Related
I had a few questions that I can't pull up much information on. There looks to be a ton of updates we now have the option of putting on our EVO, what are the differences.
Kernel
--- Alright, I know this one but for anyone who doesn't. This is the heart of the phone. It is what allows software to talk to hardware.
--- Why do some of the kernel changes break the camera/accelerometer? Are these drivers built into the kernel instead of modules? Can they not be rebuilt with different kernels?
NAND
--- What is the NAND and why are we unlocking it?
--- NAND is a type of flash, no? Are all they system files (i.e. the /system folder) on their own chip inside the evo? How can rooting and remounting the system r/w not control the /system folder?
--- While I'm at it, does rooting just me remounting everything but the /system folder as r/w. So a non rooted phone is read only except for the SD card and where ever apps from the market are installed?
Recovery
--- It seems like there are a couple recovery systems out there... clockwork and another. Did the EVO not come with its own recovery system. What have these modded versions added?
ROMS
--- What are these really doing if they are not messing with the /system folder. Are they just a bundle of different programs? Change the rom and you change the programs that are installed? What is the difference between a ROM and a DEV-ROM
RADIO
--- What is the deal with the new radio. Is it updated drivers for the baseband? This kind of gets into my kernel question about how the drivers are handled within the kernel. How can this work across multiple kernels, but we cant get the camera working?
I know this is a lot, but if anyone could fill in some of the holes for me I would appreciate it.
Thanks
bump...
Any thoughts? You don't have to answer them all.
I am NO expert, but can help a bit....
Kernel
--- Alright, I know this one but for anyone who doesn't. This is the heart of the phone. It is what allows software to talk to hardware.
--- Why do some of the kernel changes break the camera/accelerometer? Are these drivers built into the kernel instead of modules? Can they not be rebuilt with different kernels?
From my understanding, the kernles that break the camera, are kernels that are ports of kernels from other phones. So, the drivers for the camera are not the same as for the other phones camera.
Recovery
--- It seems like there are a couple recovery systems out there... clockwork and another. Did the EVO not come with its own recovery system. What have these modded versions added?
My understanding is that the phone's original recovery, is locked to only flash Sprint's Official ROM's. So the custom recovery will allow to flash custom ROM's
ROMS
--- What are these really doing if they are not messing with the /system folder. Are they just a bundle of different programs? Change the rom and you change the programs that are installed? What is the difference between a ROM and a DEV-ROM
Aside from changing apps, ROM's can do different things like optimizing the apps so that they run smoother, move data from one place to another to run more efficiently and allow for a number of customizations that would not be available with only the stock ROM rooted. A ROM is understanded as a usable, stable ROM. A DEV-ROM is one that is not stable, were it has things that still dont work and need to keep improving.
Hope it helps!
Perfect thanks.
The ROM/DEV-ROM thing was really bugging me, and the recovery explanation makes sense.
amw2320 said:
I had a few questions that I can't pull up much information on. There looks to be a ton of updates we now have the option of putting on our EVO, what are the differences.
Kernel
--- Alright, I know this one but for anyone who doesn't. This is the heart of the phone. It is what allows software to talk to hardware.
--- Why do some of the kernel changes break the camera/accelerometer? Are these drivers built into the kernel instead of modules? Can they not be rebuilt with different kernels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So with *.NIX kernels such as linux, unix, and the android kernel there are modules that make up the kernel itself. Any *.NIX kernel is going to be modular and this makes it more efficient and robust. In the case of specific items not working between different kernels, it most likely means the kernel was compiled with specific modules that have specific scripts and drivers in it. This method speeds up the kernel because it takes out stuff not needed. But means it limits the devices the kernel can run on.
In the case of Android ROMs not being able to fully interface with hardware, it likely means the kernel is missing something as another commentator already suggested.
NAND
--- What is the NAND and why are we unlocking it?
--- NAND is a type of flash, no? Are all they system files (i.e. the /system folder) on their own chip inside the evo? How can rooting and remounting the system r/w not control the /system folder?
--- While I'm at it, does rooting just me remounting everything but the /system folder as r/w. So a non rooted phone is read only except for the SD card and where ever apps from the market are installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are unlocking NAND and rooting phones to get access to file systems that are locked down by phone manufactures/cell providers. Doing so unleashes the full potential of the device.
If you rooted your phone and you do not have full access to the file system, you only did part 1 of the root process. There are 2 parts because one unlocks NAND and the other unlocks the file system completely with the phone booted. Step 1 just unlocks filesystem for NAND which means you have to be booted into NAND for full access to file system. I think I have that right.
Recovery
--- It seems like there are a couple recovery systems out there... clockwork and another. Did the EVO not come with its own recovery system. What have these modded versions added?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clockwork and the others are just replacing NAND with their own system, if I am correct. I recommend doing this if you are rooted because you get better features and a constantly updated system, where as NAND is only updated when Sprint and HTC have an update with a NAND update in it (which isn't often). The way I recommend updating this is using ROM Manager once you are rooted. It is very safe and easy.
ROMS
--- What are these really doing if they are not messing with the /system folder. Are they just a bundle of different programs? Change the rom and you change the programs that are installed? What is the difference between a ROM and a DEV-ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you see ROM, think GUI for the OS, collection of apps and scripts. The ROM what you are going to interact with and use. I highly recommend flashing a custom ROM once rooted because you will have less problems and they are way more efficient than stock. Developers take time and care to test and tweak their ROMs so that they not only perform good, but give us the features we want. Find one you like and install. Make sure you do a NAND backup though once you get everything installed the way you like. Also do a titanium backup (app from marketplace) too.
RADIO
--- What is the deal with the new radio. Is it updated drivers for the baseband? This kind of gets into my kernel question about how the drivers are handled within the kernel. How can this work across multiple kernels, but we cant get the camera working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is recommended not to mess with the radio unless a ROM you want requires it. I flashed it without any trouble at all and things seem fine on my phone. Some people recommend flashing it because they think it makes the cell radios in the phone perform more efficiently and such. This is all I can say on the radio as I'm no expert.
I see most of the questions have been answered above...I'll attempt as well and perhaps it will help clarify (or just give a different way of looking at it).
amw2320 said:
I had a few questions that I can't pull up much information on. There looks to be a ton of updates we now have the option of putting on our EVO, what are the differences.
Kernel
--- Alright, I know this one but for anyone who doesn't. This is the heart of the phone. It is what allows software to talk to hardware.
--- Why do some of the kernel changes break the camera/accelerometer? Are these drivers built into the kernel instead of modules? Can they not be rebuilt with different kernels?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the kernel is the heart of any OS (Windows has one, Linux has one, etc). The kernel is where everything eventually goes to do anything.
The reason the new kernels do not have camera functionality is because, while we have generic source code, we do not have the drivers/modules for that source code. HTC does some modifications within the source that are proprietary and so we have to attempt to try and reverse engineer it. About the time we do, they release the source code (I have suspicions of conspiracy, but that may just be me) and that's when the kernel's really roll out with some fun stuff.
New kernels will be the source of the most new features...overclocking, efficiency improvements, etc.
NAND
--- What is the NAND and why are we unlocking it?
--- NAND is a type of flash, no? Are all they system files (i.e. the /system folder) on their own chip inside the evo? How can rooting and remounting the system r/w not control the /system folder?
