stored in the cache?
Also hope I got this right, but I can only use AOSP kernels with Miui? I'm not sure what is different about AOSP. Is Netarchy AOSP?
Unfortunately, I don't believe Nets has any AOSP kernels. Sorry, I don't have a good kernel recommendation for Miui. I'm a MikFroyo fan, tried a lot of roms and kernels, but haven't given Miui a try. I like my 4G. Mik is fast and stable, so I've stuck with it for a while now. Depending on what recovery your using, to wipe the dalvik cache, you should have that option. In clockwork its under the advanced i believe and in amon its under wipe. Don't really know what is stored in cache, but any time you make a change or flash something new, always good to wipe the dalvik cache.
What is AOSP versus whatever else is used?
in the evo world, every rom you'll find is either AOSP or Sense based. Aosp roms are custom made roms built straight from android source. Miui and Cyanogen are the most popular AOSP roms. Sense roms are basically the rom sprint uses that people have hacked to make it faster/personalized.
Do the kernels have to be specifically for the EVO?
zatos said:
What is AOSP versus whatever else is used?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AOSP- Android Open Source Project ; closest to bare bones Android [Think Cyanogenmod]
the other is Sense- Think stock HTC Evo, roms like MikFroyo, Azrael, ect
zatos said:
Do the kernels have to be specifically for the EVO?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe so. Make sure you're running a stock kernel with stock rom aosp kernel for an aosp rom.
Nandroid
Nandroid backups are performed in custom recovery. They essentially backup the entire "image" of your current ROM into the "Nandroid" folder on your SD card. The beauty of this is that you can take a nandroid backup, flash a ROM and, if something goes wrong or you don't like it, you can restore via nandroid and return your phone to a previous state.
No one has still answer his original question...
Android relies on Linux version 2.6(the kernel) for core system services such as security, memory management, process management, network stack, and driver model. The kernel also acts as an abstraction layer between the hardware and the rest of the software stack.
So basically, it is what allows for better management between the rom and the actually hardware. For example, your rom could manage how many applications are running and using up cycles of your processor, but your kernel will determine how your processor elevates to the needed speeds for the ongoing task. Kernels are important to keep your phone secure, stable and longer batteries

A few questions regarding install custom ROMs

hi, i recently got an ATT note 2. The phone I got already got Clean ROM 3.5, so I presume it is rooted, with custom recovery (TWRP when I checked). I am thinking of flashing to a diff rom and just want to ask a few questions.
1-do I need to run triangle away every time I flash to a diff rom?
2-since the phone already has a custom rom, I should not have to root it, am I correct?
3-If I want to install custom, ROMs, can I just put the ROM in the external SD and flash it that way (of course with clear cash, davik, etc as states in the rom).
4-I am thinking of playing with the CleanROM 4.2.4 or the ACE version? any issue with either one compare to the 3.5 that I am using now? any recommendation?
5-anything I need ot watch out before I flash it? I have flashed a coupole of time with htc phone and this is my first samsung phone so I don't watn to brick it.
thanks a lot guys, XDA rocks.
PUTALE said:
hi, i recently got an ATT note 2. The phone I got already got Clean ROM 3.5, so I presume it is rooted, with custom recovery (TWRP when I checked). I am thinking of flashing to a diff rom and just want to ask a few questions.
1-do I need to run triangle away every time I flash to a diff rom?
2-since the phone already has a custom rom, I should not have to root it, am I correct?
3-If I want to install custom, ROMs, can I just put the ROM in the external SD and flash it that way (of course with clear cash, davik, etc as states in the rom).
4-I am thinking of playing with the CleanROM 4.2.4 or the ACE version? any issue with either one compare to the 3.5 that I am using now? any recommendation?
5-anything I need ot watch out before I flash it? I have flashed a coupole of time with htc phone and this is my first samsung phone so I don't watn to brick it.
thanks a lot guys, XDA rocks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No you do not need to run triangle away usually only have to run it if you are going back to stock and may want to return the phone.
2.Nope it has a Rom you are rooted !
3.That is what I do when installing a new rom factory reset wipe davlik and cache and install you may have to fix permissions with some installs as well after installing.
4.From the bit I played with the new Clean rom it is very stable with minimum if any grief Jedi 9 is also a awesome ROM and my current fave.
5.Just read up lots before you do it follow every step they tell you to take your time it is easy just make sure ya know what you are doing before you start.
6.Enjoy they are a awesome phone !!
Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. It heped a lot. I will definitelycheck the roms. I am using 3.5 and it runs really good and hate to ruin it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
PUTALE said:
Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. It heped a lot. I will definitelycheck the roms. I am using 3.5 and it runs really good and hate to ruin it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do a backup in twrp before flashing a new one, you can always come back
thanks for the info. That brings me to another question with TWRP, when I do TWRP backup, should I backup everything, modem, efs, etc. Also, if I use that backup and I do restore, does it restore everything, program, rom, setting, etc?
Also, if I want to flash the stock ROM, would that mess up my root, recovery etc? Do I need to do anything if I flash the stock ROM? From my past experience, sometimes, it is good to flash the stock rom once in awhile since that seem to do some sort of clean up and it also helped to keep the modem and such up to date.Probaby won't keep the stock for a long time but just thought I may flash it to play with it and keep the modem files up to date. Then flash custom rom. I also read that if I want to use triangle, I must be on stock rom or it will brick my phone, so I want to make sure before I start playing with diff roms.
thanks a lot guys
PUTALE said:
thanks for the info. That brings me to another question with TWRP, when I do TWRP backup, should I backup everything, modem, efs, etc. Also, if I use that backup and I do restore, does it restore everything, program, rom, setting, etc?
Also, if I want to flash the stock ROM, would that mess up my root, recovery etc? Do I need to do anything if I flash the stock ROM? From my past experience, sometimes, it is good to flash the stock rom once in awhile since that seem to do some sort of clean up and it also helped to keep the modem and such up to date.Probaby won't keep the stock for a long time but just thought I may flash it to play with it and keep the modem files up to date. Then flash custom rom. I also read that if I want to use triangle, I must be on stock rom or it will brick my phone, so I want to make sure before I start playing with diff roms.
thanks a lot guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is one of nice features of TWRP... ability to backup/restore individual partitions. Android stores various blocks in different partitions. To name a few, System, Data, Modem, Recovery, Boot, Cache, etc. If you just want to backup your modem for example, just check the "modem" box (and I recommend naming the folder to something significant so down the road you'll know which modem it is). When you restore, that folder will only have your modem.. so you can restore a different modem without having to change your rom, (etc). Kernels are stored in the "boot" partitions.. again, if you want to change kernels, backup the boot partition and name it properly if case you want to reflash that kernel. Generally, after my first flash of a new ROM, kernel, modem, I'll create a "boot" backup, "modem" backup, and ROM (system/data/boot) partition backups. If you look in the TWRP folders themselves, you can see the blocks which are backed up... or will be restored. Hope that helps.
PUTALE said:
thanks for the info. That brings me to another question with TWRP, when I do TWRP backup, should I backup everything, modem, efs, etc. Also, if I use that backup and I do restore, does it restore everything, program, rom, setting, etc?
Also, if I want to flash the stock ROM, would that mess up my root, recovery etc? Do I need to do anything if I flash the stock ROM? From my past experience, sometimes, it is good to flash the stock rom once in awhile since that seem to do some sort of clean up and it also helped to keep the modem and such up to date.Probaby won't keep the stock for a long time but just thought I may flash it to play with it and keep the modem files up to date. Then flash custom rom. I also read that if I want to use triangle, I must be on stock rom or it will brick my phone, so I want to make sure before I start playing with diff roms.
thanks a lot guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I back up in TWRP, I usually just go with what is default checked off. You will not mess up your root unless you really really tried to. The last time I ever had to flash back to stock then to a custom was on my Xperia X10a... You should be fine flashing a new rom without having to go back to stock as long as you do a good wipe (Wipe System, Factory Rest, Davlik, and Cache is what I do only because it doesn't hurt... I've read you do not need to do all those steps but I do them nonetheless). Do not use Triangle Away unless you plan on returning your phone or send it in for warranty. Only then should you start asking questions about that tool.
The only issue that may cause SOME confusion (not too much but some) is flashing back and forth between a 4.1.2 and a 4.2.1 since the SD card adjusts to User settings (some folders open up for individual users on 4.2 but as far as my experience goes, I have not had any issues with it, I just needed to study my SD card after each flash).
So you should be fine... just do backups, rename them to make sure you know which rom belongs to which backup, delete the old ones from the RESTORE menu in TWRP in case you are backing up the same rom to save you some space (my backups take around 2 gigs sometimes EACH) and you should be good to go... Enjoy tweaking out on your roms!
