All i want to do is root my phone. I have read quite a few articles on it, as well as pros and cons. Searching was also done so don't attack me with the "use the search feature" line. Reading too deep into the rabbit hole proved that anything beyond rooting (although highly beneficial and likely to attempt in the future) was too overwhelming for my busy work schedule. I'm aware of the different methods to achieve root, but I'm still unsure as to whether or not i will lose any data at all, such as app, sms, contacts, call logs, etc.
Any info as to how to root my Evo without losing any data would be greatly appreciated. My main reason is to finally get rid of the Nova app along with others, and to have full control of my phone while i slowly learn from these forums.
P.S. I apologize for being #1,000,000 to ask on this topic.
MindSplit said:
All i want to do is root my phone. I have read quite a few articles on it, as well as pros and cons. Searching was also done so don't attack me with the "use the search feature" line. Reading too deep into the rabbit hole proved that anything beyond rooting (although highly beneficial and likely to attempt in the future) was too overwhelming for my busy work schedule. I'm aware of the different methods to achieve root, but I'm still unsure as to whether or not i will lose any data at all, such as app, sms, contacts, call logs, etc.
Any info as to how to root my Evo without losing any data would be greatly appreciated. My main reason is to finally get rid of the Nova app along with others, and to have full control of my phone while i slowly learn from these forums.
P.S. I apologize for being #1,000,000 to ask on this topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use unrevoked3. Its easy. Just follow instructions. U wont lose any data or apps or so forth unless u flash a new rom. Use titanium backup from market after u root phone to save apps and data.
Papa Smurf151 said:
Use unrevoked3. Its easy. Just follow instructions. U wont lose any data or apps or so forth unless u flash a new rom. Use titanium backup from market after u root phone to save apps and data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming i follow the directions correctly......consider your self loved by a stranger!
Thanks for the quick response.
Now quick question which i couldn't find an answer for. After installing hboot was i supposed to disconnect my phone from usb? Also how do i exit the white menu where it says fastboot, recovery, clear storage etc.
bump! i hope i didnt screw the process up
bump? ok if you already managed to install the drivers, make sure your phone has usb debug on, you do that in settings, apps, development. also make sure you have othe sources checked, you do that on settings, apps.
no turn your antivirus off on your computer
if you installed htc sync uninstall it
now plug your phone to pc( if it prompts you to select type of connection only charge)
then right click on the file that is unrevoked and run as administrator, follow unscreen intructions and done.
mine was automatic so i didnt need to do anything after i ran it.
good luck
emcp422 said:
bump? ok if you already managed to install the drivers, make sure your phone has usb debug on, you do that in settings, apps, development. also make sure you have othe sources checked, you do that on settings, apps.
no turn your antivirus off on your computer
if you installed htc sync uninstall it
now plug your phone to pc( if it prompts you to select type of connection only charge)
then right click on the file that is unrevoked and run as administrator, follow unscreen intructions and done.
mine was automatic so i didnt need to do anything after i ran it.
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'
ok last question it says done but my phone is on a clockworkmod recovery screen how do i just load my phone up and use it.
sorry late reply you always get out of recovery with the reboot now option, also you should instal titanium back up so you can back up your apps and get busy box, which you need on your phone so it doesnt lag after root, once installed titanium , open it up, it will probably say you need root, if it does dont mind it you have root, at the bottom you will see a box that says problems, hit it and it will ask you to install busy box, hit yes and you are done, hope procedure is easy and you can do it if not click my user name and send me a message
Related
So the stickied rooting guide is terrible. It's out of date, points to incorrect file locations, gives steps to take that don't work, and doesn't really explaina what any of the terms it is using actually mean.
Is there any well written guide for how to get root using unrevoked, and how to uninstall stock apps? I thought I had root access, apparently I lost it at some point, and the guide it just frankly less than useless at this point. I have no idead what a "recovery" is, or what a "nandroid" is, or any other terminology the author assumes the audience knows. I don't know what "koush" is, what busybox is, or what a NAND is, or when to reboot or not, there are no clear steps on what to do and when to do them
Any help would be appreciated.