--- While I'm at it, does rooting just me remounting everything but the /system folder as r/w. So a non rooted phone is read only except for the SD card and where ever apps from the market are installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is one of the areas I'm most weak in for understanding but I'll still take a stab.
NAND is a type of flash and, to my knowledge, it's own seperate chip. It is usually locked to prevent modifications that could break your phone or prevent it from updating properly...I *think* it's used during boot so the lock would translate straight through to your OS and prevent changes if put in a locked state (think similar to how some SD cards have a "lock" switch on the side to make it read only, except a software version of it).
Recovery
--- It seems like there are a couple recovery systems out there... clockwork and another. Did the EVO not come with its own recovery system. What have these modded versions added?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clockwork and AmonRA's recoveries are replacements that add functionality over the stock recovery. The stock recovery is only meant to be used by the manufacturer to perform certain tasks (like updating, resetting, etc...but no user functions like backup/restores.). Both Clockwork and AmonRA's recoveries add the ability to take a complete image of your phone (so that you can always restore any software changes no matter how severe), reformat and partition your sd card (to add/remote a cache partition or a partition for Apps2SD), reset battery stats, and a host of other things I'm sure I haven't even touched on. Also, I believe they add the functionality to flash unsigned updates done by the community (not just restricting us to HTC's updates).
ROMS
--- What are these really doing if they are not messing with the /system folder. Are they just a bundle of different programs? Change the rom and you change the programs that are installed? What is the difference between a ROM and a DEV-ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the ROMs you see now require NAND unlocks so that they can mess with the apps in /system. Some ROMs are just a certain package of apps or a set of themes. Others add functionality or make certain things easier to implement. Yet others are tweaked to attempt to change other aspects of the OS to improve performance of battery life through tweaks to when the system performs certain tasks.
Ultimately, each ROM is different and the changelogs *should* tell you what all they've done over the stock (or if they're based on another ROM, you can open that page to see the tweaks they are tweaking, etc). (Sometimes it can get pretty big on the tweaks on another rom's tweaks on another rom's tweaks...check the CDMA hero forums for some combination roms ).
ROMs vs Dev-ROMs - Dev-ROM's are usually a work in progress...they are testing new features and often will be on the bleeding edge (emphasis on bleeding). These will sometimes (even likely) break something while they try and improve or add new functionality in another aspect. You should only flash these if you want to help test and if you have an idea of what's going on so you can help troubleshoot.
Normal ROMs are usually more stable (usually) and will have milder modifications (though once a DEV-ROM has successfully gotten a new feature stable, most other ROMs will incorporate those changes...it's kindof a lifecycle).
RADIO
--- What is the deal with the new radio. Is it updated drivers for the baseband? This kind of gets into my kernel question about how the drivers are handled within the kernel. How can this work across multiple kernels, but we cant get the camera working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Radio images are a bit more like firmware updates to the radio chip. These often help to improve reception or connectivity or fix instabilities or other problems. Not everyone experiences the issues that it attempts to fix and doing a flash on your own does have certain risks. The odds of a problem arising for you isn't high, but the effect is potentially severe if a problem does occur. The main thing to remember is to ensure you have enough battery for the changes to occur (firmware updates in general recommend this on all devices, be it laptop BIOS updates or phone radio updates...I recommend using the wall charger and not unplugging it until 5 minutes after the update has completed), and ensure that you don't try and do anything else on the phone while the update is occuring.
I know this is a lot, but if anyone could fill in some of the holes for me I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully the info given by me and my fellow ex-newbies will help with your desire to learn! There's a lot of cool stuff about our phones and I love that we can get a bit into the guts of the thing (unlike some phones*)
*I can't help but throw a little jab at Apple every so often.
This is great information and helps me to push myself even further towards ROM development.
I enjoy my Evo and this website is amazing
Great thread and information, I was looking for something similar. I'm totally new to Android and want to start the whole rooting process.
I don't mean to hijack the thread or anything, but some terms are thrown around and I don't have a 100% understanding of what they really mean....could someone please define them?
Recovery?
Flashing?
Thanks codemonk and webs, that was awesome.
Onepanda, i'll give your question a shot.
Flashing is really just putting files on you phone. Generally it refers to replacing the andriod system files. You can flash a kernel, a ROM, drivers, or just an update to one of those.
Recovery is a mode you can put your phone into from boot. This is where you flash the files from. You cant just replace system files while they are running, so you boot into recovery mode and flash them from there.
Recovery mode also has a few other features allowing you to reset settings (cache) and make backups.
(Yes I know clean isn't spelled with a K)
Well, I've been working on my personal ROM for quite a while now, since there isn't much out there for us VZW users, I've decided to share. This might work on sprint, but I haven't tried. Sprint users should stay away unless they really know what they're doing. As normal, it's not my fault if you fubar your tab by flashing this or if zombies come and speedhump your cat. You've been warned.
Preamble
1. Don't ask me on how to install koush's recovery, that's what his thread is for. Laymen's terms- Did you do THIS? If you did, you're good to go, if not. do it.
2. I am not going to teach you how to use, or set up the applications that you need to use/flash this. I have included links to everything you need to know, just click and read for a second. If you are not willing to put out a little bit of effort to better your experience with your Tab, I am not going to waste even more of my time that could be dedicated towards making my ROM better. Also, if you aren't willing to give yourself the fundamental knowledge required for flashing this and something goes wrong, you will then have the required skill to fix it, instead of blaming me for bricking your Tab. I don't need that. I am willing to support my ROM and help with some confusion, but if you want me to do everything for you- lo siento.
About This ROM
There's not too much to say about it. It's DJ11 with almost 100MB of bloat ware, Verizon/Samsung crap and worthless other nonsense pulled out and the good bits updated with parts of the EURO updates/dumps. I have also done some other mods and optimizations.
Features
Updated Samsung apps from newer GSM ROMS! (The only way you can currently experience the updates on your CDMA device)
Deodexed
Zipaligned
Ad blocking hosts
Screen density of 180 (you can fit more stuff on the screen. Change with build.prop edit or LCD Density changer)
Transparent Notification bar
Gingerbread launcher
Minimal Touchwiz integration
Custom notification and ringtones (a la The PHJC)
More! (Really, there is more, but I can't think of it right now, I'll edit this post as I remember)
Installed Apps
3G Mobile Hotspot (wifi needs it to work)
Browser
Calendar
Camera
Chrome to Phone
Contacts
Email
Gallery
Gmail
Google Search
Latitude
Maps
Market
Connected Music Player (from Motorola, it's sweet)
Navigation
Places
Spare Part
Superuser
Talk
Task Manager
Titanium Backup
Video
Voices
Voice Search
Youtube
Removed
Verizon Boot Animation (That's why all you see is a black screen on first boot, just wait. I'm working on a custom one right now.)
Touchwiz Launcher!!!
Accessibility features. Note: you can still manually download them from the market.
lot of other crap, I can't remember, blockbuster, games, it goes on. I pulled out almost 100MB of apps, unneeded audio files, apps and such.
Changelog
v3 - Installation Update
Not much has actually changed about this ROM, I started to theme it, I stopped, I need to replace the zips with the stock again
CWM flashable zip install method has been uploaded for ease of flashing
v2 - Application Update
Lots of apps integrated from the GSM JMI Dump from Rotohammer. As usual I have deodexed and zipaligned the apks. There are some nice updates in the task manager, Contacts, Calendar, email and several other apps.
v1 - Initial Public Release
I was having some core issues with previous versions, but I've been running for well over 12 hours now without a problem.