DoctorQMM said:
This is one of nice features of TWRP... ability to backup/restore individual partitions. Android stores various blocks in different partitions. To name a few, System, Data, Modem, Recovery, Boot, Cache, etc. If you just want to backup your modem for example, just check the "modem" box (and I recommend naming the folder to something significant so down the road you'll know which modem it is). When you restore, that folder will only have your modem.. so you can restore a different modem without having to change your rom, (etc). Kernels are stored in the "boot" partitions.. again, if you want to change kernels, backup the boot partition and name it properly if case you want to reflash that kernel. Generally, after my first flash of a new ROM, kernel, modem, I'll create a "boot" backup, "modem" backup, and ROM (system/data/boot) partition backups. If you look in the TWRP folders themselves, you can see the blocks which are backed up... or will be restored. Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much appreciated for your detail explanation on the TWRP. I did a quick backup and selected all of the option and now I see the files in my external SD:
modem.emmc.win
data.ext4.win
cache.ext4.win
recovery.emmc.win
boot.emmc.win
efs.ext4.win
data.ext4.win
system.ext4.win
Quick question. If I understand correctly, the modem and efs is not ROM backup, so if I just want to revert to the rom I am currently running with all apps and such, I only need to backup system, boot, data, am I correct?
Also, is there any way that I can retain my data, settings, and apps, without re-download and re-configurate everything after I flash to a new ROM? I am thinking that maybe data will do such thing but not too certain. In the past, whenever I flash to a new rom, I always download all apps again from market and setup everything again, a bit hassle but that's how I did
[email protected] said:
When I back up in TWRP, I usually just go with what is default checked off. You will not mess up your root unless you really really tried to. The last time I ever had to flash back to stock then to a custom was on my Xperia X10a... You should be fine flashing a new rom without having to go back to stock as long as you do a good wipe (Wipe System, Factory Rest, Davlik, and Cache is what I do only because it doesn't hurt... I've read you do not need to do all those steps but I do them nonetheless). Do not use Triangle Away unless you plan on returning your phone or send it in for warranty. Only then should you start asking questions about that tool.
The only issue that may cause SOME confusion (not too much but some) is flashing back and forth between a 4.1.2 and a 4.2.1 since the SD card adjusts to User settings (some folders open up for individual users on 4.2 but as far as my experience goes, I have not had any issues with it, I just needed to study my SD card after each flash).
So you should be fine... just do backups, rename them to make sure you know which rom belongs to which backup, delete the old ones from the RESTORE menu in TWRP in case you are backing up the same rom to save you some space (my backups take around 2 gigs sometimes EACH) and you should be good to go... Enjoy tweaking out on your roms!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info/warning on the triangle. I read that it can brick the phone and also needs to be on the stock to use it. Also read that if there's too many counts, it may not work. I guess for now, I just won't touch it.
Since there's no 4.2 roms available (at least not what I have seen and want to play, CleanRom or Jedi as they are highly rated), I guess for now I do not have to worry much on the SD card issue. It will be safer I guess for now just stick with 4.1.2 until the kinks are worked out.
For the wipe system, factory, davlik, cache, do I do that before flashing it?watched a couple of video and instruction and they all have diff answers. Some people said do factory reset, flash, and then wipe davik and cache.
Again, really really appreciate all of the support guys.
PUTALE said:
Much appreciated for your detail explanation on the TWRP. I did a quick backup and selected all of the option and now I see the files in my external SD:
modem.emmc.win
data.ext4.win
cache.ext4.win
recovery.emmc.win
boot.emmc.win
efs.ext4.win
data.ext4.win
system.ext4.win
Quick question. If I understand correctly, the modem and efs is not ROM backup, so if I just want to revert to the rom I am currently running with all apps and such, I only need to backup system, boot, data, am I correct?
Also, is there any way that I can retain my data, settings, and apps, without re-download and re-configurate everything after I flash to a new ROM? I am thinking that maybe data will do such thing but not too certain. In the past, whenever I flash to a new rom, I always download all apps again from market and setup everything again, a bit hassle but that's how I did
thanks for the info/warning on the triangle. I read that it can brick the phone and also needs to be on the stock to use it. Also read that if there's too many counts, it may not work. I guess for now, I just won't touch it.
Since there's no 4.2 roms available (at least not what I have seen and want to play, CleanRom or Jedi as they are highly rated), I guess for now I do not have to worry much on the SD card issue. It will be safer I guess for now just stick with 4.1.2 until the kinks are worked out.
For the wipe system, factory, davlik, cache, do I do that before flashing it?watched a couple of video and instruction and they all have diff answers. Some people said do factory reset, flash, and then wipe davik and cache.
Again, really really appreciate all of the support guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think of your Nandroid (TWRP) backup as a roll back to what you are comfortable with (check everything off so you do not lose a thing if you want) in case you find that the new thing you flashed isn't all that it was cracked up to be for you or something messes up. The Nandroid backup is EVERYONE's friend.