Edit:
Apparently restarting the phone gave root back, and I was able to use an uninstaller program from the market to get rid of some stuff. But I never had to reboot to go into any bootloade mode, why is that needed sometimes? And what are those "com." entries, they're not apk's so you can't uninstall them. And there are some apps (Like "Search People") that you can't get rid of at all, how do you remove those?
emkorial said:
So the stickied rooting guide is terrible. It's out of date, points to incorrect file locations, gives steps to take that don't work, and doesn't really explaina what any of the terms it is using actually mean.
Is there any well written guide for how to get root using unrevoked, and how to uninstall stock apps? I thought I had root access, apparently I lost it at some point, and the guide it just frankly less than useless at this point. I have no idead what a "recovery" is, or what a "nandroid" is, or any other terminology the author assumes the audience knows. I don't know what "koush" is, what busybox is, or what a NAND is, or when to reboot or not, there are no clear steps on what to do and when to do them
Any help would be appreciated.
Edit:
Apparently restarting the phone gave root back, and I was able to use an uninstaller program from the market to get rid of some stuff. But I never had to reboot to go into any bootloade mode, why is that needed sometimes? And what are those "com." entries, they're not apk's so you can't uninstall them. And there are some apps (Like "Search People") that you can't get rid of at all, how do you remove those?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be very careful removing/uninstalling anything at all. Say you uninstall something and don't have it backed up then you won't be able to do an update if one comes out unless you can find them again.... OR, you did a complete backup.
Good way to do it is to rename the bloatware apps to something like, bloatware.apk.bak. add the .bak and it won't show/start.
I'vd been doing that, but onl some of the stuff shows up. I can't get rid of "people search", and there is all this com.android.xxxx stuff that I can't remove (there's a com.android.twitter, there's a com.android.FriendStreamWidget, etc) even though I uninstalled the related app. What are those and why are they running?
This looks like it could be a good phone if there wasn't so much garbage sucking up 1/2 the RAM all the time.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=7408250&postcount=1
Yes, I'm a noob, but I'm hoping someone can help me anyway. I used SuperOneClick just like the video said. I have my Superuser icon, but big deal. I can't see how to remove any pre-installed apps or even see what good this is for me.
What am I missing? I have a Samsung Galaxy S I9000M
Thanks gang!
Poptarticus said:
Yes, I'm a noob, but I'm hoping someone can help me anyway. I used SuperOneClick just like the video said. I have my Superuser icon, but big deal. I can't see how to remove any pre-installed apps or even see what good this is for me.
What am I missing? I have a Samsung Galaxy S I9000M
Thanks gang!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Titanium Backup.
Go to the market and download "Android Optimizer" once installed run it and select the un-install button then select "Constrictor" click "OK" and remove all you do not need.
There is also a backup function within the app under the same section rather than remove but i wouldnt rely on that alone.
I would recommend doing a NANDROID backup before you Un-install anything in-case you remove something you later need, or did not know what it was for ect...
Thanks!! Seems to work. Can't find anything called NANDROID, but Optimize Tool Box worked
Doing backups you would need another app, I use is clockwork recovery, then you can boot in to "recovery" and make your back-up, and if say something were to go wrong you would reverse the process and restore your device, which would restore it to the the current state the phone was in prior to the problem not an actual factory restore.
You may wish to look in to nandroid backups and restore, you can find infinite information littered all over this forum, as its quite a common thing to want to do.
Thanks again. I sure could use all the help I can get. I love this phone so I don't want to 'brick' it. Learning the lingo too.
Now that I'm a 'superuser' is there any benefit other than deleting bloatware I had installed on the phone from the factory?
The biggest change you can make is changing ROMs, but that also gives you the biggest risk of bricking.
lifehacker.com/5563924/the-start-to-finish-guide-to-rooting-your-android-phone
You could also overclock your phone, to make it go faster
lifehacker.com/5623510/setcpu-overclocks-or-underclocks-your-rooted-android-phone
and for sure get a backup before you do too much
lifehacker.com/5784857/how-to-set-up-a-fully-automated-app-and-settings-backup-on-android
I can't make the links fully functional since i'm a noob on the forums, but you should be able to figure out how to get to the sites.
