[Q] Rooting, bootloaders and all that malarkey? - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

I've been using Android for a good two years now, but have never ventured to the 'dark side'...
Now that I have my Nexus, I'd like to flash the Google Wallet package that lukegb has nicely posted here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1365360
It's recommended that I make a backup etc, but I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing - the Android Development forum is messy and difficult to understand for a newbie like me. Could somebody please give me an outline of how to (I assume) root my phone, unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery so that I can fix things if I mess up the Google Wallet flash?
Also, is it possible to relock the bootloader?
Thanks to anyone who responds!

The best walkthrough for you would be this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1352413
It is a very simple process on these devices as they were meant to have this done. With this walkthrough if you can follow directions you can unlock and root your' device.
Yes it is possible to revert back to a stock unrooted ROM image and re-lock the bootloader. The command will look something like this.
windows:
fastboot-windows oem lock
linux:
sudo ./fastboot-linux oem lock
Also I wouldn't call it the "dark side" more..."seeing the light"
Justin

Please be aware that I am a total noob but I will try to help anyway.
I agree with JTECJ and I will use this howto when I get my Galaxy Nexus. But isn't "fastboot-windows oem lock" only for re-locking the bootloader? It will not unroot it.
I think the safest way would be to unlock the bootloader and install CWM (ClockworkMod) right away using this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1357642 and make a Nandroid backup.
With this you should have a clean full backup of your unrooted phone.
I am currently researching if it would be possible to only boot and not flash CWM to make the cleanest backup possible.
I am also searching of a way to take the Nandroid backup out of the phone.
Do you know if we can have access to "/mnt/sdcard" to secure the backup without root acess?

You are correct that command was for relocking the boot loader. In order to return to a stock ROM image without root you have to flash an image without root. Which Google has made available. You can find more detail on returning to stock here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1366806
Having a nandroid backup would not return you to stock simply because clockworkmod requires root access to perform nandroid backups. Which means even if that's the first thing you do, it is going to store a backup of a rooted ROM.
You can easily take the nandroid backup out of the phone through different means, if you can connect it to your computer, you can just navigate to the clockworkmod folder on the sdcard and copy it over from the backup folder.
The other option is adb pulls:
linux:
sudo ./adb pull /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/{name} ~/Desktop/{name}
windows:
adb pull /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/{name} {location}
Justin

This make everything clear now.
I didn't know that even if you can install CWM without root you need it to make a full backup (which make sense since you need access to all files).
And since I must have root anyway and that clean backup ROM are available I'll probably just buy Root Explorer for my file manager need and send my backup with smb.
This forum is awesome and so are you. Thank you.

Ok, so I've now successfully flashed CWM. But I have yet another question now. I'm being pushed the OTA volume bug fix - should I accept it? I'm just wondering since I now have a custom recovery installed if it might mess things up.

It won't install with CWM recovery...so no. I would recommend you try this Rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1361108 I'm not sure it has the latest volume fix in it yet but will tomorrow if its completed. Or just pay the $9 to use the kitchen.

Danny80y said:
It won't install with CWM recovery...so no. I would recommend you try this Rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1361108 I'm not sure it has the latest volume fix in it yet but will tomorrow if its completed. Or just pay the $9 to use the kitchen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. Slightly off-topic, but could you please give me an explanation of how I flash this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1365360&page=2
Where do I place the file? Do I have to rename it?

I haven't tried this but just put the zip on your "virtual SD" then boot into CWM choose flash zip from sd.....find the file....then flash....choose reboot...then test it out.