As for flashing a new ROM and having to start all over, I will use this as an example: I have two backups; one for Paranoid Android (4.2.1 AOSPA) and Clean 4.2.5 (4.1.2). When I originally flashed my stock to Clean, I must've gotten lucky by just wiping the system (ROM only and not a factory reset) and all my data transferred over just fine with no issues... but when flashing to PA, I had to do a full wipe then start from scratch (which was not bad if you sync your apps and contacts thru Google). Also, you might want to get another backup system such as Super Backup to back up your contacts and SMS messages (be careful with backing up call logs if you go to 4.2.1 ROMs because for some reason, things went wacky for me). Titanium is a good system to use for power users but sometimes, to keep it as simple as possible, count on Google at first for your app syncing (and if you get Amazon App Store, you will have to get that APK to download the apps from that store).
Anyway, from there (if you want to play with multiple ROMs) you now have a foundation. Dirty flashing (flashing a new version of a ROM you currently have without doing a full wipe... just in case you didn't know... for me, I just wipe System [no factory reset] then flash the upgrade) should be fine... again, I'm typing from experience because there are some people who do run into issues dirty flashing and is usually not supported by the devs unless you do a full wipe and flash. I have not had any issues whatsoever dirty flashing both PA and Clean versions.
As for methods of wiping, honestly they're all right... I just posted what I usually do when I want to do a full wipe. Only if you want to do a dirty flash, you won't have to wipe or do a partial wipe (I partial wipe e.g. Clean 4.0.5 to 4.2.5: Delete last Clean Rom backup through the Restore menu, Nandroid Back Up current working Clean Rom 4.0.5, Wipe System, Install the new 4.2.5, wipe Davlik and Cache (again, I do this just in case but some devs say it's unnecessary), then reboot and wait for the apps to reset... all was where it was when I left 4.0.5.
PUTALE said:
Quick question. If I understand correctly, the modem and efs is not ROM backup, so if I just want to revert to the rom I am currently running with all apps and such, I only need to backup system, boot, data, am I correct?
Also, is there any way that I can retain my data, settings, and apps, without re-download and re-configurate everything after I flash to a new ROM? I am thinking that maybe data will do such thing but not too certain. In the past, whenever I flash to a new rom, I always download all apps again from market and setup everything again, a bit hassle but that's how I did
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes... if you're retaining your current modem and recovery... to restore a rom just as it was when you backed it up, restore boot (which has the kernel), system and data. One your second question, when restoring a different rom , it's best to always restore system/data/boot together. You can use TiBu to restore your user app DATA, and individual apps usually have their own backup files you can restore (like Nova/Apex launchers [which can restore your widgets], calendar, etc).
much appreciated guys. thanks so much. I think I got it. Will get ready to pick a good ROM and starts flashing.
one little thing, I saw this rom here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2124182
it says stock rooted, does that mean that it is essentailly identical to what is found on the stock rom except that it will not mess up with my recovery and rooting if I use it to flash as oppose to the guide I saw online to flash to completely stock using ODIN.
Also, I did the unlock with what I found on the thread, would that mess got messed up when I flash to different ROM?
PUTALE said:
much appreciated guys. thanks so much. I think I got it. Will get ready to pick a good ROM and starts flashing.
one little thing, I saw this rom here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2124182
it says stock rooted, does that mean that it is essentailly identical to what is found on the stock rom except that it will not mess up with my recovery and rooting if I use it to flash as oppose to the guide I saw online to flash to completely stock using ODIN.
Also, I did the unlock with what I found on the thread, would that mess got messed up when I flash to different ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used that rom so I can't say for sure. Try it out and see what happens. If you don't like it, restore your backup.
PUTALE said:
much appreciated guys. thanks so much. I think I got it. Will get ready to pick a good ROM and starts flashing.
one little thing, I saw this rom here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2124182
it says stock rooted, does that mean that it is essentailly identical to what is found on the stock rom except that it will not mess up with my recovery and rooting if I use it to flash as oppose to the guide I saw online to flash to completely stock using ODIN.
Also, I did the unlock with what I found on the thread, would that mess got messed up when I flash to different ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That rom is one of the most recent 7105 (note2 international) samsung firmware releases... supposedly better battery life than LL7 or LL4. It's the stock MA6 pre rooted (i.e., has SuperSU app and binaries included). No other features added like you would find with CleanROM 4.2.5 for example. It includes rom and kernel... so it will write to your system, data, and boot partitions. Whatever custom recovery you have now and flash this with will not be touched.
thanks again.

[Q] Need some advice for a noobie

Hi first time posting so please take it easy on the noob. So i just rooted my nexus 7 2013. The main reason was because i wanted to be able to extend battery life and the main thing is that i bought a micro usb host otg cable with power and want to be able to charge as well as power my external hard drive. now i read that elementalx kernel allows you to do that. Would i flash the elementalx kernel first or do i flash a rom before a kernel. I'm pretty confused on where to go to download and which one i flash first.
