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I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
bunktacular said:
I've been researching rooting for a while now but I still don't quite get what the consequences, requirements and benefits are of rooting, flashing etc. The wiki seems to be rather out of date, and doesn't even have an arc section.
What I want is:
1.To stop all the crappy software rogers and sony have forced on there, constantly autostarting themselves(Hotshots golf, setup guide, liveware manager, mobile backup, storefront, postcard, even maps likes to run on its own)
2. Swype
What I am concerned of is:
1. Do I have to erase everything on my phone to root?
2. Would I lose any of the default functionality of the arc?
3. What would I require to do this modification?
4. Can I reverse this process and go back to factory settings?
5. Would I be able to update later on?
and most of all, 6. Would it actually allow me to do what I want as stated above?
I've got an LT15a running 2.3.3 on Rogers with no attempted modifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Nope at all, if you have unlocked bootloader and flash prerooted kernel correlate to your firmware
2. Nope, the phone still remains intact after rooting, just add superuser to your phone
3. Just need your phone rooted and do exactly as the thread owner said, ur gonna be fine.
4. Yes, all you need is flash back to your stock rom
5. Yes, absolutely possible
6. Yes again, once you have root permission (superuser), you can delete those craps and use Swype.
*just a side note,
you can root your phone without unlocking your bootloader but yeah, that would mean loosing your data completely
@Babygau
Alright, thank you very much.
On a follow up then, can you point me towards the best method of rooting an arc, bearing in mind that Rogers has disabled Sony's bootloader?
And also where I would be able to get Swype? Swype's site is pointless and google just brought up people talking about using it, not how to get it.
@cryogenix
Yeah, thats what I was afraid of :/
Rogers disabled the arcs bootloader, I'm trying to figure out what I can do and hopefully not erase my data.
So long as I can achieve the 2 objectives at the top, I'd be happy though.
You'll lose the ability for ota updates when you delete system files. That's the only bad thing at your plan.
Rooting alone won't remove any abilitys.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA Premium App
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
xtacy! said:
@bunktacular
You would need to flash a 2.3.2 ROM onto your phone (Ignore this if you are on 2.3.2). Rooting is as simple as installing Gingerbreak and running it (Gingerbreak doesn't work on 2.3.3 and hence the need to downgrade to 2.3.2). Then do an OTA (Over The Air) update to 2.3.3 to retain root.
I suggest you wipe user data. Make a backup if need be.
Also, get the latest Swype 3.0 beta from here.
Once you have your rooted 2.3.3, install Titanium Backup. It will allow you to remove all the Rogers and SE bloatware. No, you won't lose the functionality of the arc. You stand to gain with rooting not vice-versa.
The only caveat is that once you remove system apps as Flo95 pointed out is that the next time you want to update your phone, you'd have to resort to SEUS instead of an OTA update.
[With the latest update from SE (i.e. the update from August 1, 2011), I'm not sure about root status.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the other easier way is go to this website: http://www.wotanserver.com
create a free account, download their client software, and they will do the rest for you
droidlessons.com/what-is-rooting-on-android-the-advantages-and-disadvantages
Rooting v2.3.2, posted May 15th, 2011:
Updating over-the-air to v2.3.3 and keeping root, posted June 22nd, 2011:
Swype doesn't require root. It's just a regular application install.
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
What's the best method for me to do this?
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
bunktacular said:
Alright then, it seems what I really need is to flash 2.3.2 then, at least until gingerbreak works for 2.3.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt Gingerbreak will patch 2.3.3.
The issue is that the exploits in 2.3.2, 2.3.3 were patched in 2.3.4 by Google and because Sony's version of 2.3.3 was released after 2.3.4 was released, those security fixes from 2.3.4 were backported into Sony's version of 2.3.3.
bunktacular said:
EDIT:
I have found a fairly detailed guide on doing so, let's see how this goes.
Flashing: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1088539
Sucess! Aside from mybackup completely messing up my contacts, everything went smoothly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Backup & Restore from v2.1 is compatible with v2.3.x.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1196908
babygau said:
if u already have your bootloader unlocked, just flash lastest firmware including prerooted kernel
if not, using gingerbreak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's got a Rogers branded arc branded arc. Therefore, he can't unlock the bootloader (yet).