Danny80y said:
I haven't tried this but just put the zip on your "virtual SD" then boot into CWM choose flash zip from sd.....find the file....then flash....choose reboot...then test it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked! Thanks - have Google Wallet on my phone now! Off to Greggs and McDonald's for free lunch tomorrow!

lol all this for a free lunch : )
glad you got it working, and welcome to the dark side!
Justin

Related

Thinking about rooting

i got a US cellular HTC desire with 2.2
im thinking about rooting my phone.
i heard that the unrevoked method is the easiest to use..
i read a few guides on that.. seems pretty straight forward cant mess that up.
after i root i would like to flash a custom rom..
what is a good app or program to use to back up my phone? what are some good roms? what is the best way to flash a ROM.
i read the guides here and they confuse me as i read many ways to do this. just want the easiest way to do it and get it done right.
Try ClockworkMod ROM Manager
ROM Manager is really easy to use and it can also backup your ROM ...it can also help you browse/download other ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016084
Follow the link above...
I rooted for the first time the other day just following the instructions in the link.
The uploader has included video's and links on where to download everything you'll need.
Happy rooting...
zedmarcus said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016084
Follow the link above...
I rooted for the first time the other day just following the instructions in the link.
The uploader has included video's and links on where to download everything you'll need.
Happy rooting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have hboot 1.06 so not sure what to do...
do i have to do steps 4 and 5?
my friend said this is how i should do it?http://theunlockr.com/2010/09/20/how-to-root-the-htc-desire-unrevoked-method/
i wanna do it but the right way and the easy so i dont brick my phone
With unrevoked you cannot root your phone yet. You have to use the alpharev x.
Swyped from Oxygen with Transparent XDA App
xxdesire5044XXX said:
i have hboot 1.06 so not sure what to do...
do i have to do steps 4 and 5?
my friend said this is how i should do it?http://theunlockr.com/2010/09/20/how-to-root-the-htc-desire-unrevoked-method/
i wanna do it but the right way and the easy so i dont brick my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dunno about unrevoked working on that hboot but I know that revolutionary does. However that only gets you S-OFF, then you have to flash recovery (or you can have it flashed in the process), with which you may flash another ROM.
always remember to do a nandroid backup though!
Also, you having a CDMA desire makes things a bit tougher... for example you can't use the different Hboots from alpharev as they will brick your phone.. and don't quote me on this buy all ROMs may not work on it.
so i guess i wont root my phone... really dont wanna take a chance of bricking my phone. unless theres a very easy way to do it with a slim to none chance of error
so what can i do?
no it's absolutely safe for you to S-OFF.. so don't have to worry about that, just that there are less things available for the BravoC than the Bravo e.g. not all ROMs support BravoC (I know Cyanogenmod does)
Once you've S-OFF'd and flashed recovery (you are prompted whether you would like to flash recovery in the S-OFF process, select yes) you can just flash a custom ROM. Just always remember to do a nandroid backup before you flash anything!!!, and it's also good to do a full wipe before flashing, as you don't get crap from previous ROM (ofc. back it up before you wipe it lol)
MatDrOiD said:
With unrevoked you cannot root your phone yet. You have to use the alpharev x.
Swyped from Oxygen with Transparent XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like he's on froyo so he should be able to root using unrevoked fine, no?
[EDIT] oops I just noticed his hboot version, my bad
Sent from my CM7.1 Desire using XDA Premium App
timmaaa said:
It looks like he's on froyo so he should be able to root using unrevoked fine, no?
[EDIT] oops I just noticed his hboot version, my bad
Sent from my CM7.1 Desire using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats his hboot version because he has a BravoC, which has a different hboot version.. that's why I'm unsure whether unrevoked would work (I mean yes, it works on BravoC but I don't know what version/ hboot etc. so It'd be safer to S-OFF, flash recovery, then flash ROM, instead of rooting with unrevoked and flashing recovery through that... get what I mean?)
is there a step by step guide for that?
download revolutionary, turn on USB debugging on your phone, plug it in via USB and run revolutionary (following the process on their sit, all it is, is entering the beta key which is given to you, after that everything is done for you)
