[Q] converting EC05 to EXT4 - Epic 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hey everyone. i consider myself to have decent knowledge of rooting, flashing, etc. but im at a bit of a snag and was hoping someone could help enlighten me.
so...time for a prelude to where im at now: i was on stock EB13 before and rooted using the one click method (removed sprints "hillbilly" bloatware and such but didnt go to a custom rom). i never attempted to transfer to EXT4 at this point in time because i was unfamiliar with the process and knew the EC05 update was right around the corner. once EC05 was released, i updated using odin and a version of EC05 that was pre-rooted and didnt require a cache wipe.
now that im here(and dont see another version coming from sprint/sammy anytime soon) id like to convert to EXT4(because to my understanding its quicker and more efficient than riserFS) and a custom rom(yay for removing carrier iq! and gaining other advantages aswell). here's the problem, the only way ive come across to convert to EXT4 is to odin back to EB13 and then convert. this seems like it would be quite an annoyance and was hoping and praying there was an easier way.
but me and all my newbishness seem to have confused myself as ive looked to see if there was another way to convert. my original understanding was that the way the process works: i convert my phone to the ext4 file system and this would then allow me to flash any roms with ext4 support afterwards. what ive read recently suggests that in order to get ext4, i flash an ext4 kernel/rom and that this is what converts my file system or do the changes at the same time or something like that.
could someone please clear this bit of fogginess up for me and then explain how to go about converting(and if its even possible on EC05)? thank you thank you
PS: also read that ext4 breaks some bluetooth functionality. is this true? and if so, is it only for eb13 or a stock rom or something?

Um u can use the one click Clockwork mod 3.0.0.6 stickied in the development section, its identical to the one click root mod although it will make you ext
Just follow the instructions

Also remember to have an EXT4 compatible ROM to flash. My Bluetooth works fine. There were some issues on EB13 that have been fixed.
BONSAI 4 and loving it!

Related

[Q] Help an idiot? Please

Guys, I'm lost. I search. I read (my eyes are bleeding), but unfortunatley I don't understand the terms, so it's all greek to me.
I have a stock EVO with 2.1 The only thing I have done is added Unrevoked3 to bring back my ability to use wifi tethering.
I would now like to get to 2.2. I've been saying "NO" to the OTA update because I know nobody has rooted 2.2 yet.
That said, it seems that because I haven't upgraded I can pull root, apply 2.2, keep root and keep wifi tethering.
I'm wondering if someone can provide step by step instructions on how to do this given a stock phone with only unrevoked3 on it so far.
I know - search... I'm so lost though. I want to be as close to stock as possible when I'm finished, and ideally I'd like to be able to go back and apply the stock OTA or HTC update if I want to, even if I lose root.
Can anyone help? Step by step?
Thank you!
If you rooted 2.1, then you can upgrade to 2.2.
There are probably 10 rooted ROMs in this forum now. Pick the one you like and flash it. Just be sure it says it is rooted.
You must be FULLY ROOTED for most roms on here. Unrevoked3 is not a full root.
Look into Simpleroot to get a full NAND unlock and root and then you can boot into the custom recovery and flash as you please.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=706411
Try using this method and flashing a custom rom should give you root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=745420
Sounds like I'm hearing 2 things. Do I need to do a full root (BTW, I'm on an old mac, so I can't use simpleroot), or can I do as xHausx says and just install over the unrevoked3 "root"?
Recommendations on the ROM's closest to stock Froyo?
Will I be updating the radio at the same time?
Sorry - newbie
Go with xHausx's method then.
I'm running Baked Snack 1.3, it's a solid ROM. You'll be playing with many roms over the next couple weeks.
Here's a stock rooted 2.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=743352
Liamfm said:
Recommendations on the ROM's closest to stock Froyo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Closest to stock would be the UPDATED 8/7 HTC Froyo 2.2, *FINAL*, v3.26.651.6 (Rooted) DeOdexed RevE.1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=743781
Okay, so I am downloading the one Grouse recommended. At the same time I'm doing a backup via rom manager and have done a titanium backup already.
From here is it as easy as transferring the .zip file to my Sd card and then loading it via rom manager???
Again, remember I'm on unrevoked3 and everything else is stock.
Will I have to update any radios, etc?
Thanks so much - what a wonderful resource this site is.
Liamfm said:
Okay, so I am downloading the one Grouse recommended. At the same time I'm doing a backup via rom manager and have done a titanium backup already.
From here is it as easy as transferring the .zip file to my Sd card and then loading it via rom manager???
Again, remember I'm on unrevoked3 and everything else is stock.
Will I have to update any radios, etc?