Welcome to an experience with a great tablet! You want to flash a kernel after a ROM. As the intro to ElementalX says,
Installing a new ROM
If you install a new ROM, it will probably replace this with the stock kernel and will definitely overwrite /etc/init.d/99elementalx and /etc/elementalx.conf so you will lose your settings and certain features. So always reinstall the kernel after installing a ROM.
Pandae said:
Welcome to an experience with a great tablet! You want to flash a kernel after a ROM. As the intro to ElementalX says,
Installing a new ROM
If you install a new ROM, it will probably replace this with the stock kernel and will definitely overwrite /etc/init.d/99elementalx and /etc/elementalx.conf so you will lose your settings and certain features. So always reinstall the kernel after installing a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you install any rom with any kernel. are their roms that will be more compatible with certain kernels. lastly is flashing a rom and kernel the same process of wiping out all the cache then installing while in recovery mode?
j0hnnyyyy said:
can you install any rom with any kernel. are their roms that will be more compatible with certain kernels. lastly is flashing a rom and kernel the same process of wiping out all the cache then installing while in recovery mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the most part there will be two types of ROMs
#AOSP based ROMs
#Cyanogen based ROMs
Each kernel and ROM developer will state in the OP (original post; first post of the thread) which source they built their ROM off of.
As a general rule, flash AOSP based kernels for AOSP based ROMs and Cyanogen based kernels for Cyanogen based ROMs.
Flashing a ROM usually requires a factory reset in recovery (apps will be gone, but your personal data/media will be intact) if coming from another ROM. For example you are on ROM A and want to try ROM B, you must factory reset and wipe caches and flash ROM B.
Once you are on ROM B and if the developer updates ROM B, you can sometimes flash ROM B without the factory reset and only perform the wiping of the caches (this is called a dirty flash).
** IMPORTANT ** Each ROM might have their own special instructions for installation, so always read the first 2 or 3 posts of the thread to get all the important info you need.
If you need help:
1. Check the OP
2. Use the search function in the thread
3. Google it
4. After you have done that and still can't find an answer, post in the respective thread about your problem and provide as much detail as possible.
The reason for this is because threads sometimes get spammed with the same questions over and over again, which clog up the thread unnecessarily. Your question might have been asked before, so searching to see if the question has been asked can also lead you to the answer!
Another thing I've learned is to use the thanks button for those developers whose ROM or kernel you use and like, and people who have helped you. Sometimes donating money to developers to show support isn't a viable option for some, but using the thanks button to show appreciation can go a long way as well!
Hope this helps!
- Another noob
Protomartyr said:
For the most part there will be two types of ROMs
#AOSP based ROMs
#Cyanogen based ROMs
Each kernel and ROM developer will state in the OP (original post; first post of the thread) which source they built their ROM off of.
As a general rule, flash AOSP based kernels for AOSP based ROMs and Cyanogen based kernels for Cyanogen based ROMs.
Flashing a ROM usually requires a factory reset in recovery (apps will be gone, but your personal data/media will be intact) if coming from another ROM. For example you are on ROM A and want to try ROM B, you must factory reset and wipe caches and flash ROM B.
Once you are on ROM B and if the developer updates ROM B, you can sometimes flash ROM B without the factory reset and only perform the wiping of the caches (this is called a dirty flash).
** IMPORTANT ** Each ROM might have their own special instructions for installation, so always read the first 2 or 3 posts of the thread to get all the important info you need.
If you need help:
1. Check the OP
2. Use the search function in the thread
3. Google it
4. After you have done that and still can't find an answer, post in the respective thread about your problem and provide as much detail as possible.
The reason for this is because threads sometimes get spammed with the same questions over and over again, which clog up the thread unnecessarily. Your question might have been asked before, so searching to see if the question has been asked can also lead you to the answer!
Another thing I've learned is to use the thanks button for those developers whose ROM or kernel you use and like, and people who have helped you. Sometimes donating money to developers to show support isn't a viable option for some, but using the thanks button to show appreciation can go a long way as well!
Hope this helps!
- Another noob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks this helped out a lot and completely understand about not trying to repost questions that have been answered. Just one question if i flash a rom and do a backup. then flash a completely different rom and do a backup for that as well I'm guessing ill have back up for both roms. my question is i use twrp and have the app online nandroid backup, would it be better to go into recovery and backup or is it safe to use the app? Also after flashing a rom is it the same process to flash the kernel?