During the process, you are prompted whether you wish to install clockworkmod recovery, choose yes (unless you would like to install a better recovery choose no, and I'll continue the guide for that )
If you chose yes to flash recovery while using revolutionary, then skip this step, and any of the lime coloured writing, if you chose no, then follow on and ignore any orange coloured writing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download this recovery, and put it in c:\
Download the attached fastboot.zip, and unpack it into c:\
Open cmd and type:
Code:
cd\
fastboot erase recovery
fastboot flash recovery c:\recovery-RA-desire-v2.0.0.img
fastboot oem gencheckpt
Note: the last command will boot you into recovery
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whether you chose to flash clockworkmod recovery in the S-OFF'ing process, or you flashed the Ra Desire recovery in the process I told you about, either way, you should now have a functioning recovery.
>From here, you need to make a nandroid backup (from backup & restore) of your stock, unrooted ROM.
>Once you've got the backup if you're in clockworkmod go to mounts and storage, format boot, format system, format userdata, format cache, go to advanced settings and format dalvic cache.
>If you're in Ra Desire, go to wipe, and select wipe all user data.
>Once you've backed up, and wiped your phone, proceed to install a ROM of your choice from the SD-card. If you are using clockworkmod, choose the install zip from sdcard, flash zip from sd-card, then choose a ROM you downloaded.
>If you're in Ra Desire, go to flash zip from sd-card and install the ROM
Hope that helped you, and hope it's not too confusing for you with all the colour coding and stuff lol
sounds pretty easy.. how do i go bout flashing a rom and what is a good rom that will work with my phone?
on the backup goto back and restore and select back up?
how do i restore once i have a new rom on my phone?
nothing is deleted from my phone till i flash?
xxdesire5044XXX said:
sounds pretty easy.. how do i go bout flashing a rom and what is a good rom that will work with my phone?
on the backup goto back and restore and select back up?
how do i restore once i have a new rom on my phone?
nothing is deleted from my phone till i flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you just select backup and it backs itself up.
If you would like to restore, then you do a full wipe, go to backup and restore, select restore and choose which backup you would like to restore
no, nothing is deleted until you flash
to flash a ROM, like I said in the guide:
>Once you've backed up, and wiped your phone, proceed to install a ROM of your choice from the SD-card. If you are using clockworkmod, choose the install zip from sdcard, flash zip from sd-card, then choose a ROM you downloaded.
>If you're in Ra Desire, go to flash zip from sd-card and install the ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when you select that option, it will take you into a menu with everything in your sd-card, you just have to find where you put the ROM you want, and select it with the trackpad, it will flash itself, then reboot.
This will work on your phone. I'm 110% Sure http://www.cyanogenmod.com/devices/htc-desire-cdma
so i back up my phone before i flash and after the flash do i restore to get everything back to how it was but with the new rom?
xxdesire5044XXX said:
so i back up my phone before i flash and after the flash do i restore to get everything back to how it was but with the new rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nonnoo you don't restore after flashing.. When you flash a different ROM, you flash a completely different version of Android, that developers have changed/modded. You perform a backup in order to be able to go BACK to your old ROM, if you don't like your new one, or if something goes wrong with it. You only restore when you want to go back to your previous ROM.
bortak said:
nonnoo you don't restore after flashing.. When you flash a different ROM, you flash a completely different version of Android, that developers have changed/modded. You perform a backup in order to be able to go BACK to your old ROM, if you don't like your new one, or if something goes wrong with it. You only restore when you want to go back to your previous ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there a way to copy all my messages and apps and stuff like that?
i know some roms dont come with the google apps how do i get those?
what is the best rom out of those three? there any pics of how they look?
very right I almost forgot about the google apps.
cyanogenmod doesn't come with them, download this and flash it in the same way you would the ROM (WITHOUT WIPING ANYTHING!!) http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Latest_Version/Google_Apps
You can usually find screenshots of most ROMs.. so it's just about doing some research.
and you can use an app called sms backup+ from the market.
I'd suggest backing up your contacts too! or moving them to the sim card
ok thank you sooo much for your help ill pm you if i have any questions