Thanks so much - what a wonderful resource this site is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this will not work. you need to have "full" root and be NAND unlocked to flash roms. Unrevoked3 is not full root as stated above. you may however try UnrevokedForever. just find the appropriate thread and follow the instructions if it is compatible with a mac, dont remember right off the top of my head.
Okay, t3project... explain the thread in post #4 here.
I'm learning here - not trying to be a smartass. It just looks like it WILL work... is this not the case?
Okay, so I've updated with no problems. I'm on Froyo now, I retained wifi tether. All is good with the world.
Except Pandora. I get the poor quality and the closing when nav or phone call.
Is there a fix for this yet? Also, now that I'm running a custom ROM I would assume I can't take any updates that google would push out. I can still update apps, but if this problem with Pandora is with the OS am I screwed?
Thanks,
Liamfm said:
Can someone point me in the direction of the radio and wimax radio I need as well? I'm downloading wimax26023 right now, is that right? What's the latest and greatest radio I should use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715485
I didn't use unrevoked so I am not really sure if the method I linked to earlier works or not, but it definitely wouldn't hurt to use one of the other methods just to make sure you have full root and the NAND unlocked.
Okay, so I've updated with no problems. I'm on Froyo now, I retained wifi tether. All is good with the world.
Except Pandora. I get the poor quality and the closing when nav or phone call.
Is there a fix for this yet? Also, now that I'm running a custom ROM I would assume I can't take any updates that google would push out. I can still update apps, but if this problem with Pandora is with the OS am I screwed?
Thanks,
Liamfm said:
Okay, so I've updated with no problems. I'm on Froyo now, I retained wifi tether. All is good with the world.
Except Pandora. I get the poor quality and the closing when nav or phone call.
Is there a fix for this yet? Also, now that I'm running a custom ROM I would assume I can't take any updates that google would push out. I can still update apps, but if this problem with Pandora is with the OS am I screwed?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got to use the search button man... Theres a fix for it out there somewhere
I've found the "fix" even before I tried to install 2.2. The problem is that I don't have a PC to work off of.
Can this editing of the file be done by transferring the file via BT to my mac, editing in text editor, and sending back via BT???
Thanks
Liamfm said:
Okay, t3project... explain the thread in post #4 here.
I'm learning here - not trying to be a smartass. It just looks like it WILL work... is this not the case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably with a stock rooted rom but if you want to do other things such as overclock, uncap the fps, custom kernels and whatnot you'll need to be full nand unlocked.

[Q] Just ordered my phone, want some input before i start messing with it.

Hello there,
I have been lurking these forums for a while now, I originally planned on getting an Evo around july but stuff happened and so ive been putting it off till now. I just ordered it off SERO so yay, super excited…but to the point. I read these forums everyday when the evo came out up until mid july when I knew I wasn’t getting one so I knew about that cdma trick to improve battery life and rooting via toast etc etc. However, skimming through the threads I see Froyo is officially out now and there are many types of ways to root out there. Also , there are tons of roms compared to a few months ago.
I understand there are many threads out there (ive read a lot + all the stickied threads) but I just want to get some outside input before I go to town on my phone when it arrives. I know these questions have probably been answered in some form or another on this forum and XDA but honestly, there is an overwhelmingly large amount of information and I just need answers to a few simple questions and I hope people understand that.
1. The first thing I want to do is root the phone and flash a custom rom before downloading apps and entering phone numbers and the such. Is this a good idea? Or should I enter my stuff and download my apps and use Titanium Backup (do people still even use that?) to save my crap before I root and flash?
2. The order of flashing a custom rom would be …root (unrevoked 3.2.1) > nandroid backup > flash custom rom. Is this Correct?
3. I also noticed that some of the custom roms require different versions of hboot (whatever that is) and older versions of software. I don’t want to deal with the downgrading stuff if possible, so my question is which rom can be flashed on the most up-to-date version of froyo? Any suggestions? (i notice a lot of people use Fresh)
4. Ive also noticed that some roms require you to update the radio/PRI or whatever. What exactly is the radio? I googled it and it has to deal with signals and stuff…does that mean the custom roms break the radio and I have to update to a custom radio for me to get reception/data?
Thanks for your time.
i got the Evo when it came out, when i got the evo in the mail i went to the sprint both on base and transfer my numbers from my tp2 to the evo..... then i rooted it " the old fasion" way.. i cant speak for unrevoke but i guess you can do that... and yes, you want to do a nandroid back up before you flash your 1st rom.. if things dont work you can use that to restore your phone... once you have at least one nandroid you dont have to do one every time you flash a custom rom... it doesnt hurt to have more than one back up tho.. keep some in your pc incase your sdcard get damaged or lost.
as far as apps and setting the phone... i dont think it matters.... the contacts get backed by gmail ( if you set that up, you should)... the apps you can use tittanium ( what i use, paid) but the onces you buy will be in your download section from the market place. havent lost one app yet but you have to allow goggle to sync with your phone... you can also use dropbox and other places.. a lot of options.
as far as radio goes.... you can upgrade everything one time.. some roms may include it but most wont... if its a stock rooted rom then it may include the radio since its something new. but you can find everything seperate..
flashing a rom wont change the radio endless it says it will.
anyways, hopes this helps and didnt comfuse you more lol
As soon as you get it charged up and activated .... root it. Don't do any updates, downloads, etc....
