[Q] New Defy owner. Where do I start ? - Defy General

Hi all, as you can see I've been a member here for a good while and dipped in and out as and when I've owned any devices featured here.
I have a brand new, UK unbranded, sim free and factory fresh Defy arriving tomorrow and have read with interest the various posts here, including the WIKI but I've got a bit dizzy trying to work out what's new/current/most stable/best.
I'm very happy modding and flashing custom roms and have done since the XDA1.
Could anyone please fill me in with the essential tools I need, such as the clockwork recovery version I should be installing and also the best/most recent/most stable rom - Android 2.2 preferred. Also what can I use to overclock and any other system mods that people consider essential also gratefully received.
If there's a n00b how to somewhere and I've missed it, I apologise, but it's hard to figure out what's out of date and what isn't.
Once I'm up to speed on this particular device, I'll chip in where I can.
many thanks,
malty

I'm in no means a developer and unworthy of replying...but I'll try! In the dev section, there is a 'FAQ/Guides/Tutorials' section that is pretty up to date with links to just about everything needed.
Custom Recovery: I've used both tenfar's recovery and the clockworkmod recovery 2010-12-18 version that I believe is the most updated and works well. I like the latter version best so far.
Overclocking: Only one I've used is setvsel and liking it.
Root: I think Z4 root doesn't work on 2.2 and above, so you'll have to root with special version superoneclick.
Backing up applications: Good ol Titanium Backup.
As for custom roms, I'm sure many have preferrences but from what I've gathered, the FIN and Orange deblur are working great (I have two phones, ones on stock tmous froyo, the other is 2.1 UK2.34 deblur...loving the deblur!). Check out Pays, JBoogie, and Higgsy's ROMs in dev section. Also, in the dev section you'll see the sbf file folder at top of forum to flash away with.
Again, I'm pretty much a noob so I probably missed a bunch of stuff...but this should get you started for now

Related

Upgrading O2 XDA Ignito - Problems sorted

Sorry to bother you, I'm sure this info is somewhere (or if I understood it a bit better), but if someone could clear a few things up:
1) Have downloaded Hard-SPL 1.23, 1.34 and the latest version - is the newer better/more stable? Or I do have to use the one that matches the ROM I am flashing to?
2) If I want to do a cooked a ROM, will any of the versions of Hard-SPL listed above work for that too?
3) Is there an easy way to back up operator settings (internet, voice mail number etc?) Just got it so there's nothing else on it that needs backing up.
4) Offical ROMs are in .exe format, can I just install them on to my XDA?
Edit: Found the official ROMs, just required looking through several pages (sorry). Can anyone answer the other questions, especially how to back-up network settings.
For the mo I just want to get rid of the O2 branding.
Thanks for your time - have been a mod on several forums and I know you end up having to answer questions 20 times over.
Cheers,
Joe
Regarding Hard SPL, read here fully and carefully. It will tell you all you need to know.
With regards to ROMs, you could use the official ones but you will find AZTOR ROMs far superior. (AZTOR = Alpha Zero Tweaked Official ROM) or alternatively Shaks.P ROM in my signature which is set up for the UK. Both will automatically detect your network and use the correct settings and both are as stable as the original ROMs but with improved performance
I have a UK o2 xda ignito, and the only hard spl I have used is 1.93 from this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=400950
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=101134&d=1216793074
Most of the modded roms can be flashed with the included utilities. But most of the official 2.03 roms can only be flashed from internal storage.
Any info you need can be found with the search function, with a little time.
All the best.
joeearl13 said:
Sorry to bother you, I'm sure this info is somewhere (or if I understood it a bit better), but if someone could clear a few things up:
1) Have downloaded Hard-SPL 1.23, 1.34 and the latest version - is the newer better/more stable? Or I do have to use the one that matches the ROM I am flashing to?
2) If I want to do a cooked a ROM, will any of the versions of Hard-SPL listed above work for that too?
3) Is there an easy way to back up operator settings (internet, voice mail number etc?) Just got it so there's nothing else on it that needs backing up.
4) Offical ROMs are in .exe format, can I just install them on to my XDA?
Edit: Found the official ROMs, just required looking through several pages (sorry). Can anyone answer the other questions, especially how to back-up network settings.
Cheers,
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Responding To Questions:
1) It doesn't have to match your original SPL...if the one you have downloaded works then use it. Very few chefs recommend a specific Hard SPL with there ROM. But this is so rare.
2) if you want to flash a unsigned ROM then you need a developers edition Hards SPL.....or jocky's works as well....I personally use 1.93 so I recommend that one.
3) don't worry about backing up operators settings.....most of these roms come with a "Connection Setup" which allows you to select from a list of operators and it does everything for you. I also have a little app for this if your rom doesn't have this.
@Everyone: thanks for your help.
Will install the 1.93 Developers HSPL and see how that goes.
Can anyone recommend a ROM (don't want any visual tweaks)?
Thanks again
Asking such a question can close this thread .........
This is out of the respect of the chefs who work hard. Please refrain from this topic regarding best roms, etc.
Just try them out and read the threads.
band27 said:
Asking such a question can close this thread .........
This is out of the respect of the chefs who work hard. Please refrain from this topic regarding best roms, etc.
Just try them out and read the threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand people have put a lot of hard work in and have taken a look at a few cooked ROMs, and fully intend to start cooking my own when (if) I have learned the skills.
However just got it and it has O2 branding, so i'd like to play with the original interface for a day or two before I start seeing what can really be done with the interface
Yeah, good idea, this will allow you to compare the true difference between a original and a cooked Rom. That is where one can begin to truly see how much better a cooked Rom is.
AZTOR version for UK?
Gonna try the AZTOR, looks like its got some solid improvements without affecting the UI, which version (WWE/GER) are using for the UK Mike?
Thanks again everyone, you've been a great help.
A mod can close this thread if you want now, got my problems sorted.
Thanks all.
joeearl13 said:
Gonna try the AZTOR, looks like its got some solid improvements without affecting the UI, which version (WWE/GER) are using for the UK Mike?
Thanks again everyone, you've been a great help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always use WWE, have tried lots of roms, but my fall back roms are usually shaks or udk.
currently trying the 6.5 roms. Cloudyfa's beta2 has a very fast manilla.
You won't have much spare time now you have started flasshing