[Q] Good for Enterprise

Have a rooted Galaxy Nexus CDMA. I am trying to install an app approved by my employer to access email, calendar, and contacts from my phone called "Good for Enterprise." I'm all approved but ran into a snag
I install fine, enter my pin and it goes through but since I have root it doesnt sync and locks the application.
Is there a way to make the app think my phone is not rooted?
Thanks in advance for the help.
I don't think it's related. Unless person who developed an app was slightly drunk. Does this app asks for root permissions? If yes, then easiest way would be to answering "no" so after getting negative response the app should think that you have no root access.
Just a thought. And still i don't believe it's because you have rooted phone. Just doesn't sound right.
Sent from my SuperGalaxy SuperNexus!
Same thing for me, did some reasearch and its not as simple as saying no to root access. It still knows. Good Tech has some pretty big government contracts, so its very secure.
I just want to know how to remove root WITHOUT wiping out my phone at this point. Everything I find is for a full restore which I would prefer to not have to do.
Anyone???
To remove root uninstall the SuperUser app and use adb or a file explorer to delete the following file (remember to mount /system as read/write):
/system/xbin/su
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I made the following zips to restore root/ Remove good or remove root/ restore good. i use these when i want to use a root feature or whatever
Instructions:
To get root and suspend Good:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoreroot.zip
3. flash killgood.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
To get Good and suspend root:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoregood.zip
3. flash killroot.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
I'm sure there's a way to combine 2 zips to do it in one flash but i dont really care about doing it. someone else is welcome to and post. Saves 10 seconds
arcsum68 said:
Same thing for me, did some research and its not as simple as saying no to root access. It still knows. Good Tech has some pretty big government contracts, so its very secure.
I just want to know how to remove root WITHOUT wiping out my phone at this point. Everything I find is for a full restore which I would prefer to not have to do.
Anyone???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
post the links you found for a full restore. keeping your rom and doing what i posted above is a breeze. Restoring your Good account completely is something I've found to be virtually impossible. Well at least consistently. I've done it once or twice but i believe its very time sensitive
Dont think it requires not to be rooted. Using it on my GSM rooted and it works.
neoxz said:
Dont think it requires not to be rooted. Using it on my GSM rooted and it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does if you're in ministrator have set the settings
neoxz said:
Dont think it requires not to be rooted. Using it on my GSM rooted and it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does if that option is turned on by your admin. Ours is
mallman said:
I made the following zips to restore root/ Remove good or remove root/ restore good. i use these when i want to use a root feature or whatever
Instructions:
To get root and suspend Good:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoreroot.zip
3. flash killgood.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
To get Good and suspend root:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoregood.zip
3. flash killroot.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
I'm sure there's a way to combine 2 zips to do it in one flash but i dont really care about doing it. someone else is welcome to and post. Saves 10 seconds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems to work pretty well if you are set in a rom you like and would like to make minor changes to it with SU rights.
Using autorun manager app also helps if you are too lazy to kill and restore good--as its like 7MB
Need some help with your instructions
mallman said:
I made the following zips to restore root/ Remove good or remove root/ restore good. i use these when i want to use a root feature or whatever
Instructions:
To get root and suspend Good:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoreroot.zip
3. flash killgood.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
To get Good and suspend root:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoregood.zip
3. flash killroot.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
I'm sure there's a way to combine 2 zips to do it in one flash but i dont really care about doing it. someone else is welcome to and post. Saves 10 seconds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
i just recently got a Galaxy S3 with AT&T and installed Good to access my corporate email. It worked just fine.
Then i decided to root my phone and it stopped working, rooted phones are not supported by my IT dept.
I would like to enjoy the benefits of rooting but also access Good.I am hoping you can help me understand how to follow the instructions you provided.
This is the first phone i rooted so i am new to this. I followed the instructions on http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1739426
I simply rooted and did not follow step 3 to install clockworkmod recovery since i wasn't completely sure i needed it.
Anyway i just to let you know where i was. At the moment Good is still installed but i get the device rooted error message when i launch it.
I read your instructions but i am not sure how to follow them:
i can boot in recovery but i am not sure how to flash restoreroot or restoregood? what are the steps?
Do the zip files have to on a pc connected to the phone to be flashed or can they be on saved on the phone to allow switching between phone states at any time?