You are on the right track. You have done the smart thing, doing all of your homework.
As far as I am concerned Fresh is the only way to go on the rom
The radio and pri need to be updated for 2 main reasons 1. The fresh rom that you use whether it is the latest and greatest or an older version will be tweaked for a certain radio and pri version. You will find that on the site instructions. And 2. Updating the radio and pri will increase battery life and signal.
Ofcourse this is just my opinion and you will get many more I am sure........ get the latest/greatest FRESH you will love it
Sent from my custom EVO PC36100 Using XDA app
hello,
thanks for the quick replies.
regarding the radio issue, after reading the stickied thread in this forum "Common misconceptions and other useful information" im a little scared to mess with the radio. I notice that Fresh has a radio update posted so my question is this...Are all radio updates the same? like the one posted on fresh's website will work with most roms or just his particular rom? I also live in an area with 4g coverage and i plan to use it! so i definately dont want to lose that (its why im not considering using CM6)
sorry, im trying hard to understand how this works...this will be my first smartphone ive ever had so there is a learning curve for me. thanks again for your time.
The radio thing has me worried too, I don't want to lose 4G. I rooted mostly to get the bloat out and to gain 5 point multitouch. I'm still not positive what to do to NOT break my 4g and lose my radio ID.
I did the unrevoked root a little while ago, quick an easy. OP should do it right away.
I'm on current Fresh 3.3.0.1 with KingKlick CFS #10 custom kernel and all the updated radios. Everything working great for me. Definitely nandroid first before you flash any custom rom. And if you have apps + data that you want to save, use either Ti or MyBackup Pro to restore them. After you do a full data/factory + cache + dalvik cache wipe, flash the new rom then boot into it to make sure everything is running. Reboot back into recovery and flash the current radio update. By the way, I recommend Amon Ra recovery for all your flashing needs because it just works better than ClockworkMod imho.
Shameless plug: Check out Jabbawalkee's MattedBlues theme because it's just sexy like that but there are definitely other theme options out there besides the stock Sense look.
No not all radios are created equal. Usually the rom that you will be flashing will tell you what radio to use. The Fresh rom has always made strides to be efficient and up to date. I have yet to have any problems with any of the versions he has put out. Don't let the words radio, baseband, services, etc... worry you. flashing them are simple and and painless. No worries!
Sent from my custom EVO PC36100 Using XDA app
Unrevoked + forever is the hands down easiest and best way to root your phone except it leaves you with clockwork recovery which isn't as good as ra recovery but that is a very simple switch. Pretty dman simple on a pc just install drivers and click on root. Then copy forever to you SD card and flash it. Even easier on MAC no drivers required.
ok great thanks for all the input guys i really appreciate it!
Didn't see anyone answer your hboot question yet. Here's how that works. Hboot is the screen that let's you actually run recovery (either amon ra or clockwork), and the only Rom that requires a certain version of it (as far as I know) is cyanogen. This is important, because you can't restore a nand backup that you made on version 0.93 (which I think is the current one) when you're running version 0.76 (which is what you would have to change to in order to flash CM). So if you backup on 0.93, then change to 0.76 to load cm, you'll have to reinstall 0.93 in order to restore that backup. This is apparently pretty tough to do correctly, although I think its been simplified over the last few days. Note that once you go to 0.76 there isn't really any reason to change back to 0.93 unless there's a specific nand backup that you want to restore.
Sent from my blah blah blah blah

Trying to root a samsung for the first time.

I'm new to samsungs, but not that new to rooting and rom'ing as I do on my htc inspire. My question is whats the best method to root my friend's samsung epic 4g? I'm not sure I understand the difference with eb13 roms etc, can someone quickly explain? Also, are there bricking risks when rooting, and if so can I unbrick it? What rooting method should I use?
This is the system info I got from the phone:
Firmware version - 2.1-update1
Kernel version - 2.6.29
Build number - SPH-D700 ECLAIR.D118
Hardware version - D700.0.5
Oh and whats this EXT 4 I keep reading about? This as opposed to? Sorry for the newb questions.
Thanks in advance.
Eb13 is the official android 2.2.1 fr the epic 4g
Go to the epic 4g page on samsung.com and download the software update.exe and run it. It'll upgrade the phone (assuming you follow the big onscreen instructions to the T) in a couple of minutes, then grab the on click root in th android development se,ction and run it and you'll have root
Now you just have to read the descriptions of the roms you want to try to see what's different...