If people paying for the data plans would report back to confirm all wireless cell activity still functions, that would be great (I only use wifi, but my VZW location service still works, so your data should too).
Known Issues
The notification/ringtones are duplicated in the selection windows, don't know why but there are no redundant files.
You will get core FC's and FC's in contacts, calendar and email until your Twitter/Facebook/Gmail accounts are fully synced, this is normal. Just give it a couple hours to fully sync (or turn up the sync interval to speed up the process).
If you are having any issues with the ROM loading on the first boot (it shouldn't take more than 4 minutes at the black screen) Turn the Tab off by holding down the power button until it powers off (9 seconds or so), Boot into recovery, select advanced --> reboot recovery. Once the secondary recovery loads, select format/factory reset and reboot.
Set picture as lockscreen wallpaper doesn't work.
Plans
I don't know, it's fast right now. Probably just more streamlining, accurate battery mod, shutdown options and a theme are all on the list too. This is really just to get me through until I finish some other things. You can make requests, but don't expect me to listen to them. I'm just sharing the ROM I've made for myself, so it is, and always will be, configured the way I like it. There's always the random good idea though. Let me know if you find any serious bugs too please.
Installation
Download the VZW bootstrapper or manually CWM your Tab (instructions HERE)
Download ROM
Factory Reset (BACK UP YOUR DATA FIRST! Should only be necessary if coming from stock)
Boot into recovery mode (power off, power button + volume up)
Select Install zip from sdcard
Select Select zip from sdcard
Browse to the location of the ROMs zip
Select yes and wait for the flash to complete
Reboot
Extras
Metamorph to change status bar black - DOWNLOAD
Metamorph to change status bar white - DOWNLOAD
Metamorph to change status bar transparent - DOWNLOAD
Note: Metamorph can be downloaded from the market HERE or if you prefer ninjamorph HERE.
Thanks
jt1134, Adrynalyne, rotohammer, TCMAN and everyone in IRC as usually is great help.
Lastly, if you like my work, donate to me so I can donate money to devs that make my world easier (and therefore yours).
Great Khas.
Had an issue with the Market, even though you said it was in the rom. I had to use unyaffs on my CWM backup and pull the Vending.apk there and then push it. Otherwise I'm loving it. Great job
Awesome. We have been waiting for someone to step up for us VZW guys. I will be flashing tonight. Thanks man
Im getting alot of fcs when adding a gmail account. Im not sure. Why.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Two Quick Questions
Hi Guys, I have my tab rooted but that was the extent of my knowledge. I apparently am unsure what this means exactly.
Can someone explain how to do this - YOU MUST HAVE AN EXT4 FORMATTED FILE SYSTEM TO USE
Can someone walk me through the steps of how to - Flash Via Heimdall
Thanks for this..
@ Boushh ,
I have 3 VZW Tablets...funny I got them all for Christmas Gift from One Vocal Wish at Shopping center with my Friends...LOL
I am glad to Try out your ROM, test bugs and other stuff!!
If you can just Post a Descriptive Instruction "How-To" step by step short and brief understandable, will be AWSOME!! All I care is IT Works!! and Functional 75% of Time it is ON!!
andermk said:
Hi Guys, I have my tab rooted but that was the extent of my knowledge. I apparently am unsure what this means exactly.
Can someone explain how to do this - YOU MUST HAVE AN EXT4 FORMATTED FILE SYSTEM TO USE
Can someone walk me through the steps of how to - Flash Via Heimdall
Thanks for this..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The easiest rout for you would be to download and install the "Verizon Tab Bootstrapper" (it costs a buck, also, not my app) from the market onto your tab. that will convert the necessary partitions to ext4. Alternatively you can follow the method to do it manually HERE
ekoandrew said:
@ Boushh ,
I have 3 VZW Tablets...funny I got them all for Christmas Gift from One Vocal Wish at Shopping center with my Friends...LOL
I am glad to Try out your ROM, test bugs and other stuff!!
If you can just Post a Descriptive Instruction "How-To" step by step short and brief understandable, will be AWSOME!! All I care is IT Works!! and Functional 75% of Time it is ON!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No to come off as rude or anything, but I do have instructions on the first post. They are pretty much all you need, so what exactly are you not getting or would you like explained more in depth? Once I discover this I can update my instructions to where it would be more helpful for some of you.
Beginners Terms
No to come off as rude or anything, but I do have instructions on the first post. They are pretty much all you need, so what exactly are you not getting or would you like explained more in depth? Once I discover this I can update my instructions to where it would be more helpful for some of you. [/QUOTE]
Hey Boushh,
When you said:
YOU MUST HAVE AN EXT4 FORMATTED FILE SYSTEM TO USE
Use Koush's recovery to get there.
Do you mean just wipe data and cache in cwm or something more?
Also when you said to Flash Via Heimdall - Im just not sure how to use Hiemdall. Can you tell me what steps to take.
Sorry for the questions and thanks for your patience.
Hey boushh, would you mind listing out all the apps that you deleted out of the /system? I just want to make sure that some of the stuff like divx, mobile print, etc is still there.
Thanks for all your hard work!
Boushh,
Thank you so very much for this. I just flashed v2 and I'm in love with my tab all over again! I do have 3g enabled, and so far it seems to be working just as well as the stock ROM. So far I don't notice any issues and it's blazing fast. I'm also using your new kernel as well. Thanks again and keep up the awesome work!
steveo11284 said:
Boushh,
Thank you so very much for this. I just flashed v2 and I'm in love with my tab all over again! I do have 3g enabled, and so far it seems to be working just as well as the stock ROM. So far I don't notice any issues and it's blazing fast. I'm also using your new kernel as well. Thanks again and keep up the awesome work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im looking for some help, im not new to this completly as ive rooted and installed many roms on my phones but im new to this for the tab...
I downloaded the bootloader off the market. After i do the bootloader do i factory reset?
My question is with heimdall....when you have the screen up with all the different options(pda/code , kernal, etc) where do you put the rom to flash it?
EDIT* I got to the clockworkmod recovery screen. Can i wipe cache and install zip from there as im used to from my phone????
Thank again as any help is appreciated
Alright guys i need some help...The tab wont get pass the "samsung" when i try to boot. The only thing i did was run the bootstrapper from the market. I can get to download mode but i cant figure out how to install the rom from heimdall...
UPDATE: In Heimdall i got "flash successfully completed" but when the tab goes to boot it wont get past the samsung screen!!
---Deleted---
jkurl said:
I really hope you did a backup cause it you did then you can go into recovery and restore your system. If not you can still go into clockworkmod and reinstall the rom from there. that is where you should have installed the rom from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well after all morning trying to figure this out...i finally got it! Had to restore to factory settings and whatnot first and then i figured it out!! Thanks again
steveo11284 said:
Boushh,
Thank you so very much for this. I just flashed v2 and I'm in love with my tab all over again! I do have 3g enabled, and so far it seems to be working just as well as the stock ROM. So far I don't notice any issues and it's blazing fast. I'm also using your new kernel as well. Thanks again and keep up the awesome work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, I'm so glad to hear 3G is still working! Thanks for letting me know that. Also, I'm glad you enjoy the ROM, I have some good things in store for it too.
newtonfb said:
Im looking for some help, im not new to this completly as ive rooted and installed many roms on my phones but im new to this for the tab...