Sp1dy said:
The biggest change you can make is changing ROMs, but that also gives you the biggest risk of bricking.
lifehacker.com/5563924/the-start-to-finish-guide-to-rooting-your-android-phone
You could also overclock your phone, to make it go faster
lifehacker.com/5623510/setcpu-overclocks-or-underclocks-your-rooted-android-phone
and for sure get a backup before you do too much
lifehacker.com/5784857/how-to-set-up-a-fully-automated-app-and-settings-backup-on-android
I can't make the links fully functional since i'm a noob on the forums, but you should be able to figure out how to get to the sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I may give it a shot once I feel more comfortable, but that bricking has me really worried.
Great forums and very helpful members!!!! Thanks!
ANSWER
Root explorer or root unistaller 2 apps that will do the trick
Useful
Use Root explorer 2.16 and should be able to look at your Root Directory, especially
Data/ Data directory where you games and apps are installed, can be useful
So i have read many post and i mean many and i am still working my brain on catching on to all these. If you all notice, there is a lot to rooting, what you can do, names to things, so so much my brain hurts lol.
But, finally after almost 2 years of being here, 3 phones i grabbed my cojones and rooted my SG2 while still stock. So here are some things. I was going nuts to get Nandroid backup, come to find out that is just a normal back up while in recovery mode.
Now i was trying to do some things with Titanium Backup but got a bit confused. I noticed that with the lite version, I can only uninstall apps not freeze. I want to clean my phone from all the clogs, especially when i notice my memory use shows most of the time 550m-769m, which i have to keep cleaning it. Hoping, removing some apps will help this. What is the difference between freezing and uninstalling. Also, i came across:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...SENVeXlqUm5vV0E&single=true&gid=0&output=html
Which it suppose to tell me which i can which i cant. Does this still apply with ICS? And looking at the list, all greens are good, correct?
Also, using root explorer is kinda weird. I was trying to install S Voice which it seems to be a big pain. For one, i have the package in a folder. When searching for it with Root Explorer, and i find S Voice, try to change permission it wont let me. Telling me the following, "Permissions change was not successful. Please note that some file systems (e.g. SD card) do not allow permission changes."
Also, trying to copy something into my system/app wont let me either.
What am i doing wrong? or missing?
thanks in advance.
dragonfire665 said:
So i have read many post and i mean many and i am still working my brain on catching on to all these. If you all notice, there is a lot to rooting, what you can do, names to things, so so much my brain hurts lol.
But, finally after almost 2 years of being here, 3 phones i grabbed my cojones and rooted my SG2 while still stock. So here are some things. I was going nuts to get Nandroid backup, come to find out that is just a normal back up while in recovery mode.
Now i was trying to do some things with Titanium Backup but got a bit confused. I noticed that with the lite version, I can only uninstall apps not freeze. I want to clean my phone from all the clogs, especially when i notice my memory use shows most of the time 550m-769m, which i have to keep cleaning it. Hoping, removing some apps will help this. What is the difference between freezing and uninstalling. Also, i came across:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...SENVeXlqUm5vV0E&single=true&gid=0&output=html
Which it suppose to tell me which i can which i cant. Does this still apply with ICS? And looking at the list, all greens are good, correct?
Also, using root explorer is kinda weird. I was trying to install S Voice which it seems to be a big pain. For one, i have the package in a folder. When searching for it with Root Explorer, and i find S Voice, try to change permission it wont let me. Telling me the following, "Permissions change was not successful. Please note that some file systems (e.g. SD card) do not allow permission changes."
Also, trying to copy something into my system/app wont let me either.
What am i doing wrong? or missing?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the difference from freezing and uninstalling is that freezing halts the app from running and removes it from your app list. If you are uninstalling something you think is bloat, back it up first, in case it screws things up you can restore it. Freeze is a good way to test whether or not you want to just simply uninstall it.
Titanium Backup Pro is totally worth the few bucks though if you can afford it.. a real good buy..
As far as the other stuff, I don't mess with system/app things so maybe someone else can help with that.
For the green-coloured apps, I would make sure I have an alternate app that can take care of that feature of the phone. For example you can remove the camera app, but without a replacement/alternate app your phone won't have a camera function.