Also, I don't use ext4 personally, but a lot of people do. I can't really help with that one...sorry
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
A_Flying_Fox said:
Eb13 is the official android 2.2.1 fr the epic 4g
Go to the epic 4g page on samsung.com and download the software update.exe and run it. It'll upgrade the phone (assuming you follow the big onscreen instructions to the T) in a couple of minutes, then grab the on click root in th android development se,ction and run it and you'll have root
Now you just have to read the descriptions of the roms you want to try to see what's different...
Also, I don't use ext4 personally, but a lot of people do. I can't really help with that one...sorry
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I cant seem to find the update.exe software on that page or nearby. I did download the usb driver for my pc. Is that the only way to officially update? Cant do it on the phone via ota?
Or if you/anyone can post a direct link to the update.exe page that would be awsome
I thought they pulled the update... ?
Yes, you are right as I just found out from online support chat:
Diana: I see that Sprint and Samsung have temporarily suspended the Samsung Epic 4G upgrade to Android 2.2 (Froyo) as a result of issues experienced by a small number of customers. We apologize for the inconvenience while we perform additional software testing to ensure the best customer experience. Additional information will be provided when it becomes available.
Diana: When the update is made available, this support page will contain information on how to obtain the update.
So my question now is, now what? lol
Check the Epic 4G wiki, as it may contain a link to an archived version of EB13.
Don't worry about ext4; it's used by some ROMs, but not others. If it's necessary to a custom ROM, that ROM should do the filesystem conversion as part of the installation. (At least Bonsai, which I recommend highly, does.)
I had lots of issues jailbreaking my phones until I stopped using the micro-usb cable Samsung supplied, and instead used a quality cable.
After checking the wiki, I see that you can download an ODIN flashable EB13. The process I'd use, were I in your and your friend's shoes, would be to do the following:
1. Download ODIN, and test to see that it can talk to your phone in download mode.
2. Use ODIN to put EB13 on your phone.
3. Root EB13 using the most current one click root package.
4. ???
5. Profit.
Rfs is the stock file system and is very slow. Ext 4 is blazing fast and is the file system that is to be. Also EVERY ROM uses ext 4 there are no eb13 custom roms that don't use it. That should tell you something. Also you will not see a rfs rom on eb13 even if someone says they are working on it. Cuz frankly rfs is a waste of time. Its old recovery, old scripting, old binaries, its old everything.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Ok you guys just lost me lol. And did you say "jailbreaking". Is that iphone terminology you use with samsung devices also?
Which froyo version should I install?
I doubt my friend is going to go custom rom crazy anyways. Is EXT 4 referring to a newer froyo version as well?
I just found this
SPH-D700_Froyo_update_EB13.tar.gz
on http://opensource.samsung.com/ searching for D700.
Can I use this? and then root?
Nevermind, i believe thats just source code. Not sure how to compile this. Why does samsung make this so difficult lol.
My bad on the "jailbreaking" terminology; I'm a recovering iPhone user. I meant "rooting."
Re ext4 v. rfs: IMO, there's no need for the OP to manually mess with them, regardless of the superiority of ext4, when he's just trying to throw a rooted EB13 on his friend's phone.
iggybug said:
My bad on the "jailbreaking" terminology; I'm a recovering iPhone user. I meant "rooting."
Re ext4 v. rfs: IMO, there's no need for the OP to manually mess with them, regardless of the superiority of ext4, when he's just trying to throw a rooted EB13 on his friend's phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So since Samsung pulled the official 2.2 update due to issues/bugs. And I cant seem to find a link to EB13, while even if I did it might cause my friend's Epic to have said issues/bugs. Then his Epic is pretty much SOL right now? I cant just root while 2.1 is on it?
No reason why you can't root DI18. Check the wiki for the link to download One Click Root v.2.5.5.
The wiki also has a download link to EB13, if you'd like to try it.

[Q] Help!What is EL29,EH17,SRF12, ETC?

Not sure what these numbers and letters mean....
Mine sais EL29, so i only flashed the ROM (Blazer ROM 4.0) that had all the same information as my phone displayed under "About Phone"....
This page http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=716 has a list of ROMs, a few of which i would like to use. Specifically the new ICS leaks (Hurry up SPRINT, release the ICS ALREADY!!)...
My question is... is the "EL29" "EH17" "SRF12" and all those others the firmware versions? Modem Versions? What are these? If a ROM specifies this information anywhere, will i have to upgrade or downgrade to the appropriate files (Or firmware) before flashing the ROM? I have no idea what these are or what they mean.