I downloaded the bootloader off the market. After i do the bootloader do i factory reset?
My question is with heimdall....when you have the screen up with all the different options(pda/code , kernal, etc) where do you put the rom to flash it?
EDIT* I got to the clockworkmod recovery screen. Can i wipe cache and install zip from there as im used to from my phone????
Thank again as any help is appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You factory reset, as I said in the instructions, also, there is no zip. You flash via Heimdall in download mode, as I said in the instructions. The ROM will not boot unless you factory reset
newtonfb said:
Alright guys i need some help...The tab wont get pass the "samsung" when i try to boot. The only thing i did was run the bootstrapper from the market. I can get to download mode but i cant figure out how to install the rom from heimdall...
UPDATE: In Heimdall i got "flash successfully completed" but when the tab goes to boot it wont get past the samsung screen!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would use the heimdall command prompt, the GUI doesn't always work right. Also, this has no verizon boot animation, so you will just see a black screen for a second once you get past the samsung screen.
jkurl said:
I really hope you did a backup cause it you did then you can go into recovery and restore your system. If not you can still go into clockworkmod and reinstall the rom from there. that is where you should have installed the rom from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't install the rom from Clockworkmod. You should read the directions before spreading misinformation in the future.
Does this rom have the bluetooth drivers fixed?
No, you don't install the rom from Clockworkmod. You should read the directions before spreading misinformation in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what your saying is that you can't install this rom via clockwork mod?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_qwT7rTY4E
Above is a Video, how the ROM looks like after flashed with Hemidall.
I used Frontend instead of CMD, also purchased the VZW Bootstrapper!
This is 2nd Tried with Voodoo Kernel!
Everything moves pretty well as you can see. So far no Bugs, I just missed the good old File App from original stock rom.
Deleted as well no need to argue over a Rom. Now if you stole my beer than I can see.
@boushh is the CWM for vzw you using version 3 or a later version? Got some people asking me in another forum an I want to make sure I give them the correct info.
Well everyone the dinc2 community has treated me well but I have moved on to the htc rezound please do not hesitate to still pm questions though I'm hoping I can find a volunteer to take over this thread. I'll miss you guys cuz for the most part it was a very mature forum and ill pop in once in awhile to say hello. Good luck if anyone would like to give back to this community and take over this thread pm and ill pm a mod. god bless
I thought it maybe fun to have a light and humorous side to this also so everyone keep your eyes out for funny posts that can make our quote of the day:
if you guys see any posts that make you chuckle pm me and I will put it here and credit you for finding it
Anyone looking to root your incredible2 that is on 2.3.4 with the.98 hboot please see here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1298990 then after your hboot is downgraded follow the instructions on rivera82falcons thread,linked below
hey guys I'm attempting to get a thread started to get all the basic info out to the newcomers that they will need to start there modding a flashing journey. I'm also hoping this will help cut down on the repetitive questions and useless posts mucking up our forums. This is and always will be a work in progress, so this is just a start there will be much more info added as time goes on.
First thing if your not rooted yet everything you need to know is in this thread by rivera82falcon http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1219246
Next up is how to flash a custom rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263756 by AgalychnisCallidryas
Another thing is the gingerbread ruu. If your phone comes with froyo I would reccommend following the directions on this page before trying to root because unrevoked is becoming increasingly harder to find. Also this can get you out of some pretty sticky situations if you mess up badly enough: http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...8-605-4-same-as-the-official-gingerbread-ota/
wanna try a different radio? Head over to gu1dry's thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134451
Its my opinion that every flasher should have adb setup on their computer, it will bail you out of a bootloop, tell you why its happening and do all kinds of other awesome stuff. here is an excellent thread from nephron to get you on your way, its from another phones forums but everything except the drivers apply to us, obviously install the correct drivers for your phone: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532719
for those of you who use aosp roms, just about everyone prefers the miui camera over the aosp stock one and here it is with instructions. Thanks pacerguydon: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17691395&postcount=11
if your market is missing apps, check this out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1275574 thanks knipp
those of you who want to learn java and general scripting here is a few good tutorials that artvandelay440 dug up:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17691710&postcount=13
for the up and coming themers here is where to get brut.alls apktool:http://code.google.com/p/android-apktool/ if anyone can find me a good noob friendly tutorial for apktool let me know and I'll post it.
tommytomato created a fantastic super tool called android utility, you can decompile apks sign them and do all kinds of good stuff. Really the ultimate themeing tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1167623 if your thinking of doing mods and themes of your own you should check this out, tommy is a modding master and extremely helpful to new themers
wanna changer your splash screen or boot animation? Have a look at 06stangs thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1161543
if your running an aosp rom you can change the carrier label here's how: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1221882 thanks to artvandelay440
running a sense rom? Go here for a new lockring: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1260128 thanks to jwhetstone02
our friend knipp21 has started modding miui lockscreens check it out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1288566
before getting my incredible2 I had an inspire, the one thing I missed about the inspire was 4ext recovery,well now we have it. Big thanks to madmaxx80 for the awesome recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267540
here is a great tool for undervolting, it provides an easy to use gui, please read up on the pros and cons of undervolting before attempting and remember you must have a kernel that supports undervolting to use this. It will not work on the stock kernel. Thanks to chad0989 for this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1190004
here is setcpu a tool for overclocking, your kernel must support overclocking and this should not be used in conjunction with any other overclocking apps. Thanks to coolbho3000 for this, and please guys consider purchasing the donate version of this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=505419
here is a very educational thread similar to this one, its from the thunderbolt forums but most of the info applies to us as well. Its a very well put together thread and super informative. I reccommend you guys check it out because its a good read. Big thanks to loonatik78 for putting it together: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16695064#post16695064
another thing I would like to stress to the new people, xda has a thanks button, and now you can even use it right from the xda app, don't be greedy with it guys if someone helps you click thanks.
I would like this thread to become a community effort, if there is anything you guys feel should be here dont hesitate to let me know. This is my small effort to give back to a community that gave me so much so I will gladly try to answer any and all questions in an effort to keep our forums clean. No matter how stupid you think the question may be pm me and I'll try to help. I may not always have your answer but will most likely be able to point you in the right direction. see post three for frequently asked questions
Pm me for any and all questions as well.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
this q and a section will be a work in progress as well. If anyone has suggestions for questions that you think should be here, by all means let me know.
Q: I think I bricked my phone what should I do?
A: calm down 99 percent of the time people think they are bricked they really aren't. If your device shows any sign of life your chances are good that your ok. If you can access hboot by holding volume down and power while the device is off your in good shape you can still flash the ruu and get back to stock.
Q: I put the ruu on my sdcard but hboot cannot find it
A: when flashing anything from hboot it must be named exactly PG32IMG.zip and yes it is case sensitive. Also if you have to rename the file, if doing it on a computer be careful because a computer will automatically add a .zip to the end of it and hboot will not recognize it.
Q: I flashed a kernel a now my "insert issue here" don't work
A: did you flash an aosp kernel on a sense Rom or vice versa? If so things will not work as they should always make sure the kernel you are flashing is compatible with your Rom.