TBP is the perfect app to test whether an app is good to remove. Just freeze it and see if your phone acts up. My understanding is that freezing=not letting an app run, uninstalling=getting rid of it.
In terms of not having the permission to copy files in the system directories, you may need to install a terminal emulator to change the permissions and do the copying manually.
Thank you guys and sorry for the very late reply. Using TBP i was able to FREEZE many apps, decided to go this route, i was and still am abit afraid of damaging something and not being able to go back and fix it.
However, i still have a few situations. Even freeze so many apps my battery still dies very fax with little use i give the phone. I also see the following apps under my memory usage and i do not know what they are and if they can be froze too to even get more memory back.
Enterprise VPN Service
IPService
SIM Toolkit
CSC
Bluetoothtest (i know that is the bluetooth but do not know if there is a way to freeze this program)
Google Services Framework
Package Access Helper
com.sec.android.providers.d
Download manager
Samsung Account
My Uploads
com.movial.ipprovider
Badgeprovider
Device Management
Systeme manager application
Popupiureceiver
Mobilelife Contacts
smartcardservice
dragonfire665 said:
So i have read many post and i mean many and i am still working my brain on catching on to all these. If you all notice, there is a lot to rooting, what you can do, names to things, so so much my brain hurts lol.
But, finally after almost 2 years of being here, 3 phones i grabbed my cojones and rooted my SG2 while still stock. So here are some things. I was going nuts to get Nandroid backup, come to find out that is just a normal back up while in recovery mode.
Now i was trying to do some things with Titanium Backup but got a bit confused. I noticed that with the lite version, I can only uninstall apps not freeze. I want to clean my phone from all the clogs, especially when i notice my memory use shows most of the time 550m-769m, which i have to keep cleaning it. Hoping, removing some apps will help this. What is the difference between freezing and uninstalling. Also, i came across:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/spr...SENVeXlqUm5vV0E&single=true&gid=0&output=html
Which it suppose to tell me which i can which i cant. Does this still apply with ICS? And looking at the list, all greens are good, correct?
Also, using root explorer is kinda weird. I was trying to install S Voice which it seems to be a big pain. For one, i have the package in a folder. When searching for it with Root Explorer, and i find S Voice, try to change permission it wont let me. Telling me the following, "Permissions change was not successful. Please note that some file systems (e.g. SD card) do not allow permission changes."
Also, trying to copy something into my system/app wont let me either.
What am i doing wrong? or missing?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for s voice there is flashable zip in that thread. Its garbage compared to siri in my opinion.
Another question, i come to noticed that my phone after root, whenever i shutdown or restart it will just hang on the goodbye picture. Is there a fix to this?
dragonfire665 said:
Another question, i come to noticed that my phone after root, whenever i shutdown or restart it will just hang on the goodbye picture. Is there a fix to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash Darkside Cache Wipe in recovery.
now im on stock, this will not damage any of my stock roms or anything within it, correct?
dragonfire665 said:
Another question, i come to noticed that my phone after root, whenever i shutdown or restart it will just hang on the goodbye picture. Is there a fix to this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darkside Cache Wipe worked for me.
Atmazzz said:
Flash Darkside Cache Wipe in recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Atmazzz i want to say thank you. Doing what you said helped my hang. I do not have that problem anymore. But i am wondering if fixing the permission could have be the cause i lost S Voice talkback feature. What i mean, is that after doing the wipe cache/dalvik and fixing permissiong, now my S Voice does not talk back to me. No matter how many time i restart the phone or whatever i do, it wont talk anymore.
On another note, thanks to you, i have come to understand more about all the rooting. All i have to do now is soon gets some strength and install a new rom than stock. But there are so many, i do not know which one to use. Especially with the official ICS i bet they are better now.
I just also hope that neither of the rom come with the bricking problem. As far as i read it only happens when using ICS kernel and my phone is 0X12 so i get worry.
Hi, I soon will be purchasing several Samsung note 2s for my company. I would like to set up one with what apps I want permitted, appearance and security restrictions on one phone. Would it be possible then to install this on every subsequent phone? I don't want to remove any of the Samsung software or anything, simply customise the phone and easily apply those changes to many phones. I've searched about custom ROM's, would that be the best route to go down?