[Q] Noob guide?

Hi everyone. I'm a long time observer on xda (from win mo) but am very new to android. While I'm familiar with my device and the basics, I'm very unfamiliar with android terminology. For example, I'm eager to try some of the themes I see here but don't know which files to download as they are all labeled for cm6 only, etc. and then I see they need to be "flashed".
Can someone explain the language of the elites pertaining to android please? I'm assuming they are all codes for different roms, etc.
Fyi, I have an evo running froyo, not root or anything. Everything up to date as supplied from htc/sprint
Thanks in advance
cm6 is for this ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=735596
the "zip" files will work with most any ROM as long as you stay with in the OS version. Much like WM 6.1 themes would not work in 6.5. SO Android 2.1 themes will not work Android 2.2 (aka FroYo). Of course some things like Kernels are designed for certain ROMs. Like a kernel for Freshs ROM vs. a general population.
PPCUserT said:
Hi everyone. I'm a long time observer on xda (from win mo) but am very new to android. While I'm familiar with my device and the basics, I'm very unfamiliar with android terminology. For example, I'm eager to try some of the themes I see here but don't know which files to download as they are all labeled for cm6 only, etc. and then I see they need to be "flashed".
Can someone explain the language of the elites pertaining to android please? I'm assuming they are all codes for different roms, etc.
Fyi, I have an evo running froyo, not root or anything. Everything up to date as supplied from htc/sprint
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to be rooted to apply themes and ROMs. Currently though, there is no way to root if you already have Froyo.
Flashing a new ROM, theme, or anything with the same regards simply means to wipe away what exists and replace it with something new.
So when you are flashing a new ROM, you are taking away the old one (with a data wipe aka factory reset) and then installing the saved zip file (contains the ROM) onto the computer.
Unfortunitly themes can't just be installed like they could on WM they need to be "flashed". These means you need to enter the phones bootloader. If you don't know what all that means then you have some more reading before you can get into themes. Much of which was said in the post above this.
Thanks everyone. And thanks for not flaming me, lol