Yes, it is the same process. Some flashable zip packages are included with the AROMA installer, which is a simple interface to give you options as you flash. Be sure to wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache after flashing roms and kernels.
Don't bother asking for the best Rom and Kernel combo. Try them out for yourself, if you truly want to learn more about what you are doing. Please don't become another user looking for a quick fix. (You called yourself a noobie, so I assume that you intend to learn more.)
Read, read, read! Follow the advice of the users who replied to you! It could save your life! Or, at least, save you a brick.
Most importantly, DON'T PANIC when your device doesn't get past the boot animation. Most likely, you asked something that doesn't work well with the Rom/kernel/MOD combo. Reboot into recovery, wipe, and try again.
Extra tips: clean flash whenever you can. You tend to lose track of stuff that you have flashed when you dirty flash a few times, and not every mod gets removed completely. Backup often as well.
Feel free to come back if you need more help.
_______________________________________
Phone: HTC EVO 4G LTE
Sense 5, S-Off
Tablet: ASUS Nexus 7.2
Rooted, Custom Rom & Kernel
_______________________________________
aarsyl said:
Yes, it is the same process. Some flashable zip packages are included with the AROMA installer, which is a simple interface to give you options as you flash. Be sure to wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache after flashing roms and kernels.
Don't bother asking for the best Rom and Kernel combo. Try them out for yourself, if you truly want to learn more about what you are doing. Please don't become another user looking for a quick fix. (You called yourself a noobie, so I assume that you intend to learn more.)
Read, read, read! Follow the advice of the users who replied to you! It could save your life! Or, at least, save you a brick.
Most importantly, DON'T PANIC when your device doesn't get past the boot animation. Most likely, you asked something that doesn't work well with the Rom/kernel/MOD combo. Reboot into recovery, wipe, and try again.
Extra tips: clean flash whenever you can. You tend to lose track of stuff that you have flashed when you dirty flash a few times, and not every mod gets removed completely. Backup often as well.
Feel free to come back if you need more help.
_______________________________________
Phone: HTC EVO 4G LTE
Sense 5, S-Off
Tablet: ASUS Nexus 7.2
Rooted, Custom Rom & Kernel
_______________________________________
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks. I flashed cleanrom and wiped all the cache before doing so. then i flash elementalx but i didn't wipe cache. one of my friend told me it doesn't really matter that much for kernels but does for roms. he also suggested i wait before rebooting after installing a rom in recovery mode. can you answer any of the part of waiting a certain period of time to let the rom and kernel set?
j0hnnyyyy said:
thanks. I flashed cleanrom and wiped all the cache before doing so. then i flash elementalx but i didn't wipe cache. one of my friend told me it doesn't really matter that much for kernels but does for roms. he also suggested i wait before rebooting after installing a rom in recovery mode. can you answer any of the part of waiting a certain period of time to let the rom and kernel set?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your friend was correct on both accounts.
Wiping cache is not really necessary when flashing kernels.
It it's also usually a good practice to wait a bit before your first reboot after flashing a ROM. From my understanding, it allows the code to "settle"and make sure everything completes in the initial boot.
I'm not too sure about the reasoning, so if someone knows then feel free to chime in!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Protomartyr said:
Your friend was correct on both accounts.
Wiping cache is not really necessary when flashing kernels.
It it's also usually a good practice to wait a bit before your first reboot after flashing a ROM. From my understanding, it allows the code to "settle"and make sure everything completes in the initial boot.
I'm not too sure about the reasoning, so if someone knows then feel free to chime in!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
he tried explaining to me over text but confused so go into recovery mode wipe all cache. then click install. find file swipe to install then page comes to reboot. on that reboot page is that when you wait or click reboot then wait?
j0hnnyyyy said:
he tried explaining to me over text but confused so go into recovery mode wipe all cache. then click install. find file swipe to install then page comes to reboot. on that reboot page is that when you wait or click reboot then wait?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you get to the reboot screen in recovery, go ahead and reboot. It's after you reboot that first time that you should wait some time.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Protomartyr said:
Your friend was correct on both accounts.
Wiping cache is not really necessary when flashing kernels.
It it's also usually a good practice to wait a bit before your first reboot after flashing a ROM. From my understanding, it allows the code to "settle"and make sure everything completes in the initial boot.
I'm not too sure about the reasoning, so if someone knows then feel free to chime in!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I didn't know that about Nexus devices. I always wipe caches for my phone, because I will enter a bootloop if I do not do so. This is my first Nexus device, and I'm learning a lot of new things myself.