Not to rain on your parade, but how would you prevent them from hitting XDA, connecting to Odin or whatever, and going on their merry way?
-----
I would love to help you, but help yourself first: ask a better question
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
spycedtx said:
Not to rain on your parade, but how would you prevent them from hitting XDA, connecting to Odin or whatever, and going on their merry way?
-----
I would love to help you, but help yourself first: ask a better question
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha. Sorry that was just too funny. But he is right, you might need to brainwash your employees into using their top of the line device to only use your apps that you predefine.
Here's another way to go about it: check each employees phone before work everyday to make sure everything is how you want it.
I'm not sure how to set it up, but I think it is safe to say that if you do, it won't be changed through the owner flashing custom ROM's.
I don't think an average person knows about that stuff and wouldn't look into it too much.
Good luck
Thanks for the replies
spycedtx said:
Not to rain on your parade, but how would you prevent them from hitting XDA, connecting to Odin or whatever, and going on their merry way?
-----
I would love to help you, but help yourself first: ask a better question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can already enforce the security policies via Google Apps Enterprise. So if they did wipe the phone and flash it, they'd need me to reactivate their phone to allow them to access company emails and documents e.t.c
What part in particular wasn't a smart question?
mitchillen said:
I'm not sure how to set it up, but I think it is safe to say that if you do, it won't be changed through the owner flashing custom ROM's.
I don't think an average person knows about that stuff and wouldn't look into it too much.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed my employees are social workers I really doubt flashing their phone will be top of the list.
So I need to create a custom rom and flash it to the other phones?
Sorry, that's my standard sig. It wasn't necessarily pointed at you or your questions
-----
I would love to help you, but help yourself first: ask a better question
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
spycedtx said:
Sorry, that's my standard sig. It wasn't necessarily pointed at you or your questions
-----
I would love to help you, but help yourself first: ask a better question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh right sorry since it was put in your post rather than in your signature from the user control panel it made me think it was aimed at me. Interesting reading though!
Can anyone help me further with this?
Try using avast from playstore. U can restrict lots of things plus settings with a passcode. And its free.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
what about using an app protector and just set it to lock the settings / market / install / uninstall prompts?? leave the rest unlocked and just have a normal lock screen if required?
i think smart app protector is free.
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I can enforce a few things when I enroll the phone to google apps and will probably end up using an app.
I just need a way now to do this all on one phone and copy all the settings, display customisations e.t.c easily to all other phones rather than go through the process every time. Can anybody help??
Hi. ..
M not expert. But I think this could be a solution.
Root all with exynos abuse. Install recovery of choice.
Modify the device. Create backup .and restore on all devices.
And .restore stock recovery. Use triangle away if binary count is increased. And unroot.
Others Pls correct if am wrong.
JoyMoro
my S pen did this.
tomgholmes said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I can enforce a few things when I enroll the phone to google apps and will probably end up using an app.
I just need a way now to do this all on one phone and copy all the settings, display customisations e.t.c easily to all other phones rather than go through the process every time. Can anybody help??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use titanium backup to backup the original phone and restore it to all the other phones. If stock, this would only backup apps + data. If rooted, you could also add the root addon so you could backup settings + data and again restoring the data from the original phone backup
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
JoyMoro said:
Hi. ..
M not expert. But I think this could be a solution.
Root all with exynos abuse. Install recovery of choice.
Modify the device. Create backup .and restore on all devices.
And .restore stock recovery. Use triangle away if binary count is increased. And unroot.
Others Pls correct if am wrong.
JoyMoro
my S pen did this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a fool with computers but new to the android scene, could you break down what you meant please?
Glad to see the spen in action!
LuvinN1 said:
You could use titanium backup to backup the original phone and restore it to all the other phones. If stock, this would only backup apps + data. If rooted, you could also add the root addon so you could backup settings + data and again restoring the data from the original phone backup
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, this looks interesting. I've had a look and it says that it does not backup all possible settings, does anyone know what settings are not backed up? And are home screen customisations backed up?
The comment about a recovery backup is akin to making a ghost image on a pc. This route would likely be easier than trying to roll your own rom first time out of the gate.