From what i've read and picked up, i know that some of these things will have to be done through ODIN and I think I read that some other things can be done through CWM, like flashing the ROM itself.
I just need a little more information on how flash ROMs properly concerning what needs to be done BEFORE I flash a new one... No one wants a Samsung PaperWeight.
Things I already know:
1.) Must install a ROM compatible with your phone (DUH)
2.) Sometimes you gotta use ODIN (Is this only for root? Or do you use this to upgrade/downgrade modem firmware or something, too ?)
Also, what other file exensions should I be familiar with and what do they do? I just want to be able to modify my phone with no problems and a collection of links and bookmarks for me to pull it off. I'm not trying to be a programmer (yet =)
Any links specific to my questions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Most of this could be answered with a little reading, frankly. Many of the stickies explain most of this.
I would start by watching some of QBKING77s YouTube videos, they will explain Everything.
There should be a link in my sig to get yourself started with an easy one click root, but read, read, and then read some more before doing anything.
A link to a post I answered similarly previous :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23413749
Sent from my calculator watch.
Date the firmware was built that simple. EL29 was the most recent gingerbread build. FC13 build which btw was todayish is the latest ics leak.
In simplest terms:
EL29
E is the year. E was 2011, F is 2012, etc.
L is the month. A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, ... L = Dec
29 Well, given the rest of the pattern, is the compile date. In this example, 29 is the 29th day of December, 2011.
And as the other poster says, this info is out there if you spent a bit of time searching for it.
I want to see a custom ROM based on the SRF12 leak.
Compusmurf said:
In simplest terms:
EL29
E is the year. E was 2011, F is 2012, etc.
L is the month. A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, ... L = Dec
29 Well, given the rest of the pattern, is the compile date. In this example, 29 is the 29th day of December, 2011.
And as the other poster says, this info is out there if you spent a bit of time searching for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Thats what i was looking for. Never would had guessed what the E's and L's stood for.
I have read on this, trust me. Including the links that kingdazy provided. Although i will watch that youtube video to see what i can learn from it.
As i've said i've already root my Samsung E4G Touch flawlessly and i'm loving it, i was just wanting clarification on things.
My main question is.... If it has a different build, for instance mine is EL29, i would have to somehow get FC13 firmware on to my Samsung E4GT to flash any ICS ROM on to it, right? Either that, or whatever other firmware version the ROM instructions specify, i'm guessing.
I think the firmware is done using ODIN, right? I know i just used ODIN to flash an already rooted EL29 image..
But is CWM only used to install files from zips such as ROMs or stuff like Gapps?
Or does it depend entirely on the developers instructions? I know some dev leave out some instructions such as "use ODIN" or "use CWM" so when they do, i'm assuming i can use either or?
I DO see that they tend to tell you what NOT to use.. Like this one for CM9
"Using ODIN (link) flash to StockCWM EL26. Flashing CM9 from another recovery, such as Rogue, MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED"
Needed clarification as to whether or not i've been understanding what i've been reading. Overall, i'm just wanting to know if i'm on the right track. If you guys got any pointers or advice. I would greatly appreciate it.
And just FYI.... I do my research. I know how to read. I'm just not as familiar with these forums like you guys are and have problems finding things. You got to admit, sometimes performing searches require a little finesse and know how....
Anyway, Thanks a lot.
Sorry I'm at work, can't link or go into detail, but in general ".zip"s are for cwm, ".tar"s are for odin.
If a dev insists on one or the other, they will say.
Sent from my calculator watch.
exitprogram said:
Thanks. Thats what i was looking for. Never would had guessed what the E's and L's stood for.
I have read on this, trust me. Including the links that kingdazy provided. Although i will watch that youtube video to see what i can learn from it.
As i've said i've already root my Samsung E4G Touch flawlessly and i'm loving it, i was just wanting clarification on things.
My main question is.... If it has a different build, for instance mine is EL29, i would have to somehow get FC13 firmware on to my Samsung E4GT to flash any ICS ROM on to it, right? Either that, or whatever other firmware version the ROM instructions specify, i'm guessing.
I think the firmware is done using ODIN, right? I know i just used ODIN to flash an already rooted EL29 image..
But is CWM only used to install files from zips such as ROMs or stuff like Gapps?
Or does it depend entirely on the developers instructions? I know some dev leave out some instructions such as "use ODIN" or "use CWM" so when they do, i'm assuming i can use either or?
I DO see that they tend to tell you what NOT to use.. Like this one for CM9
"Using ODIN (link) flash to StockCWM EL26. Flashing CM9 from another recovery, such as Rogue, MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED"
Needed clarification as to whether or not i've been understanding what i've been reading. Overall, i'm just wanting to know if i'm on the right track. If you guys got any pointers or advice. I would greatly appreciate it.