First of all i'm sorry to post more questions about rooting but it seems like no one cares about some problems... i searched so many times on xda and even google advanced search
I have the r800 xperia play...I've been using it for couple of months so i have a lot of apps n stuff. I am running the newest 4.0.A update and i love it but i read i cant flash to 2.3.2,root it with gingerbread then update to 4.0.A cuz its not OTA
so i thought i could do it the unlocking bootloader way but i have a lot of questions so lets start...
-Is there a way to be rooted in 4.0.A,and if there is...do i need a rom or what?
-If I root my phone will i loose all my app data(this is the most important part,i dont want to loose all my perfect games in cut the rope and games like modern combat which have incredibly hard levels)
-When my phone is rooted...will i be able to update it to 2.3.4 and the Ice Cream Sandwich next year,or i would have to load custom roms
-I also noticed that when i uninstall a free app from my phone it disappears from the My Apps tab in The Market so what am i supposed to do if the root wipes all my apps? Write all 60+ of them on a peace of paper?
Contacts and stuff dont worry me
First off i dont have an unlocked bootloader but i will answer what i can.
1. Someone with an unlocked bootloader will have answer this one but im sure you can.
2. If you unlock your bootloader your phone will be wiped. The only way you would have kept root and all your apps is if your are on 2.3.3 (with a locked bootloader) and are waiting for the xloud update over ota (like i am) But since you have already updated to 4.0.A if you reflashed to 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 (and wait like me) you will still loose all your apps (since you had to reflash). Best you can hope for is backing up your apps data with titanium backup pro or my backup pro. Then once you are rooted on an unlocked bootloader (or if you have reflashed 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 with root) you can reinstall the app data.
3. If you unlock the bootloader you can still get updates but you cannot get them from OTA, PC Companion or SEUS (it will brick your phone) you will have to go the development section and a user who has got 2.3.4 (when its out) will post an update package you can use.
4. I have used App List Backup from the market. It saves all your market apps in a list so you can just redownload them and you still get updates e.t.c. Only works with market apps no 3rd party ones. Or even MyAppsList just to create a txt of app names.
Mozza2k11 said:
First off i dont have an unlocked bootloader but i will answer what i can.
1. Someone with an unlocked bootloader will have answer this one but im sure you can.
2. If you unlock your bootloader your phone will be wiped. The only way you would have kept root and all your apps is if your are on 2.3.3 (with a locked bootloader) and are waiting for the xloud update over ota (like i am) But since you have already updated to 4.0.A if you reflashed to 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 (and wait like me) you will still loose all your apps (since you had to reflash). Best you can hope for is backing up your apps data with titanium backup pro or my backup pro. Then once you are rooted on an unlocked bootloader (or if you have reflashed 2.3.2 > rooted > ota to 2.3.3 with root) you can reinstall the app data.
3. If you unlock the bootloader you can still get updates but you cannot get them from OTA, PC Companion or SEUS (it will brick your phone) you will have to go the development section and a user who has got 2.3.4 (when its out) will post an update package you can use.
4. I have used App List Backup from the market. It saves all your market apps in a list so you can just redownload them and you still get updates e.t.c. Only works with market apps no 3rd party ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I feared...but doesnt titanium backup require root? Maybe i misread it somewhere and its stuck in my head
LOL yeah sorry my bad. Indeed it does. I think mybackup pro works without root but im not sure if it is 100% reliable. Either way you are gonna have to either loose all your data or gamble saving your app data with my backup pro since rooting on anything after 2.3.2 (with a locked bootloader) does not work.
MyBackup requires root to backup app data I mean hasn't anyone figured out how to save their data...seems to me nobody cares about it
Anyways,provided that somehow i magically manage to save it i would still have to wait for OTA. Any ideas where i can check daily when the update will be available?
lol sigh... something is wrong with me today. I stoped reading as soon i a saw
MyBackup and MyBackup Pro will work on all Android mobile devices, regardless if they have root access or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didnt get to the bottom
NOTE: Backup of Data/setting of applications can only be supported if you have a rooted phone, or if the application integrates with us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry bout that bud. Probably got your hopes up for nothing I think the arc got their ota update a few weeks after it appeared on SEUS/Pc Companion but who knows its totally up to SE. I dont even think all the countries have got the ota yet for the arc.