Q: will sense apps and widgets work on aosp roms?
A: short answer is no
Q: my phone is stuck in a bootloop what should I do?
A: some time in your flashing career you will encounter a bootloop, there are a couple of ways to fix this number one is start adb (which every Rom flasher should have set up in my opinion) and type adb reboot recovery and hit enter then once in recovery you can reflash and try again. Your other option is to pop the battery out, put it back in then hold volume down and power to get into the bootloader once there select recovery. If you can not navigate in the bootloader that means the PG32IMG.zip is on your sdcard still. Remove that and it will let you navigate the bootloader. If you have no way to remove that .zip pop out your sdcard boot into bootloader select recovery then pop your card back in.
Q: what is the best Rom out there?
A: there is none its all a matter of opinion. Just a warning, don't start a new thread asking this question you will be flamed into oblivion and the mods will lock it. I've seen it a million times
Q: I just flashed an aosp Rom (miui, cm7, omgb) why is my earpiece volume so low?
A: as of now this is a known issue for our aosp Roms, the tiamat kernel is said to fix it.
this is the start of my q and a and it is far from complete, if you think there is something important that is not here by all means let me know.
Ok guys here is some basic terms you should be familiar with before rooting and flashing
1. Flash or flashing, basically just means to install something from recovery or bootloader
2. Rom- the word rom is kind of an outdated term (read only memory) because we can in fact write to it, nonetheless a rom in the simplest of terms is basically your operating system.
3. Kernel- the kernel is the heart of your o.s. It basically communicates with your software and hardware, wifi and processor speed are a few examples of things your kernel controls among many other things. Sense kernels should not be used on aosp roms and vice versa things will not work as they should.
4. Overclocking- to increase your processors stock speed to increase performance
5. Underclocking- pretty self explanatory underclocking is used to help save battery
6. Undervolting- to decrease your voltage to save battery. Undervolting is a slightly controversial topic some people swear by it and others say it can actually decrease your battery life. Undervolting can cause stability issues so educateyourself before attempting.
7. Radio- basically the software that works with your hardware to give you your signal and mobile network, on other phones they are also reffered to as modems
8. Aosp- android open source project, aosp roms are roms built from the original google source code, some examples of these are cm7, miui, omgb, these are typically lightweight roms that you can customize yourself, they are preffered by many users because of the great battery life and performance
9. Sense roms- these are roms based on an original htc rom, sense is th ui that htc adds to android, sense roms have many nice apps and widgets, and usually are packed with eyecandy, however many people say that sense it a resource hog and needs a lot more ram to run than aosp roms
10. Port- a port is a rom or theme originally made for another device but made to work with ours
11. Wipe- it is usually recommended to wipe before flashing a rom, but not always mandatory, read the forum of the rom your flashing to see if a wipe is recommended or not. Some roms will wipe data automatically some will not. A wipe is just basically giving you a clean start like when you first got the device and is done in the recovery menu. When in doubt wipe, you will run into less issues.
12. Ruu- an ruu is a stock signed rom that is flashed in hboot, an ruu is your get out of jail free card, if you mess your phone up too bad an ruu will bring your device back to its stock state
13. Hboot_ this is basically your bootloader from hboot you can enter recovery, do a factory reset, and flash an ruu, a radio, and other things not flashable in recovery
there is some more basic definitions that I overlooked, see post 28 by artvandelay440
How about some basic definitions? Sense, AOSP, Rosie, kernel, recovery, md5 sum, etc.
How, when, and why to wipe.
How to perform a battery calibration.
Don't restore system data when moving to a different ROM or updating to a new framework.
ontophantoms said:
How about some basic definitions? Sense, AOSP, Rosie, kernel, recovery, md5 sum, etc.
How, when, and why to wipe.
How to perform a battery calibration.
Don't restore system data when moving to a different ROM or updating to a new framework.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes good idea. Definitely will do. I also plan to add a miscellaneous goodies section including commonly used apps like miui camera. And links to kernels and other good stuff. Like I said this thread is a wip I just wanted to get a start on it tonight. I'm not at home now and I'm doing this on my touchpad so its quite tedious. Will work on it a lot more tomorrow. Thanks for the input
Love this idea for a thread. I know this will be a stop that noobs and even seasoned vets will make. Thanks for taking the time to put something like this together!
Thanks for setting this up!
It's really helpful to us newcomers, who inevitably ask a question that will annoy the seasoned members. There is so much info buried in threads with many pages that it's hard to read it all and not overlook something along the way.
Having all the start-up info, and maybe a list of well-known bugs for each rom, in one place will be great!
Woot! Got a sticky!
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
+1 For the best idea ever. Great job.
I think you should spice it up a bit I'll add more later lol. Good thread guys.
For the first post you can start it like this:
Rooting your phone (Achieving S-OFF)
Please read and re-read rivera82falcons execellent write up located here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1219246
Flashing a custom ROM to your device
Please read AgalychnisCallidryas thread on how to manually flash a ROM located here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1263756
Please note that you don't need to back up every user app with titanium backup, some people only like to backup apps that have data, such as games.
It's also important not to back up system apps (apps that came with the phone). Restoring those apps may cause system failure.
Setting up ADB
Nephron has a full set of instructions on how to set up ADB, you can find the thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532719
Finding the ROM that's right for you
This is one of those threads that may be sensitive to some. I find that finding the best ROM depends on your tastes. When ROMs are released they generally have bugs. Some may be deal breakers, like not having MMS working, or something small like not having a particular tweak installed or an application force closing. You really have to download the ROM and take it for a test drive.
Read through the threads on feedback. Generally, if you see the same bug being mentioned it probably is plagued through every ROM install.
GSM functionality of the phone is important to some, but not most. Generally, if you download a ROM that's based off of the original ROM it should work fine. But if you are downloading a port from another device expect that feature not to work.
Don't be afraid to flash a ROM. The worst that can happen is it will throw your phone into a soft brick (bootloop). Simple way to fix it is restore a backup you made or flash a ROM that you know is solid.
Creating a backup (nandroid) of your device
Your phone at this point must be rooted, and the ROM you are running has to be rooted.
Get Rom Manager from the market. Install the latest recovery that it prompts you with - If you've already installed clockwork mod then proceed.
In ROM Manager:
1. Scroll down to Backup Current ROM
2. Name it what you like, like backup_09192011
3. Let it back up. The more data you have the longer it takes.
In recovery: (You cannot assign names in recovery)
1. Boot into recovery
2. Go to backup and restore
3. Choose backup
To restore a nandroid backup - Wiping data, cache, and dalvik isn't necessary.
1. Boot into recovery
2. Go to backup and restore
3. Choose restore
Useful Applications:
http://androidcommander.com/ great for deleting or replacing apps on the fly. Windows interface, simple to use.
Here are a few more additions:
Replacement camera app for those that don't like to use the stock camera that came with CM 7 or other AOSP Roms.
This Click me Miui camera app works great, just remember to go into the camera settings after installing and select 8mp as the picture size. It can be installed as either a separate camera app or as a replacement to the stock camera.
To install as a add on, just install the apk as a you would any other app. Download to your sd card and install.