And just FYI.... I do my research. I know how to read. I'm just not as familiar with these forums like you guys are and have problems finding things. You got to admit, sometimes performing searches require a little finesse and know how....
Anyway, Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your first question (flash firmware first, and then the ROM) there isn't an easy answer as a lot of ROMs are complete systems which include the firmware. Some though are not and do require the correct firmware to work or install properly. From what I'm seeing, the ICS ROMs appear to all be full system ROM's meaning you wipe your phone and install and you're good. Some require additional files such as modems or whatever. But you could easily go from Gingerbread to the current stock version of ICS (which is what I'm using) with one simple flash.
The method you use to flash isn't specific to what you're flashing rather what the software was designed to be flashed with. Many developers prefer to use a recovery install (zips) while others use ODIN (tar). As I was coming from a stock software pack (and stock recovery) my only real option was an ODIN flash. Most of the time you cannot flash using the stock recovery. The software has to be signed by sprint in order for the stock recovery to flash a zip.
The most important things to be aware of in terms of those bricking their phones is be CERTAIN you are using software for YOUR phone. Not the Samsung Galaxy S2 but the specific one you use (in my case Epic 4G Touch which is Sprint). International files seem to do major damage. DO NOT stop the flash process mid-way through. I bricked a Samsung Moment that way and you have to go with your tail between your legs to the store. Avoid some of the ROM switchers and MobileODIN. They are great resources for an advanced phoner, death of a newb.
I would start with a basic stock flash through ODIN to ICS there are videos that make it pretty darn simple. Use it for a few days, figure out what you like and what frustrates you and then evaluate the ROMs to see if any might be better.
The Stock ICS I am using IS rooted but it's so stock that I will still receive the OTA (over-the-air) update from Sprint. So I have some bugs.
EDIT: OH LOL I just realized I'm in the Epic 4G Touch forum, I could've been more specific regarding the ROMs and what not I thought I was in a general forum.
exitprogram said:
Thanks. Thats what i was looking for. Never would had guessed what the E's and L's stood for.
I have read on this, trust me. Including the links that kingdazy provided. Although i will watch that youtube video to see what i can learn from it.
As i've said i've already root my Samsung E4G Touch flawlessly and i'm loving it, i was just wanting clarification on things.
My main question is.... If it has a different build, for instance mine is EL29, i would have to somehow get FC13 firmware on to my Samsung E4GT to flash any ICS ROM on to it, right? Either that, or whatever other firmware version the ROM instructions specify, i'm guessing.
I think the firmware is done using ODIN, right? I know i just used ODIN to flash an already rooted EL29 image..
But is CWM only used to install files from zips such as ROMs or stuff like Gapps?
Or does it depend entirely on the developers instructions? I know some dev leave out some instructions such as "use ODIN" or "use CWM" so when they do, i'm assuming i can use either or?
I DO see that they tend to tell you what NOT to use.. Like this one for CM9
"Using ODIN (link) flash to StockCWM EL26. Flashing CM9 from another recovery, such as Rogue, MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED"
Needed clarification as to whether or not i've been understanding what i've been reading. Overall, i'm just wanting to know if i'm on the right track. If you guys got any pointers or advice. I would greatly appreciate it.
And just FYI.... I do my research. I know how to read. I'm just not as familiar with these forums like you guys are and have problems finding things. You got to admit, sometimes performing searches require a little finesse and know how....
Anyway, Thanks a lot.
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Click to collapse
I was wondering the same so don't feel stupid exitprogram. I too have read a lot, and the more I do the more confused I get. Frankly, I have no idea how to move forward.
I'm pretty noob with this phone, but have rooted my HTC Hero and flashed a few ROMS on it, rooted my et4g and installed starburst, even rooted and cm7ed my nook, but I'm very confused about the firmware version compatibility with ROMS for the ET4G. I've been waiting to see how the ICS ROMS are before doing anything further to my phone.
I'm sure you guys who replied must get tired with noobs asking the same old questions, but saying go read the internets ("Read Everything before flashing Anything.") isn't very helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to help, I really do, but it's frustrating.
You say to watch QBKing77 videos, and all will be revealed. Here is an example of what is confusing for me, one of QBKing77 videos
In the vid it says it's a FC06 ICS ROM. Then leads you through the format all and zip install. I have no problem doing that, but I have EG30, and I have no idea if following the above install procedure will update me to FC06 or will leave me with a brick and/or headache.
ok general rule for samsung at least, only use GB firmware (kernel) with GB roms (system), ICS with ICS... For the QBKing example, i didnt watch the vid, but usually he says where hes coming from. Odds are its EL29, the official stock, if you wanted to do what he did, get to the starting point he was on then go from there. Honestly I think a lot of this has been made really complicated with the ET4G, mainly because of all the leaks, all fifteen personalized recoveries, people demaning preference on CWM or Odin... on the OG Epic there werent THIS many leaks, and there was time to catch up the new people, now its insane. I think the CWM variants really only serve to complicate, example the Rom Manager works good for CM9 I guess, but not really at all for everything else, and Rogue doesnt work for CM9, but great for the regular stuff... too much redundancy. And honestly it isnt just Rogue and ACS, they just try to simplify Koush's CWM, but then Koush has Rom Manager and it says it supports our phone, but the temp recovery is iffy and dont even mess with the Touch Recovery.