You can root without unlocking the bootloader as far as I remember. I believe I used SuperOneClick for it.
What is this guy at post #7 talking about? http://forums.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/63387-backup-application-data.html
Nope
zerojay said:
You can root without unlocking the bootloader as far as I remember. I believe I used SuperOneClick for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was patched up in 2.3.2 so it doesnt work
Fokezy said:
What is this guy at post #7 talking about? http://forums.androidcentral.com/general-help-how/63387-backup-application-data.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that basic Android - unthemed, untouched - does regular backups to Google. Basically, it will backup your app data and your list of apps. When you wipe a phone and log back in, it'll restore the apps and data automatically.
I noticed this myself when I was on my Samsung Galaxy S Captivate. The first time I installed Cyanogenmod 7 on it, it restored a ton of apps on my phone. The touchwiz framework for the Captivate doesn't allow it by default, I believe.
I have not seen this work on the Xperia Play.
Well...if it works on other phones it can work on any other phone running it...right?
I guess someone would have to extract the feature and somehow make an apk
I don't think it's quite that simple. It's most likely completely removed from the framework, so there's no readding an APK.
More info: http://code.google.com/android/backup/index.html
zerojay said:
I don't think it's quite that simple. It's most likely completely removed from the framework, so there's no readding an APK.
More info: http://code.google.com/android/backup/index.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont really know...but why would SE do that...i mean its just extra work limiting something?
Fokezy said:
I dont really know...but why would SE do that...i mean its just extra work limiting something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What your talking about was a feature of froyo, google removed it with gingerbread.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
My hopes are being buried deeper and deeper... Ok how about this,that data must exist somewhere on the phones memory right? So if the apps themselves can access and change it,why can't another app or say a computer? Tell me why that won't work...
Fokezy said:
My hopes are being buried deeper and deeper... Ok how about this,that data must exist somewhere on the phones memory right? So if the apps themselves can access and change it,why can't another app or say a computer? Tell me why that won't work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because the app has the permission to do it, an unrooted user, does not have access to /data/data
Ok this is the last thing i had in mind...SE had some sort of backup app for the arc and it was ported to other xperia phones but whenever i would try to download it from their official page it would show me random html all over the page and now i lost the link..
But when i think about it... SE couldn't do it without root so...it probably just saves something else. Anyway can i root it with unlocked bootloader without loosing data?
Fokezy said:
Ok this is the last thing i had in mind...SE had some sort of backup app for the arc and it was ported to other xperia phones but whenever i would try to download it from their official page it would show me random html all over the page and now i lost the link..
But when i think about it... SE couldn't do it without root so...it probably just saves something else. Anyway can i root it with unlocked bootloader without loosing data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone gets wiped when you unlock your bootloader but you can downgrade to a rootable version of android using flashtool without loosing data you can then make a backup, unlock bootloader, flash latest firmware, restore backup
Oh yea...That recovery thing?
AndroHero said:
Your phone gets wiped when you unlock your bootloader but you can downgrade to a rootable version of android using flashtool without loosing data you can then make a backup, unlock bootloader, flash latest firmware, restore backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well my original plan was to downgrade do 2.3.2,Gingerbreak and wait for 4.0.A to hit OTA but Mozza2k11 said it would wipe my data
I want to overclock my phone in order for the phone to get faster although my main priority is to play HD games without drop in frame rates. Thus my reason to overclock.
In order to overclock, I need to unlock the bootloader and also flash a custom kernal. Now this is where the problem comes in. The offical ICS is around the corner for Xperia Play (late april/early may) and I want ICS on my phone. I dont want a custom ICS because I dont find it legit although I would like the bloatware to be removed on the offical ICS...
Now my questions are:
* Should I unlock the bootloader and flash a custom kernal, because if I do then I wont be able to update to the offical ICS rom
* If I dont want any bloatwares on my phone, would I have to flash a custom ICS ROM?
* I'm currently on 2.3.4 and I did un-install some bloatwares (e.g. sony ericsson sync and some other useless apps) through titanium backup although when I checked my phone and memory card memory, it was still the same as before deleting those apps. Why is this?