Will your file work with the root file/steps i used from the link above?
Do i need to uninstall Good before doing all this?
Do programs installed after rooting still work when you use the killroot flash?
Thank you very much!
Bastien
This did it!
mallman said:
I made the following zips to restore root/ Remove good or remove root/ restore good. i use these when i want to use a root feature or whatever
Instructions:
To get root and suspend Good:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoreroot.zip
3. flash killgood.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
To get Good and suspend root:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoregood.zip
3. flash killroot.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
I'm sure there's a way to combine 2 zips to do it in one flash but i dont really care about doing it. someone else is welcome to and post. Saves 10 seconds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You my friend, are the man. Thanks to this I got to keep work email on my Jolly Bean S3.
Some beer coming your way!.
mallman said:
I made the following zips to restore root/ Remove good or remove root/ restore good. i use these when i want to use a root feature or whatever
Instructions:
To get root and suspend Good:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoreroot.zip
3. flash killgood.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
To get Good and suspend root:
1. Boot into recovery
2. flash restoregood.zip
3. flash killroot.zip
4. Reboot
5. profit
I'm sure there's a way to combine 2 zips to do it in one flash but i dont really care about doing it. someone else is welcome to and post. Saves 10 seconds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this work on the nexus S w/ CM9?
daraujo2 said:
You my friend, are the man. Thanks to this I got to keep work email on my Jolly Bean S3.
Some beer coming your way!.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes will work on any device. Not sure if the good apk is outdated though. They released an update. Will work but you will have an older good. I will update zips when I can but should still work fine
mallman said:
Yes will work on any device. Not sure if the good apk is outdated though. They released an update. Will work but you will have an older good. I will update zips when I can but should still work fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude! You are the man. I am about to start a new job that uses Good and I have been pretty worried about having to return to stock. Let me just make sure I understand how this works.
1) Bootloader must be unlocked. Custom recovery must be installed.
2) Have whatever ROM/kernel I want.
3) To install Good, do not install from market. Instead, install by flashing restoregood and killroot zips.
4) Set up Good program. It should function.
5) If I need temporary root, flash restoreroot and killgood zips. Good no longer functions.
6) If want Good to function again, reflash restoregood and killroot zips.
Is all of that accurate? The only question I have is this: In step 6, will I have to entirely re-enter my settings for Good? Or when I flash restoregood will it somehow remember my former Good settings?
Many thanks!
chrikenn said:
Dude! You are the man. I am about to start a new job that uses Good and I have been pretty worried about having to return to stock. Let me just make sure I understand how this works.
1) Bootloader must be unlocked. Custom recovery must be installed.
2) Have whatever ROM/kernel I want.
3) To install Good, do not install from market. Instead, install by flashing restoregood and killroot zips.
4) Set up Good program. It should function.
5) If I need temporary root, flash restoreroot and killgood zips. Good no longer functions.
6) If want Good to function again, reflash restoregood and killroot zips.
Is all of that accurate? The only question I have is this: In step 6, will I have to entirely re-enter my settings for Good? Or when I flash restoregood will it somehow remember my former Good settings?
Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct and no it will not lose settings
mallman said:
Correct and no it will not lose settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. Its a few months til I switch to that job but now I'm much less concerned about the possibility of losing root thread bookmarked!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I have been looking everywhere for some info like this. My company is about to deploy MobileIron (GfE competitor) and I really don't want to leave Bugless Beast. So do Hide My Root and OTA Rootkeeper not work for this? You actually have to run scripts through CWMR? I am okay with that I will just have to figure out how to do it for MobileIron.
Any updates to this process?
Hi, Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but, my company has implemented the dreaded "No Root" option of my Good Account. So, I've looked everywhere for a work around and this one seems to be the best option.
Does this still work and has there been any updates to it? OBTW, running a Verizon Samsung GS3 on stock right now but would like to get to the latest Jelly Bean customes out there.
Thanks for any help.
crashdau said:
Hi, Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but, my company has implemented the dreaded "No Root" option of my Good Account. So, I've looked everywhere for a work around and this one seems to be the best option.
Does this still work and has there been any updates to it? OBTW, running a Verizon Samsung GS3 on stock right now but would like to get to the latest Jelly Bean customes out there.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that ever needs to be done is for you to put in the latest SU and Good apks in the zips. I found another method that looks promising which is here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33088059&postcount=38