To replace the stock camera app, rename the downloaded apk to "camera" (without the quotes) and using root explorer (make sure and select R/W) move the renamed apk to system/app and replace the stock camera apk (first though, make a copy of the stock camera app and add .bak onto the end and store this copy on your sd card, I make a folder named storage so I know where my .bak files are at).
Now that the camera apk is in the system/app folder, the permissions and ownership will need to be changed.
Long press on the camera apk and in the popup menu select permissions,
You will want to change it to look like this:
Read Write Execute
Owner x x
Group x
Others x
After changing the permissions, scroll to the bottom of the popup menu and select "change owner"
You will want to change the ownership so that it reads"
Owner 0 - root
group 0 - root
Select OK and your done. Reboot and you will know have the Miui camera installed.
Wallpapers:
Click me
More to follow later.
Awesome guys keep em coming. I didnt expect this thread to explode so quickly great job guys. Anyonr tutorials or info you guys add i will link to in the op. I will typically update the thread every night around midnight eastern time. Thanks guys.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
I always see lots of beginning android users who want to learn Java/xml/whatever to begin building. I made a list of some coding tutorials-they might be of some help to a newcomer who wants to learn.
JavaScript for Android:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL34F010EEF9D45FB8
General Introduction to learning Android development:
http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/index.html
General Coding:
http://www.codecademy.com/#!/exercise/0
From around XDA:
making your own boot animations: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1096068
ADB workshop and guide, including edited path variables: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9959449
How to decompile/edit/sign/recompile apks with APK Manager:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695701
how to use APK Edit (apk tool with custom GUI): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890199
Editing with NinePatch (.9.png) images: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1192207
Great thanks!
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Add how to change boot animations and splash screens? (my thread)
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk
Sure will thanks
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
oxlong27 said:
Sure will thanks
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the how to on hulu? I dont think many use it...but it won't take up too much space right and the how to for renting movies from the market (posted somewhere as changing permissions to mu from Su temporarily)
But seriously this is a great job. I didn't expect all this lol. I'm glad we are trying to save our community.
I came to the Eris and it already had a community. We built this one and it needed some leadership. Way to take charge bro
Unlike the Eris all our devs would rather have their own site and that's ok. But ppl haven't been mature about it. I like the devs like tazz and the way he does things. Just the way I am lol.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
I never expected it to take off like this either, but im definately glad everyone likes this and will continue to work hard on it thanks again guys. Will update tonight with links to your suggestion
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Another thing.
Some questions would be answered of you tried it yourself.
Like "how does this app work" open the darn thing and find put...if you're still lost in the sauce come ask here. Please research and try yourself first.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
knipp21 said:
Another thing.
Some questions would be answered of you tried it yourself.
Like "how does this app work" open the darn thing and find put...if you're still lost in the sauce come ask here. Please research and try yourself first.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes very good point knipp I want this thread to be informative and educational not a hand holding experience. I have no problem helping anyone that is willing to help themselves but it makes my skin crawl when I see a post that says “wanna root someone please give me detailed instructions" and I have seen a lot of them.
Hi guys.
Obviously I am new, and noob so this might sound silly, but is it worth rooting?
I mean, I have been having stock Desire Z for, I dunno, almost 2 years, and it's been working perfectly, but since HTC and Google are moving on, leaving me on 2.3 and without any new updates, I was thinking of moving on on my own.
The thing is, I am as noob at rooting as I am in here, and bricking scares the **** out of me. Also, I don't know what ROM to chose, if that is the only thing to chose after rooting. I've stumbled upon cyanogen mod, and there are quite detailed step-by-step description on how to downgrade/root/install CM7, but CM7 looks like crap - I don't like it really.
I do like this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1546915http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1546915 thou,, but since it's still beta, I don't want to end up with half working phone when I need it the most.
So, should I go for it, or stick with my guns?
and thx for replying or even reading :good:
I can't really comment on Sense roms (never cared for them, too bloated in my opinion). But I would prefer either Mimicry 1.3.1 or EliteMod ICS (which I'm using now), in regards to ICS (4.0.*).
Far as guides. Some like the Cyanogenmod one can be 'easier' to read, but the XDA wiki has a lot more information.
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=HTC_Vision
Since you're on gingerbread now you would go the Desire-Z Gingerbread route for unlocking/exploit before proceeding to root it. (but on the plus side sticking with a Desire-Z hboot will ensure your /system size is big enough to play with the Sense roms).
With ICS some things to keep in mind is that the most common issues tend to be :
1) Camera isn't "fully" working, in some cases like on mimicry and elitemod (or other non-Sense ICS roms), you can take a picture, you can record a video, but usually only with the stock camera app and usually won't have features like 720p recording or special effects.
2) Graphical glitch with the text can happen on an app, although rarely occurs, is easily fixed by closing the app or restarting (tends to stay with one app when it happens).
Those are probably the two most common issue you'll see with just bout every ICS rom out there for DZ/G2.
By the way some of the Sense roms are incorporating the 3.0 kernel from the Virtuous Infinity Preview (Full Sense 4.0), as such they're getting a decent camera with filters, but course there are still some bugs. (Previously Sense 4.0 roms had no camera functionality at all).
Edit
To clarify, even if you use the CM Wiki to unlock/root you do not have to install Cyanogenmod 7.2 afterwards, you can pretty much install any compatible rom once you've gotten it unlocked and running with a custom recovery (though I prefer 4EXT over clockworkmod).
I am sure it is worth ... i was just like u ..satisfied with my GB but i was so curious and so on so i followed this guide: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/HTC_Desire_Z:_Rooting and now iam rooted at the moment iam running Elite ROM ice cream sandwich and its ********* fast .... when you have root and you try new rom you will never want to stop of course there are some risks but I think that if you will have any kind of problem here on XDA is so many great people willing to help you ... my advice is to do it go step by step according to that guide and if you dont understand something just ask here on xda Best of luck....
back in the g1 days a friend of mine rooted his, i was astonished what could be done to phones now adays. i quickly rooted my g1 and began learning a ton about everything mobile, just like many before and after me i was hooked. even if you never found a better rom than stock the learning process is well worth it. even if you dont use most of the new features available to you at least having them is worth it. and unless you dont research/read first, or are mostly stupid/have bad luck, you wont brick your phone. i have rooted 50~60 phones and tablets, maybe more and never had a hard brick, sure when i first started out there was some close calls but with a little common sense you will be fine, also know you are now part a large community eager to help
so follow the xda or cyanogen wiki and downgrade and root your phone, move on to the rom compilation (found in the developers thread here) try a few roms and see what you prefer. you will be happy you did
on and one last point; the best reason to root your phone right when you get it, if there ever is a problem it is much easier to fix a rooted phone with software/firmware problems then an unrooted one. the only drawback could be if you need to send it back for warranty... but how likely is that, and the phone you have now im sure has little/no warranty left
happy flashing!
follow kbeeize's advice on how to root and try a few roms out
PS: One of the major advantages of having a custom recovery, is the ability to perform a backup of your currently installed rom. If you screw something up, you need only go back into recovery Wipe (factory-reset/cache/etc) and restore the backup to get right back to where you were. And you can have several backups too if you were trying out several different roms.
So basically the process of rooting/unlocking offers a safety net once you're up and running, be it in the recovery , or apps like Titanium Backup. Getting there is mainly the intimidating part.
kbeezie said:
Mimicry 1.3.1 or EliteMod ICS (which I'm using now), in regards to ICS (4.0.*).