* And is it possible to flash the original kernal and lock the bootloader so what I have left over is a ordinary xperia play but rooted?
1. You only won't be able to OTA update to ICS, you can still update with flashtool once ICS is released.
2. Root is all you need to get rid of bloatware. Gaining root access is immensely easy on any firmware, with an unlocked bootloader
3. Maybe try using SD Maid? It removes some lingering data from uninstalled apps
4. Yes you can re-lock your bootloader and re-flash the stock firmware fairly easily
Go for it, there are so many ROM to try and when ICS officially comes out you'll be able to download way before your carrier will get round to sending OTA.
But I heard that if I flash a custom Kernal, the wifi or 3G will become buggy and wont work as normal... is this true?
Some of the earliest ICS ROMs had these issues but you can always flash another Kernel or the whole stock ROM and you'll be back to where you were.
I'd start with flashing Doomlords Kernel then you can make a Clockwork Mod backup and you'll always have a easy route back.
TwilightLoz said:
But I heard that if I flash a custom Kernal, the wifi or 3G will become buggy and wont work as normal... is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That all depends on the kernel, DooMKerneL works for many people just fine for both 3G and Wifi
When you use doom kernel dont forget to use the modules...
Hi folks,
after a couple of hours spent reading the forum gaining many valuable info from tutorials, etc. - one important question remains for me:
How do I do a full backup of my Xperia Pro before I start modding / rooting it? There is no stock recovery console, right?
I do not intend to unlock the bootloader as this seems to be not fully reversible (DRM keys get lost)...
If a full backup is impossible - what is the best backup option / compromise?
After that, I want to root and then remove bloatware. I'm still on GB 2.3.4, build 4.0.2.A.0.69. Will switch to stock ICS later, presumably next year.
u.b.o.o.t said:
Hi folks,
after a couple of hours spent reading the forum gaining many valuable info from tutorials, etc. - one important question remains for me:
How do I do a full backup of my Xperia Pro before I start modding / rooting it? There is no stock recovery console, right?
I do not intend to unlock the bootloader as this seems to be not fully reversible (DRM keys get lost)...
If a full backup is impossible - what is the best backup option / compromise?
After that, I want to root and then remove bloatware. I'm still on GB 2.3.4, build 4.0.2.A.0.69. Will switch to stock ICS later, presumably next year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no need to backup if you just wish to root as long as you ensure that everything is done properly and you don't end up messing up your software. That's a different story if you wish to change to a custom ROM though. What you want to do is back up important stuff like your messages and contacts. To do those, you can use any app found on the Android market. Titanium backup is a good option, though I don't use it myself. Files on your SD card will not be touched, so there's no need to worry on that count.
u.b.o.o.t said:
Hi folks,
after a couple of hours spent reading the forum gaining many valuable info from tutorials, etc. - one important question remains for me:
How do I do a full backup of my Xperia Pro before I start modding / rooting it? There is no stock recovery console, right?
I do not intend to unlock the bootloader as this seems to be not fully reversible (DRM keys get lost)...
If a full backup is impossible - what is the best backup option / compromise?
After that, I want to root and then remove bloatware. I'm still on GB 2.3.4, build 4.0.2.A.0.69. Will switch to stock ICS later, presumably next year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are recoveries that work on locked bootloader. You can use them to backup everything on the NAND. Or like the person above me said you can use applications to backup specific things like Messages,etc.
Thanks!
I finally decided to upgrade to ICS before rooting and because this procedure involves flashtool, I found out that flashtool is able to restore kernel and system partition with locked boot loader.
Now, my phone is rooted and I finally was able to backup and clean it up with Titanium Backup which I already had a license for...
Another tool that I discovered: X-Parts! It allows to boot into CWM with boot loader still locked... https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=de I know that it is not as fail proof as CWM installed via boot loader, but it is still better than nothing...
Hi all. Super-happy T889 owner (since zero-day), and would be grateful for any advice with some basic questions. Been following and searching bot this and the N7100 "umbrella" thread, so thanks in advance for any help.