Anyways, just follow OP instructions, give the search a shot so you can tell the trolls you did so (it usually yields nothing, google works better) and sift through the chit chat in the dev threads for the info. If its not there in 20 pages, and not in the OP, just ask... if someone figures something out after the thread is created, someone should let the OP know to update their thread. Some devs are in a hurry and forget to clarify things... it happens.
in general, .zips are flashed thru CWM, look/ask which one to use if not specified, .tar, .md5, .bin... all use Odin... look for which to use (the one-clicks are actually cool... make Odin easier till people get familiar with what goes where). I think once we get ICS official and the first onslaught of ROMs come out, things will settle down a lot.
Does anyone else notice those are bothe of epic and epic touch radios? Op be very careful not to make the mistake of flashing wrong ones
Sent from my BAD A$$ EPIC TOUCH 4G
ungovernable1977 said:
ok general rule for samsung at least, only use GB firmware (kernel) with GB roms (system), ICS with ICS... For the QBKing example, i didnt watch the vid, but usually he says where hes coming from. Odds are its EL29, the official stock, if you wanted to do what he did, get to the starting point he was on then go from there. Honestly I think a lot of this has been made really complicated with the ET4G, mainly because of all the leaks, all fifteen personalized recoveries, people demaning preference on CWM or Odin... on the OG Epic there werent THIS many leaks, and there was time to catch up the new people, now its insane. I think the CWM variants really only serve to complicate, example the Rom Manager works good for CM9 I guess, but not really at all for everything else, and Rogue doesnt work for CM9, but great for the regular stuff... too much redundancy. And honestly it isnt just Rogue and ACS, they just try to simplify Koush's CWM, but then Koush has Rom Manager and it says it supports our phone, but the temp recovery is iffy and dont even mess with the Touch Recovery.
Anyways, just follow OP instructions, give the search a shot so you can tell the trolls you did so (it usually yields nothing, google works better) and sift through the chit chat in the dev threads for the info. If its not there in 20 pages, and not in the OP, just ask... if someone figures something out after the thread is created, someone should let the OP know to update their thread. Some devs are in a hurry and forget to clarify things... it happens.
in general, .zips are flashed thru CWM, look/ask which one to use if not specified, .tar, .md5, .bin... all use Odin... look for which to use (the one-clicks are actually cool... make Odin easier till people get familiar with what goes where). I think once we get ICS official and the first onslaught of ROMs come out, things will settle down a lot.
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Click to collapse
First of all. All of you suck and none of this information was helpful WHATSOEVER.
JK!
It's good to have received that the clarification as to what ODIN uses and what CWM uses. I was pretty much correct as far as that point goes, because no where inside of CWM does it have options for .tar files, etc...
Now, these modem firmwares, and all these other EL29, FC this and FU that (lol) can be a get confusing and i just want to be sure i do everything EXACTLY as they say it needs to be done, which of course means, don't ASSUME anything and always do your research and get clarification. Otherwise, you might end up with a $600 paperweight that reminds you of your stupidity on a daily basis when you look at it.
I appreciate all of your guys's input and i consider this is a great community.
Androidforums.com + XDA-Developers.com = Excellent resources and tools.
I'll admit i was in a bad mood and cussed out a MOD on androidforums one day, but its all good. People have bad days.... Hopefully that guy didn't take offense to the comments i made about his homosexuality lol. Won't happen again. I'll just beat up a co-worker instead haha.
Thanks again! NERD POWER!
Fyi we tell newbs to go read because that is how you learn....if you don't want to put the time into reading and learning you probably want a different phone..we all learned how to do things on this phone by reading and galaxy s3 will be similar so it's something most should do is read read read
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
E is the year. E was 2011, F is 2012, etc.
L is the month. A=Jan, B=Feb, C=Mar, ... L = Dec
29 is the day so in EL29 would be dec 29th 2011
ungovernable1977 said:
ok general rule for samsung at least, only use GB firmware (kernel) with GB roms (system), ICS with ICS... For the QBKing example, i didnt watch the vid, but usually he says where hes coming from. Odds are its EL29, the official stock, if you wanted to do what he did, get to the starting point he was on then go from there. ...