_______________________________________
Phone: HTC EVO 4G LTE
Sense 5, S-Off
Tablet: ASUS Nexus 7.2
Rooted, Custom Rom & Kernel
_______________________________________
I have a question about backups. I've been researching and reading lot but there are a lot of different opinions . so I installed cleanrom with elemntalx kernel. Would it be best to make a backup in recovery mode or use online nandroid backup. I read something like online nandroid backup works only on certain Roms. Also I have titanium backup but I read that it isn't good to use titanium backups on different Roms? So if I backup through titanium backup and flash let's say a different ROM like cyanogenmod ROM I can't use the backup I created when I had cleanrom flashed?
j0hnnyyyy said:
I have a question about backups. I've been researching and reading lot but there are a lot of different opinions . so I installed cleanrom with elemntalx kernel. Would it be best to make a backup in recovery mode or use online nandroid backup. I read something like online nandroid backup works only on certain Roms. Also I have titanium backup but I read that it isn't good to use titanium backups on different Roms? So if I backup through titanium backup and flash let's say a different ROM like cyanogenmod ROM I can't use the backup I created when I had cleanrom flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid and Titanium backups are used for different purposes.
Titanium backups deal with apps and app settings. They are useful when after flashing a ROM Update. For example, you are using ROM A revision 1 and the developer has posted a new update ROM A revision 2. Since it's usually recommended to clean flash updates of a ROM (read the OP of the ROM thread for further info), this would result in you having to reinstall all your apps and reapply settings and such (which takes time). However with titanium backup, all you have to do is make sure you backup apps/settings when on revision 1. Then after you flash revision 2, you can restore your titanium backup and now you have all your apps and settings.
** IMPORTANT ** Titanium backups should not be used when moving to a DIFFERENT ROM. This may cause problems/incompatibilities.
Nandroid Backups are basically system images. So basically it just takes a snapshot of the current state of your phone, and when you restore it it will be the same as if nothing has changed. This is especially helpful in two situations:
1) when trying different ROMs (i.e. you flash another ROM but don't like it, you can easily switch back via the nandroid backup)
2) when messing with system files and reverting to a previous state (i.e. you are trying to mod your navigation bar or some other customization and decide you don't like it or accidentally messed up. You can use the nandroid backup to revert those changes)
It's also usually helpful to take backups at the appropriate time and name them accordingly. For example, this is the process I take when flashing a custom mod.
1) Nandroid backup before you apply custom mod A. I name the backup "Before applying custom mod A"
2) Apply custom mod A
3) If all goes well and mod A works, I also make a nandroid backup after this and name it "Applied custom mod A"
OR
If custom mod A messes up my phone, I just restore the backup named "Before applying custom mod A"
The reason why I also make a nandroid backup after successfully applying mod A (and decide to keep the mod) is so that I can have an up to date restore point. If you make modifications to the phone and decide to keep them, make an updated nandroid so you don't have to reapply the modifications again.
Sorry for the long wall of text, but hope this helps!
Protomartyr said:
Nandroid and Titanium backups are used for different purposes.
Titanium backups deal with apps and app settings. They are useful when after flashing a ROM Update. For example, you are using ROM A revision 1 and the developer has posted a new update ROM A revision 2. Since it's usually recommended to clean flash updates of a ROM (read the OP of the ROM thread for further info), this would result in you having to reinstall all your apps and reapply settings and such (which takes time). However with titanium backup, all you have to do is make sure you backup apps/settings when on revision 1. Then after you flash revision 2, you can restore your titanium backup and now you have all your apps and settings.
** IMPORTANT ** Titanium backups should not be used when moving to a DIFFERENT ROM. This may cause problems/incompatibilities.
Nandroid Backups are basically system images. So basically it just takes a snapshot of the current state of your phone, and when you restore it it will be the same as if nothing has changed. This is especially helpful in two situations:
1) when trying different ROMs (i.e. you flash another ROM but don't like it, you can easily switch back via the nandroid backup)
2) when messing with system files and reverting to a previous state (i.e. you are trying to mod your navigation bar or some other customization and decide you don't like it or accidentally messed up. You can use the nandroid backup to revert those changes)
It's also usually helpful to take backups at the appropriate time and name them accordingly. For example, this is the process I take when flashing a custom mod.
1) Nandroid backup before you apply custom mod A. I name the backup "Before applying custom mod A"
2) Apply custom mod A
3) If all goes well and mod A works, I also make a nandroid backup after this and name it "Applied custom mod A"
OR
If custom mod A messes up my phone, I just restore the backup named "Before applying custom mod A"
The reason why I also make a nandroid backup after successfully applying mod A (and decide to keep the mod) is so that I can have an up to date restore point. If you make modifications to the phone and decide to keep them, make an updated nandroid so you don't have to reapply the modifications again.