Far as guides. Some like the Cyanogenmod one can be 'easier' to read, but the XDA wiki has a lot more information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you would recommend EliteMod & Cyanogen guide for starters?
kbeezie said:
Since you're on gingerbread now you would go the Desire-Z Gingerbread route for unlocking/exploit before proceeding to root it. (but on the plus side sticking with a Desire-Z hboot will ensure your /system size is big enough to play with the Sense roms).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhhh... What?
kbeezie said:
With ICS some things to keep in mind is that the most common issues tend to be :
1) Camera isn't "fully" working, in some cases like on mimicry and elitemod (or other non-Sense ICS roms), you can take a picture, you can record a video, but usually only with the stock camera app and usually won't have features like 720p recording or special effects.
2) Graphical glitch with the text can happen on an app, although rarely occurs, is easily fixed by closing the app or restarting (tends to stay with one app when it happens).
Those are probably the two most common issue you'll see with just bout every ICS rom out there for DZ/G2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can deal with that. Really, camera for me is one of the most useless apps. So stock app will do just fine
kbeezie said:
To clarify, even if you use the CM Wiki to unlock/root you do not have to install Cyanogenmod 7.2 afterwards, you can pretty much install any compatible rom once you've gotten it unlocked and running with a custom recovery (though I prefer 4EXT over clockworkmod).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, rooting won't delete everything from my phone, it will just be unlocked, so I could install some ROM apps that would do the rest of the work for me?
jumptoin said:
when you have root and you try new rom you will never want to stop of course there are some risks but I think that if you will have any kind of problem here on XDA is so many great people willing to help you ... my advice is to do it go step by step according to that guide and if you dont understand something just ask here on xda Best of luck....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is changing ROM deleting all my apps, messages etc., and is it doing so every time I change it. I've spent quite a lot of time and care to set the whole thing up, so I don't thing I would swap the ROMs so easily as you say
demkantor said:
back in the g1 days a friend of mine rooted his, i was astonished what could be done to phones now adays. i quickly rooted my g1 and began learning a ton about everything mobile, just like many before and after me i was hooked. even if you never found a better rom than stock the learning process is well worth it. even if you dont use most of the new features available to you at least having them is worth it. and unless you dont research/read first, or are mostly stupid/have bad luck, you wont brick your phone. i have rooted 50~60 phones and tablets, maybe more and never had a hard brick, sure when i first started out there was some close calls but with a little common sense you will be fine, also know you are now part a large community eager to help
so follow the xda or cyanogen wiki and downgrade and root your phone, move on to the rom compilation (found in the developers thread here) try a few roms and see what you prefer. you will be happy you did
on and one last point; the best reason to root your phone right when you get it, if there ever is a problem it is much easier to fix a rooted phone with software/firmware problems then an unrooted one. the only drawback could be if you need to send it back for warranty... but how likely is that, and the phone you have now im sure has little/no warranty left
happy flashing!
follow kbeeize's advice on how to root and try a few roms out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THX! :good:
kbeezie said:
PS: One of the major advantages of having a custom recovery, is the ability to perform a backup of your currently installed rom. If you screw something up, you need only go back into recovery Wipe (factory-reset/cache/etc) and restore the backup to get right back to where you were. And you can have several backups too if you were trying out several different roms.
So basically the process of rooting/unlocking offers a safety net once you're up and running, be it in the recovery , or apps like Titanium Backup. Getting there is mainly the intimidating part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it's like making an image file of the whole windows OS with all the programs preinstalled and restoring it when things go bust?
StipeP said:
So you would recommend EliteMod & Cyanogen guide for starters?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EliteMod ICS isn't really for everyone, something like Andromadus Mimicry would be an easier start if you wanted ICS.
StipeP said:
Uhhh... What?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile G2 hboot (0.76.200) has a /system of ~400MB, /cache of ~200MB and /data of ~1.3GB, but 400MB is not big enough for a Sense rom. So if you were following the cyanogenmod wiki for exploiting/rooting, you would need the Desire-Z Engineering hboot (0.84.2000) which has a /system of ~550MB, /cache ~300MB, /data 1GB. Otherwise you would have to avoid Sense roms or roms that say you need a DesireZ hboot.
Since you said you had a Desire-Z you may not even run across that issue.
StipeP said:
I can deal with that. Really, camera for me is one of the most useless apps. So stock app will do just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then that's all good then.
StipeP said:
So, rooting won't delete everything from my phone, it will just be unlocked, so I could install some ROM apps that would do the rest of the work for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you root, and if your phone needs to be downgraded/exploited. Which most of the time it does (i.e.: to get ENG S-OFF), which will of course erase the existing data on the phone so backups is suggested.
StipeP said:
Is changing ROM deleting all my apps, messages etc., and is it doing so every time I change it. I've spent quite a lot of time and care to set the whole thing up, so I don't thing I would swap the ROMs so easily as you say
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's where root tools like Titanium Backup come in very handy. You can flash a band new rom, open up Titanium Backup, and then restore all your apps along with their settings/etc.
StipeP said:
So it's like making an image file of the whole windows OS with all the programs preinstalled and restoring it when things go bust?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally once you get an initial rom setup, you can do a backup in recovery. If things go bust, you just reboot into recovery, wipe/factory-reset and then restore from the backup which will put the phone at the exact same state as you backed it up.
But yea I guess it's kind of like taking a Ghost image of your hard drive, which is stored on the SD Card at /clockworkmod/backup
Dear StipeP,
Greetings!
I bought my Desire Z, my very first android mobile in April 2010 and since then I was thinking 'O my God! what the **** people are talking about rooting their mobile!!!'. It was not that I was not curious, it was the difficult looking procedure and always lingering fear of bricking my set . At that time, I was a toooooootal noob . Then HTC pushed gingerbread update. All was well before ICE rolled out and some other mobiles were getting it while desire z was no where in line. I decided I should give it a try but still I preferred some 'one click root' methods over the detailed one given at XDA (it seemed too intimidating). But every such method could not root a desire z on android 2.3.3 (they could have when I was on Froyo). Then I finally made my mind to take the bull by horn and started reading as much as possible about rooting the hard way. Finally, I went for the XDA-wiki and also stumbled upon a guy named Strawmetal's wonderful effort of putting all the necessary files and instructions at one place. One night, I sat after dinner just rooted it (though I remembered all possible Gods at some steps like matching the MD5 sums:fingers-crossed. I was so excited that I didn't sleep the whole night!
Now, question was which ROM to install ( I hated to be back on Froyo). I started fiddling with some gingerbread ROMs and then shifted to ICS ROMs. There are problems as mentioned by others. I would mention below some pros and cons (those matter to me) of these ROMs:
1. Gingerbread ROMs are generally quite stable. Some excellent examples are Virtuous Glite v2.01, EliteMod120316 (this is awesome!) etc. I found BeatMod Bliss Sense hybrid to be too heavy (it's a Sense 3.5 ROM).
2. Camera works fine with Gingerbread ROMs generally (It was good in EliteMod120316).
3. ICS ROMs are faster. Even browser there seems faster to.They give a lot of customization options (Rightnow, I'm on EliteMod 120728 and believe me, it would just enthrall you with its beauty and customization options).