I think once we get ICS official and the first onslaught of ROMs come out, things will settle down a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. I'll take my phone back to stock and start again at some point. Think I'll still wait for the more finished ICS ROMs to play it safe. Some kind soul will no doubt write a howto for those less able among us.
Edit: decided to go back to stock and update to EL29 following the vid tut linked above. For anyone googling through, I was a little confused at one point but worked it out. Currently the EL29 file is a zip, inside is a .tar.md5 file which is what you select in Odin for the PDA box. Nice to know it's that easy... when you know how
SRF1.2 was a custom rom for old Epic based on froyo by MysteryEmotionz. It was based on the original work done by k0nane when CIQ was originally removed.

[Q] Just trying to understand this

OK....So im not new to XDA or android really....have been in the HTC Hero forum for a little bit, but my new phone will be here tomorrow....
So far things seem just a lil bit different on this side, please correct me if im wrong....
Kernels-cooked into the ROM cant be flashed over with a different kernel?
Root looks pretty easy to achieve, but also easy to loose/unroot?
CWM doesnt play well with this phone, and must be cooked into a ROM instead of being flashed freely?
Modem/Radio...is there a new or old better or worse...are these all just cooked up and are trial an error? It seems that there should be some kind of consensus as to which ones are good,bad,or indifferent...or which ones work better in a different markets?
And the xx14 or pgxx....different codes for ROMs, what is all of that about, a little insight into that would be GREAT!!
Again, I have been reading over the forums for a week or so now and I am just trying to wrap my head around how this new process is going to work...The Hero is a legacy device and everything seems second nature for me. Alot of people in that forum moved on the the Evo3D, but I was ready for a something new and different, so here I am! I just dont want to screw something up on this device.
Thanks in advance for any positive input.
Edit: OOPS....Guess this should have gone in the Q/A...sorry.
For the code names like FC14... is basically identification of the build date of the ROM.
F = year (2012)
C = month (March)
14 = day
Gotcha, thanks!
Recovery is packed with the kernel. You can use any kernel you want as long as you are using gingerbread kernels with gb roms and ics kernels with ics roms. You can flash them with odin or cwm.
There are currently issues with ICS kernels so it is not recommended to use recovery on any ics kernels.
Modems are basically trial and error with regards to which is best for your phone. You are free to use any modem on any build.
The absolute safest route is ODIN for sure. There is a lot of speculation on what exactly is causing bricks. It seems the worst of it is connected with ICS and Clockword Mod Touch Recovery being used together.
Odin is a very nice tool that you can use from your computer to flash rom files, kernels, and modems. There is also Mobile Odin available from the play market for a few dollars. It's a worthwhile investment because you can flash tar files without a computer. But it is a known issue that the modem won't flash, which isn't a huge deal. Just do it from your computer when you get a chance.
Root isn't necessarily easy to lose. The only way to lose it is to personally remove root using a tool, like autoroot, or to do an OTA update from a stock rooted ROM, that would also remove root. Other than that once you're rooted you are good to go.
Be sure to do AS MUCH READING AS POSSIBLE. People are BRICKING their phones. They are breaking them beyond personal repair, and Spring Tech repair, thus needed warranty replacements. READ READ READ READ READ READ. I can't say it enough, nobody can say it enough. Even the developers have bricked their phones.
Yeah, I am reading...lol
Thats what made me post this because some of it doesnt make sense compared to what I am used to...
I am pretty sure im gonna root and stay stock for at least.....a day! Just to get a feel for it, and be able to tell a difference between stock and Mod... But I must confess I am a flash-whore and have been dying for some ICS goodness!!
I came from the EVO 4G; here are some things I've picked up.
1) The recovery and kernel is combined with samsung phones (same partition). So you can't just flash 1 or the other, you install both.
2) Touch CMW on E4GT is unproven. Some fared ok, some say otherwise. To be safe, I'd avoid it for now. Regular CMW and Rogue recovery are pretty much the gold standard here.
3) Any recovery installed by Rom Manager is temporary (again kernel/recovery are combined). Meaning it won't stick past a normal reboot.
4) Until ICS source is released, any actions done specifically in the ICS kernel-based recovery could potentially brick your phone. This is especially true for any ICS aosp roms (CM9, miui v4, aokp, etc). So this means once you flash from gb to ICS, your recovery is suspect. I will say that I don't see many reports of people bricking with these TW ics leaks, as many just seem to use calk's format all script and flash away. To be 100% safe, its best to odin back to a gb kernel-recovery to anything within the recovery.
5) Learn to use Odin; its important to know if you are going to play with ICS right now.
Good luck!
modems, just like radios, are going to be different for each user.
personally i just use the latest modem since sprint sucks no matter which one i use.
root is achieved simply by using odin to flash a rooted rom.
unroot by simply using odin to flash a stock rom.
very easy!

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