Sorry for the long wall of text, but hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks very helpful so using the online nandroid backup app is the same thing as making a backup in twrp recovery mode

Take advantage of MultiBoot!!

As far as I know, not near enough Galaxy s3 owners are taking advantage of this amazing utility. It allows you to install multiple ROMs on your device without having to wipe the one you already have. I currently have 5 ROMs on my phone ranging from touchwiz to Cyanogenmod, Lollipop to Jelly Bean. It's very versatile and guess what!
It was recently updated to work with Lollipop ROMs! You can install any ROM you want as a secondary ROM and test to see if it works as a daily driver! No more getting scared about a brick or bootloop because a simple REBOOT switches you to your primary ROM!!
I constantly switch between CM ROMs for fluidity, Lollipop ROMs for cutting edge features, and TouchWiz ROMs to unleash the full potential of the camera, as well as get all those TouchWiz features like WiFi calling! You can flash any ROM, test experimental builds and flash any kind of ROM you want all without wiping the ones you already have! Unlimited ROMs!(space permitting)
Now, it may not be as simple as ROM manager for Nexus devices but it's pretty darn easy. here's the steps:
Flash MultiBoot Recovery(based on twrp 2.8.3.0)
Go to Advanced>
MultiBoot>
Create ROM>
Set ROM(to what you created)>
"Flash the ROM and gapps just like any other">
Set ROM>
Boot ROM(Click on one you just created)>
A menu will pop up saying Boot ROM!
There. You are done. I can boot into recovery and boot a ROM in a matter of seconds. Slimkat, SlimLP, CM11, CM12, TouchWiz 4.1.2, 4.3, 4.4.2, PAC ROM, any of them!
I just want more people to take advantage of this wonderful feat of developer genius!!! I feel like only have of the phones potential is had without this amazing recovery. Now that it is updated to allow Lollipop ROMs, it is too hard to keep it in.
Head over to development, it should be on the first page and try it! Alternately search for "Multiboot" and look for the thread.
All credits go to @Phil_Suz for being an amazing god.
but my question to you is, do you have to wipe out the current rom? and then do the process? or can you keep the current ROM? if so that would be awesome.
ALso another question.. if I am on 4.4.2 TW, can i still install lollipop as a multiboot rom with out having to wipe out my current rom (TW 4.4.2 Likewise S5)?
YPG70 said:
but my question to you is, do you have to wipe out the current rom? and then do the process? or can you keep the current ROM? if so that would be awesome.
ALso another question.. if I am on 4.4.2 TW, can i still install lollipop as a multiboot rom with out having to wipe out my current rom (TW 4.4.2 Likewise S5)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to wipe your main ROM at all! It is just a recovery, and each secondary ROM is like a whole different device on your sdcard, you just have to switch to it it's amazing let me tell you. Your primary ROM, kernel, modem etc will not be affected at all until you decide to change it, which you just do like any other ROM (just be careful formatting because that will delete the multiboot folder on root of phone). If you flash another ROM and it doesn't boot, just reboot the phone to your main ROM and or go to recovery and try again you can create and delete ROM's as much as you please and even set up how much space you want to make the different parts of the ROM take on your sdcard (data, system, cache). Flash the multi boot recovery, read how to use it and you're golden there's also a video someone made of how to use it. If you don't like multiboot just flash another recovery and reboot the recovery. You won't lose anything unless you created an additional ROM or ROMs.
Can you give me instructions on how to do this properly? The video is a bit confusing. I understand how to create a new rom. I am just a bit lost, on how to switch to my current ROM, or set it up.
This is true its useful... for those who could figure out what to do at right times.
not only that but other carriers have it baked into the kernels for simply a reboot option.
we have more complicated version yet out phones are not bootlocked. if more people got tmobile phones I am sure they would have worked these issues out by now.
I certainly have taken advantage of this. Alternate between your favorite roms with ease.
reminds me of safestrap, which i used on my droid4, and appears to be available for some flavors of the SGS4 and some galaxy Notes. it also uses twrp. think of it as creating partitions on your PC - you make a partition for each Rom - they were called ROM Slots in safestrap - make a given slot active, then flash the rom and whatever else you want as you normaly would right there in twrp. if something breaks or you find a showstopper bug or just need to switch roms, simply reboot into recovery, change which rom is "active" and then exit - it loads the rom you just selected. it was great on my droid4 since gps and camera were both kinda buggy in almost any custom rom, and i was nervous not having it on my galaxy relay, but it worked out. it'll be nice to have on the sgs3, especially since I want to try out some L roms.
here's the thread for the multiboot recovery, so nobody else has to search for it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2646528

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