4. For me, ability to read Hindi fonts is a bonus and ICS ROMs do this.
5. Regarding Camera on ICS ROMs, it is true that they are not good. But the Camera on EliteMod 120728 is working well. Only you cannot record 720p video:crying.
6. I'm yet to try some other good ROMs like CM9 unofficial so cannot say much about them.
7. One issue that I faced was that I could download from Play Store when using a gingerbread ROM but could not when using ICS ROMs. It was giving "error 403". Finally, resolved that today (of course, with help from others).
One thing that I should mention here is that after rooting and trying some ROMs, I felt frustrated and thought is there any way to go back to stock gingerbread rom without loosing root. Main issues was Camera (I use it a lot). But more I read and kept finding/trying new ROMs, more the desire to revert to gingerbread subsided. Finally, when I got EliteMod 120316, I was more than content. And now am using EliteMod 120728 (an ICS ROM).
Last but not least, I believe that the biggest advantage of rooting my desire z is not ability to run custom ROMs but the learning process and getting an opportunity to mingle with extra-ordinarily helpful XDA-guys.
Now, you have to take a decision about taking the plunge
Best of luck
Right, enough courage; time to get cracking.
I will go process by process, slowly following this: wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=HTC_Vision
If I get stuck, all my hopes are on you guys.
Wish me luck
StipeP said:
Right, enough courage; time to get cracking.
I will go process by process, slowly following this: wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=HTC_Vision
If I get stuck, all my hopes are on you guys.
Wish me luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the Best...
p.s.: take your time and better take notes of steps. It would help in bringing clarity. And make sure to copy your commands and outputs from ADB to a notepad. It would be of help if, God forbid, anything goes wrong. If you have already downloaded and setup the ADB, just try the msm_rotator command (adb shell cat /dev/msm_rotator). If you get following output, you are ready to go: /dev/msm_rotator: invalid length
Hi,
Another Android rooting NOOB, but experienced with Linux, including embedded (that's the day job )
Looking to root my HTC Desire Z, as is being discussed here.
From all the threads, it seems you have to downgrade to a very old stock ROM before starting. Several talk about being able to take a backup from Clockwork Recovery after you've rooted the phone in case things go wrong, but obviously by then the existing phone build will be gone.
What I'd really like to be able to do is to take a full backup of the stock Gingerbread setup I've currently got, so that if either (a) things go wrong or (b) I don't like the end result I can get back to where I am now.
None of the threads I've found so far (here, here, here and possibly others, I've been surfing around a lot the last couple of days!) talk about any way of doing this, some talk about using Titanium Backup or MyBackup Root to backup Apps, Call Data, SMS logs etc, but these presumably aren't a full OS backup.
Is there a relatively easy way of doing this from the fre3vo temporary root? Presumably 'dd' against the various /dev/block/mmcXXXX partitions will get most (all?) of the data? Are there sections that aren't available from Android device files as root?
One more (hopefully minor) thing - having worked down the start of this downgrade thread[URL], for now I've skipped the "Changing Version Number to Allow Downgrade and Gaining SuperCID with a Goldcard" section and tried the "Temp-Rooting to Backup" section (from my understanding of these two sections, I don't think anything from the section I skipped is relied upon in the backup section). I seem to find that the /system/bin/su file keeps getting corrupted or deleted. Is this HTC trying to stop me doing this, or is it one of the applications (SuperUser?) trying to protect the file and getting it wrong? In case it's making a difference, I also have Better Terminal Emulator Pro installed, which I'm using the "bash" from for some of the steps, as it has proper Linux auto-complete etc. which makes life easier.
I think I've managed to make a usable backup with MyBackup Root, but obviously can't easily test this without going further.
I'd really like to be as sure as possible that I can get back to where I am now before I start the downgrade to Froyo process...
Thanks in advance for any advice on this
Michael
I am worhtless.
Right now I am downgrading GB folowing CGmod guide wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/HTC_Desire_Z:_Firmware_Downgrade_(Gingerbread), and I am stuch at step 6. On the computer, open terminal and run the following commands:
Erm, what terminal????
btw, I extracted and copied the downloaded files into ADB install folder. That is the right one?
what terminal ? .... u just click start run and type in "cmd" ,,, or find command promt
says: adb is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
I am sorry to bother you, but I would be very grateful
so you downloaded adb from the sdk package right? you need to either change directories in cmd or change the path in enviromental variables
easiest thing to do would be hold shift and right click in the folder adb and files are in and choose open command here. then the path is chosen
also make sure debugging is turned on (in phone)
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
demkantor said:
so you downloaded adb from the sdk package right? you need to either change directories in cmd or change the path in enviromental variables
easiest thing to do would be hold shift and right click in the folder adb and files are in and choose open command here. then the path is chosen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did as you said but still the same problem: adb is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.
If only I could post screenshots here for you to see what exactly am I doing (wrong)
what does it say when you open the cmd?
C:/user......?
is that the folder adb.exe is in?
are you using windows 7, vista, xp? mac, linux?
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
demkantor said:
what does it say when you open the cmd?
C:/user......?
is that the folder adb.exe is in?
are you using windows 7, vista, xp? mac, linux?
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have ADV Manager.exe and SDK Manager.exe
No adb.exe
This is what I have downloaded and installed developer.android.com/sdk/index.html
(Win7)
ok, you may need to open sdk and download adb from there, otherwise you can check if you did without knowing it. go to your harddrive (C) and see if there is an android folder or android sdk or something like that, look for I think platform tools in there and see if there is a program called adb
if you can't find this try search in computer
or just open the sdk manager and download the tools in the first chunk, specifically platform tools
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Here you go.
Hello!
I am trying to get android 5.0 or higher on my One X.
But, being the complete noob I am at ROM's and everything around it, I have gotten stuck.
"Your recovery is using the new storage layout but the ROM you're trying to use is not."
I have tried finding a ROM using the new layout, unfortunately no succes. Any links either had the old layout or have transpired.
Looking up a recovery with the old layout also didn't yield succes.
Although it seems quite an extensive guide has been written to fix this, I did not understand it and was rather overwhelmed.
My request is: Could someone please link me a set of recovery/ROM/Gapps of Android 5.0 or higher for the One X which works? As the phone will be used for a specific task it doesn't need a lot of apps and therefore should be able to run fine with the old layout. However I have had no succes trying to find a matching set.
Currently using Clockwork v5.8.1.8 as recovery at this moment.
CrazyDutchReaper said:
Hello!
I am trying to get android 5.0 or higher on my One X.
But, being the complete noob I am at ROM's and everything around it, I have gotten stuck.
"Your recovery is using the new storage layout but the ROM you're trying to use is not."
I have tried finding a ROM using the new layout, unfortunately no succes. Any links either had the old layout or have transpired.
Looking up a recovery with the old layout also didn't yield succes.
Although it seems quite an extensive guide has been written to fix this, I did not understand it and was rather overwhelmed.
My request is: Could someone please link me a set of recovery/ROM/Gapps of Android 5.0 or higher for the One X which works? As the phone will be used for a specific task it doesn't need a lot of apps and therefore should be able to run fine with the old layout. However I have had no succes trying to find a matching set.
Currently using Clockwork v5.8.1.8 as recovery at this moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which variant?