So, build out a phone the way you want it, use recovery mode to make a nandroid/backup/ghost, and then push that to the other phones via recovery mode on them.
Recovery mode is an alternate booting area where you can run backups and restore, and the mode you use to "flash" new roms, updates, and scripts.
-----
I would love to help you, but help yourself first: ask a better question
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
Will try to send details with links once am at pc
my S pen did this.
For settings and etc use Cloud in settings with your Samsung account. It backups call logs, messages, settings and wallpaper.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
Hi,
Here are detailed steps with links.
1. Root all phones using Exynos Abuse apk by Chainfire.
get it from below Link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2050297#
Install SuperSU from Google Play after rooting, (if it is not installed by rooting process itself) *.Thanks to Chainfire.
Note : there are other methods to root which needs to use Odin . Try out below guide. Very useful it is.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1930418
2. Now Install Recovery of choice . There are two recoveries most used. Both equally good
a. CWM - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1901196
b. Teamwin - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1956939
btw I use Teamwin, as easier for first timer with touch controls
3. Now you can modify the device(only one), Search this forum and google for your requirements.
4. Once done with all the changes. You need to use recovery to get a backup. It will be Images of various partitions of the phone memory including system, boot, etc. ( note - Do not take back-up of EFS, Only Data and System will work for your requirement)
5. Copy Back-up folder on a memory card. Insert in other phones and restore back-up using recovery.
6. Now You will have all the modifications you need, but your phones are rooted and hence no warranty, You need to unroot to claim warranty
7. before unrooting use Triangle away to reset binary count. You get it from below link (again Thanks to Chainfire)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
8. Unroot using SuperSU (option available in settling). Also check Google more about unroot process. ( There is reason I claim myself as NO EXPERT)
You will need ODIN.exe on your PC .
get ODIN 3.07 zip from http://samsung-updates.com/Odin307.zip.
Do follow all the instructions on each of the links I have provided.
Bye TC
...
my S pen did this.
I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.
ChewVodka said:
I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.
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Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
!!!Make a backup prior to this step!!!
Will update post when I am home with more suggestion's.
Thanks, that's somewhat helpful. At least it give me the names of programs. I have no idea what I'm doing though. Can you give me a link to a step-by-step guide, or at least explain what the different things are and what they do? Sorry for being such a noob with this.
Instructions
MAKE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE FILES FOR YOUR SPECIFIC DEVICE (T700, T705, T800, T805, etc.)
You will need Odin (This is the software that will allow you to install the root and other files [FLASHING])
CF-AutoRoot (Will provide Root access for your device): You will be flashing this with Odin
Optional: Install custom recovery TWRP. This is also done with Odin. This will allow you to make backups and flash .zip files, including custom roms, apps, etc.
Just google for guides on rooting Samsung Galaxy Tab S. They will show you step by step on how to do the Odin flashing, PDA, settings, autoreset or not, etc.
I recommend backing up your device at this point. Reboot into recovery (instructions will be in the rooting guides), go to backup and backup everything for now. In the future when you feel comfortable enough that you can/will select to only backup what you deem necessary.
Your device is now rooted, the first boot after installing CFAutoRoot will take awhile +/-3 - 5 minutes.
Now download Titanium Backup, and you can google or search XDA for a list of "safe" things to uninstall. Just go into TitaniumBackup and look for the app you want to Freeze (This will prevent the app from running but it will NOT delete it, thus it will still take up space) or Remove.
Busybox: Will be required by certain apps.
Optional:
Link2SD App, this allows you to install/move/link your apps to the SD Card, it essentially frees up your internal memory of the device and tricks the device into installing apps and their data files onto your second partition of your External SD Card (Google or Search XDA for guides on Link2SD). This will allow you to install a lot more apps than you normally would be able to. (Example: Vice City, San Andreas, Plants vs Zombies, etc. I mention these because of their large data size). Not all apps will work when linked, just trial and error. I can't seem to get Word, Excel, Powerpoint linked to my SD Card without at least one of the failing, same with Facebook. You will have to test each app and see what files you can link/bind and which you can't.