[Q] Adding Shortcuts on Home Page

Dear all,
I have HTC TP2 device, and I tried to add shortcuts on the home page, when I got the steps from the HTC site, I could not apply them, can anybody help me in this?
- I could not find the '+' button.
- When I press and hold on an icon in the start menu, I can find only one command in the popup menu (Move to top).
---
From HTC site:
Personalizing Your Home Screen: Shortcuts
Placing shortcuts on your Home screen gives you quick access to your favorite programs, contacts you most frequently communicate with, and other information.
Adding a shortcut
Press HOME and then tap the + button. You can also press and hold an empty area on the Home screen.
When the Add to Home options menu opens, tap Shortcut.
Select the type of shortcut to add to the Home screen. You can create a shortcut to a Bookmark, Gmail label, your mail inbox, music playlist, a contact, or a program.
To quickly add an application shortcut that is on the All programs screen to the Home screen, press and hold an application icon. When the phone vibrates, drag the icon to an empty area on the Home screen, and then release it.
This can only be done if you are running Sense 2.5. Most TP2/Tilt2 phones came with TouchFlo 3D or an earlier version of Sense. These have a Programs page where you can choose which program icons you want to appear, but they won't be on the Home page.
Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?
mrtarrouk said:
Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get in touch with your carrier to see if an upgrade is warranted for your device. Only a couple of carriers got the Sense "upgrade." It is considerably slower than TF3D if you go through their options. If you really want to experience Sense the way it should be, try one of the many custom ROMs on this site.
Thanks a lot. Can you refer me to one of the good ROMs here in the forum.
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70
redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for you both. Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70
cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.
redpoint73 said:
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Yes Vodafone Egypt is a GSM operator. Can you tell me whether I can backup my original ROM before I flash a cooked one (in case I needed it) ... And also please refer me to the best cooked ROM here and the steps to flash/install it on my device.
Your reply is highly appreciated.
All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.
redpoint73 said:
All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear redpoint73,
Really thanks a million, you unleashed a lot of information to me with your very descriptive answer . As I'm new to the Windows phones world, I was confused with its terminologies like chief, ROM, cooking, flashing ... etc etc. But now it is very much easier than ever ... Thank you.

[Q] Jargon Buster

I'm new at these forums, I came here for tips & advice to learn how to get rid of all the T-Mobile branding from my HTC Desire HD. With no technical experience of such devices (other than standard use) I soon found out there was a lot to learn.
The purpose of this thread is to get as much information for myself (and other newbies) to learn about the technical terms used, all in one place.
Would anybody be so kind as to offer plain English explanations of the following words/phrases.
Although I have a little understanding of some of these words/phrases, I have had trouble in the past so I am listing them for the benefit of others;
S-OFF/S-ON
HBOOT
ENG
Root
Flash
ROM
Radio
ClockWorkMod
CyanogenMod
RUU
BootLoader
Kernal version
Build number
Superuser
I think this is all for now. If you are also a newbie, feel free to post more related Jargon here to help build an all-in-one jargon busting thread!
I am my no means an expert but will try and help as much as I can.
S-OFF/S-ON - Security On/Off, this is to do with being able to write to protected parts of the device memory.
ENG <----This is the custom HBOOT that is part of the security work around ^^
ROM - Read Only Memory, usually this is the operating system that you are installing, eg LeeDroid or CyanogenMod.
Radio - Is the software used to link the hardware to the operating system.
ClockWorkMod - A custom recovery image that is used to install new roms, also allows you to do backups of the existing rom (operating system) before upgrading or patching.
CyanogenMod - A team of people developing an AOSP (Android Open Source Project) rom. It has no "sense" from HTC and is very minimalistic, usually very fast and stable.
RUU - (ROM Update Utility) The stock rom installer, use the correct one to return your phone to stock, usually used for returning to the manufacturer.
Build number - The version of the software you are looking at, usually it is in chronological order.
I have not answering the one's I know nothing about, better to wait for someone with more knowledge to come along. I may not be 100% correct, I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.
Good luck.
Blinky
Thanks Blinky!
On another thread CitizenLee pointed me to a website that contains a lot of the jargon and their descriptions! I found this unbelievably helpful. Here it is guys;
http://www.villainrom.co.uk/vBwiki/index.php/Glossary_of_Android_Terms
Very nice site, have bookmarked that myself, cheers.

New to Motorola Defy

Hi Guys,
Previously I have had a HTC Magic, Vario II and Vario III. Am used to easy flashing and updates lol.
I know Moto have got a locked bootloader (seen the news about possible unlocking coming) however I could not resist the Defy as T-Mobile UK gave me a fantastic deal.
T-Mobile handsets come "customised" something that is not popular with me will probably debrand it.
1st question, can I flash back to the branded firmware if it needs to go back to T-Mob?
2nd question there is alot of talk over 2.51 normally I would automatically upgrade to the latest ROM however am unsure if it is worth it?
Cheers,
The easiset thing you could do it so make a nandroid backup of your current setup and then try what ever SBF you want except for 2.51 (this due to the fact that it has a non downgrable bootloader).
I bought a german defy and I installed the 2.31 firmware which I'm happy with. Since then I have also deodexed the system files and removed some apps that I dont need.
Just read through the faq/guides sections of the development board and you will be fine.
If you're new to the Defy, this guide is indispensable.
I links to a series of other guides but it lays them out in the order you should do them and the author also adds his own little notes which are very helpful.
Personally, I flashed the 2.34 ROM as it's got less Blur crap on it.
There are also Froyo ROMs kicking around but they're basically backups from other people's phones, as opposed to proper builds released by Motorola.

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