My experience with root is essentially CWM and Titanium Backup (no custom kernals/ROMs). I rooted my Note1 (int'l unlocked) but never ventured beyond 2.3.6 and LC1 because (i) it wasn't my primary phone and (ii) fear. My main phone on Verizon was also rooted, but more like rooted and potatoed. I switched from VZ to Tmo for the T889 and I love it. I kind of want to root even if just for CWM and Titanium, but the pure stock experience is stable and fast, and the bloatware from Tmo is not remotely close to VZ. And I'm fairly hopeful that we'll get the multi-window via OTA update.
Questions - Would root provide any fundamental performance improvements with CPU/GPU/memory usage/general kick-assery on this device?
Are others waiting to see how the multi-screen updates play out?
Am I being overly cautious because VZ made things so difficult?
Is it accurate that the "disable" capability in Jelly Bean provides some native ability to freeze applications?
doubledragon said:
Hi all. Super-happy T889 owner (since zero-day), and would be grateful for any advice with some basic questions. Been following and searching bot this and the N7100 "umbrella" thread, so thanks in advance for any help.
My experience with root is essentially CWM and Titanium Backup (no custom kernals/ROMs). I rooted my Note1 (int'l unlocked) but never ventured beyond 2.3.6 and LC1 because (i) it wasn't my primary phone and (ii) fear. My main phone on Verizon was also rooted, but more like rooted and potatoed. I switched from VZ to Tmo for the T889 and I love it. I kind of want to root even if just for CWM and Titanium, but the pure stock experience is stable and fast, and the bloatware from Tmo is not remotely close to VZ. And I'm fairly hopeful that we'll get the multi-window via OTA update.
Questions - Would root provide any fundamental performance improvements with CPU/GPU/memory usage/general kick-assery on this device?
Are others waiting to see how the multi-screen updates play out?
Am I being overly cautious because VZ made things so difficult?
Is it accurate that the "disable" capability in Jelly Bean provides some native ability to freeze applications?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root not do any performance , only allow root app do tweak and completely control your phone which without root you can't do ( rom tool box , titanium back up,ram manger app ...etc ).
If you try disable APP with native option come with phone, APP will come back running.( titanium backup can permenant disable,backup,restore,uninstall APP system app which without root can't do).
Over caution is good , if you go right direction then why should you worry for
If you only plan to root but keep close to stock as possible .you can try Chaifire auto root ( stock recovery include not custom CWM & remember never flash anything from stock recovery) .
About multi screen, I hope Developer will add into there custom rom.
Hope this help.
use chainfires autoroot and install adblock and setcpu and titanium backup
with setcpu you can change the governor to performance and your phone will get 6500 in quadrant lol or you can underclock it to 1ghz and stock governor to save a lot of battery power, i had my screen on for 6 hours and 30 minutes and still had 30% battery and the performance was still great
with titanium backup delete all the garbage they added to the phone
haldi15 said:
use chainfires autoroot and install adblock and setcpu and titanium backup
with setcpu you can change the governor to performance and your phone will get 6500 in quadrant lol or you can underclock it to 1ghz and stock governor to save a lot of battery power, i had my screen on for 6 hours and 30 minutes and still had 30% battery and the performance was still great
with titanium backup delete all the garbage they added to the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. I decided to root with CF-Auto-Root and that was about as painless as could be. But I don't see/remember how to access CWM. Is that a separate download? CF's root guide doesn't seem to reference CWM.
Thanks much for your guidance.
auto root keeps everything stock it just roots the phone to get CWM you need to install it separately, i dont have it yet i just kept it stock
You can use the galaxy note2 toolbox to install CWM, but unless you're flashing alternative ROMS/KERNELS/MODS you dont need it.
To my knowledge, if you are rooted you cant get OTA updates normally. However if you just keep reading these forums or other tmonews sites, you'll here about the multiwindow updates and how to install. Alternatively, a dev will probably find out how to make a Tmo compatible ROM with the N7100 sw features built in before we get an update from Tmo...
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks to all for all the knowledge. I was thinking of the CWM backup functions which let me do a complete restore via recovery mode. Is there a different solution for that these days?
doubledragon said:
Thanks to all for all the knowledge. I was thinking of the CWM backup functions which let me do a complete restore via recovery mode. Is there a different solution for that these days?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM , TOOLKIT , TWRP your choice.