Adblock Plus: Self explanatory
Xposed: A bunch of customization options for your device
ES File Explorer Pro: The best file management/directory app IMO
Greenify: Battery saver
Aptoide: Secondary App Store
Hancom Apps: I feel these work better on occasion then the Microsoft Office apps (Example large excel files with multiple formulas and filters)
NovaLauncher: Custom launcher, a lot more customizations then TouchWiz will provide you. (Your home screen)
Tasker: Limitless possibilities with this app (Search google/XDA for info)
TWRP Manager: TWRP Recovery app.
VLC: Video player
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
If you are happy with your device up to this point, I would create another backup after you are done with the initial set up and have installed the apps of your choosing. Save a copy on the device, PC, NAS, etc. just in case you lose one of your copies. Some TWRP versions do not allow you to backup directly to the external SD Card, you may have to backup into the Internal and then transfer the information over to the external SD Card.
Good Luck.
xLima said:
Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
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Is this the link I should be using? I'll know for sure what it's model number is once I receive the tablet. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
xLima said:
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
xLima said:
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
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Click to collapse
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
Thanks again for any help!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
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This link works, although there are newer versions of TWRP, you can install these after however, no big deal.
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
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The previous link contains TWRP, read above. The normal CF Autoroot comes with CWM Recovery I believe (A custom recovery similar to TWRP). You can use the link you posted. Chagallwifi is the "nickname" of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 WiFi, it is one way to search for a device, the other being the model number T800, for instance or the long commercial name.
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
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You get the app from the playstore, correct. I am not sure about GApps, I want to say it isn't necessary unless you will be installing a custom rom (you can double check this on the rooting guides, if it asks for GApps, then flash the GApps)
The system back up is done via TWRP or CWM, boot into recovery and choose backup.
Titanium Backup allows you to back up the app and its data file. So you don't lose the progress of your games. Also backs up email, WiFi passwords, etc.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
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Most of the errors cause soft bricks, you can recover from these. I would recommend you backup after rooting, in case you mess something up toying with Titanium, Link2SD, SuperSU, etc. You can always use SamMobile and find a Stock Rom to flash back onto the device, again via Odin. Not sure if the KnoxTrip flag will still show up, you can trying Googling how to root without tripping Knox, I know there are methods, however I have never used them. I have soft bricked my device before, I deleted everything with TWRP, I wanted to factory reset, and I selected erase System..... scary times.
Stock Rom: SamFirm (Outdated) or Updato
Thanks for all your help and advice. I just got my tablet today. Still kinda playing around with it. I probably won't do anything for a couple of days. At least till my next day off from work (Thursday) so I can concentrate on what I'm doing. I was really scared when I first turned it on, everything was in Korean. I had to find a YouTube video showing how to go through the initial setup to change the language. All good now. Once I got it fully running, it downloaded a 350mb update and rebooted. I'm now running Lolipop 5.0.2. Is that going to cause any issues? Also, I can now confirm that it is model SM-T800.
Thanks again!
ChewVodka, once your past the learning curve rooting etc. can be done in your sleep. After some research, I rooted a 10.1 tab 4 a while back with no problem. Definitely better o have more control over the device, I think. Just got a new 10.5 also, and am looking around for the best way to administer the Android system - the Galaxy Tab S for Dummies book seems to me to be actually a good place to start. I'll check back here with any choice info I find on the 10.5.
Also, I have this case for my 10.1, and this is the best under $20 case you can get for the 10.5 - so cheap I bought two of them! Type in search: Xtra-Funky Exclusive Samsung Galaxy Tab S, 10.5 -- the black and navy blue are cool -- the others kinda garish.
Easy Way, allow installation of 3rd party apps in settings download this for android https://kingroot.net/ run it select install anyway when you get the pop up, and root device , open Playstore download flashify for root users, run it allow it access , click recovery image then download twrp choose the 3.0.2-0 release and install to your tab and reboot into recovery, at this point you can use it to make a backup of your current rom or install a custom rom (following the directions on the page for the rom that you choose), this is easier method if you aren't familiar with odin and don't have the drivers and all set up on pc. You can also change kingroot over to super user in a few different ways can download and use supersume from play store and run it or, just flash the newest superuser in twrp and remove whats leftover from kingroot manually after reboot. If you intend on doing a custom rom i suggest choosing first and having all files available before you start. However if you intend on using odin You might want to install this first http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790 so you have full communication with the device in case anything does go wrong there will be other options. This is of course if you are not already setup with this already. Also I would like to note there are a few roms here based on the stock firmware if you like it just look through the forum see what you like, and read everything.
What are the benefits to a custom ROM? I assume you're talking about things like Cyanogenmod. There are some people in another forum I visit that like it, but I don't know what it is or why I would want it. Does it allow installing pirated software or something? It's probably not allowed to be discussed here, and I'm not saying I would purposely do something like that (not that I wouldn't if possible lol). It all comes down to the fact that I'm completely new to the tablet world, other than the fact that it's a bigger and better Kindle Fire that I can get more usage out of by not being limited to Amazon's ROM and store for apps. The biggest things I'm looking to do is get rid of bloatware that came preinstalled (of which a lot was added with the update) and the ability to make backups of the entire system should something screw up.
It sounds like "rooting" is essentially giving you the administrative control access to the system (like in Windows) instead of being limited to a generic "user". That allows you to install more system accessible programs, where a generic user would get a UAC prompt and then be told and Administrator needs to preform that action. As for "recovery", it sounds like that is sort of like the CMOS/BIOS of a PC. It's the first "program" that runs when you boot up (even requiring a specific keypress to enter). This allows you to access the system before the system boots, to get you backup/restore functions, and the ability to install new OS's. It also sounds like the built in version from Samsung is what is getting changed (like updating the BIOS of the PC) to allow more functionality (like backups, etc). The only thing you don't have access to is stuff like disk drives, but things like RAM and CPU can be adjusted once you have ROOT.
The more I learn about it, the more I'm eager to do it. I really don't like feeling confined to a predetermined set of available things to do, and I really don't like having somebody decide to install software I'll never use on my system that just takes up space. I especially hate that said programs can't even be uninstalled. Looks like this is what I'm gonna have to do!
Decided not to wait and rooted it tonight. I have the freedom now to play, though I'm not sure where to start. Currently I have the CF-Autoroot thing done, and it installed SuperSU. Then I did the TWRP recovery, and made a backup of all the partitions. I was kinda hoping I could backup remotely (like on the computer) rather than stored on the same device. I have a microSD card ordered and on the way, so my next task will be to back up to that. There is a tool I use on my Kindle Fire called ES File Explorer. I'll see if I can get that on this. Then I can find the backup and transfer it over the wifi.
I'll check out your other recommended apps as I have time. Thanks again!
Now I'm having a bunch of trouble. I was able to get the Chainfire root to go through, and verified it with a Root Checker. I then installed the TWRP recovery so I could make a backup. I even have a few backups. Then I went and installed an app called TWRP Manager, that was supposed to enable me the option of making backups LIVE (without having to boot into TWRP). It wasn't working, so I went to do a "Classic Backup" which reboots into TWRP and starts the backup then reboots normally. Well, TWRP never booted. I just had a black screen. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn't power on with the power button, and I couldn't manually boot into TWRP. The only option that did anything was ODIN (Download) Mode. I'm really freaking out at this point. I found a way to connect to XDA's IRC Channel and talked with some really nice guys and was told to try re-flashing the stock. I did that, and it worked. But now I'm stuck again. Basically starting from scratch with a stock system, I went through to install the Chainfire root again. It seemed to work ok, and SuperSU showed up. Ran the Root Verifier and it confirmed it was successful. I then went to flash TWRP. ODIN says it passed, but I still can't boot into it. Here's the kicker.. even if it appears that it's not working, if I do the keypresses on my tablet correctly and wait like 2-3 minutes then try again, TWRP will actually be up but the screen locked. WTF??
So did I something wrong? I'm really lost. Like I told the guys in the chatroom, I'm going on blind faith here, not really knowing what I'm doing. I figured once I have stock installed, I'm basically back to square one and can go through the whole process again. Doesn't seem to be working. I have to go to work now but hopefully somebody has something of a suggestion I can try by the time I get home.
xLima said:
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
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Before I try this myself and bootloop, would I be safe flashing the 4way multiwindow on the new stock 6.0.1 ROM? (SM-T805)