Rooting and Modding questions. Final Check

So ive been doing a lot of reading on rooting phones and the best way to go about doing this, but I still have a few questions about the whole process. First IM going to briefly write what I understand about the process and have it corrected and then ask my questions.
To root:
I will follow this guide http://forums.androidcentral.com/ve...ock-bootloader-root-verizon-galaxy-nexus.html
Basically I will make sure all drivers are updated on my computer (samsung and USB)
Use command prompt to unlock the boot loader and then install superboot for the GN
after this process is done and I reboot the phone I will be unlocked and ready to go
Modding
Done through CWM
1. I will download the mod that I want and place it in my phones internal memory.
2. boot into recovery mode with CWM
3. backup the phone with CWM (can anyone tell me where the back up is saved)
4. factory reset the phone
5. install zip from SD card (which will be the mod)
6. reboot back into recovery mode and install Gapps that I downloaded from the cryogen mod wiki through the "install zip from SD card" option. http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Latest_Version
7. Reboot phone and i will be good to go
SO my questions:
1. If i missed anything, can you guys quote my steps and add in what i left out in the correct order?
2. How do I update the phone to 4.0.4. If im guessing correctly, I would rename the file to update.zip, and before i modded my phone and after the factory reset I would install that zip onto the phone? I'm just slightly confused on the process
3. How do I uninstall a mod and go back to stock
4. How do I handle OTA updates? I know that with mods, I cant download the OTA automatically. I would guess i would have to uninstall the mod, download and install the update, and then thats where I dont know what to do
5. Is there a way to back up all my apps so when I install a mod or update a mod I can just have them all reinstalled back in and have all the settings restored, without having to download each individual app and change their settings back to what they were previously?
these are all the questions that come to mind presently. Some may arise later.
Thanks in advance, and if some of my questions have already been answered in a previous thread, can you guys just post a link to that thread?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
You dl'ed android sdk yet or all the fastboot files you need?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
You have it correct. Use titanium backup to save all your app data. And you have to restore a nand backup if you want to undo a mod you flashed. The mod usually instructs you to backup right before flashing, so you can just revert right back if you want.
I wouldn't worry about ota anymore. Being rooted always leads to you being able to flash the latest ota quicker than if you were stock and waiting for your number to be called. Trust me after years of this that's how it always happens.
corban227 said:
So ive been doing a lot of reading on rooting phones and the best way to go about doing this, but I still have a few questions about the whole process. First IM going to briefly write what I understand about the process and have it corrected and then ask my questions.
To root:
I will follow this guide http://forums.androidcentral.com/ve...ock-bootloader-root-verizon-galaxy-nexus.html
Basically I will make sure all drivers are updated on my computer (samsung and USB)
Use command prompt to unlock the boot loader and then install superboot for the GN
after this process is done and I reboot the phone I will be unlocked and ready to go
Modding
Done through CWM
1. I will download the mod that I want and place it in my phones internal memory.
2. boot into recovery mode with CWM
3. backup the phone with CWM (can anyone tell me where the back up is saved)
4. factory reset the phone
5. install zip from SD card (which will be the mod)
6. reboot back into recovery mode and install Gapps that I downloaded from the cryogen mod wiki through the "install zip from SD card" option. http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Latest_Version
7. Reboot phone and i will be good to go
SO my questions:
1. If i missed anything, can you guys quote my steps and add in what i left out in the correct order?
2. How do I update the phone to 4.0.4. If im guessing correctly, I would rename the file to update.zip, and before i modded my phone and after the factory reset I would install that zip onto the phone? I'm just slightly confused on the process
3. How do I uninstall a mod and go back to stock
4. How do I handle OTA updates? I know that with mods, I cant download the OTA automatically. I would guess i would have to uninstall the mod, download and install the update, and then thats where I dont know what to do
5. Is there a way to back up all my apps so when I install a mod or update a mod I can just have them all reinstalled back in and have all the settings restored, without having to download each individual app and change their settings back to what they were previously?
these are all the questions that come to mind presently. Some may arise later.
Thanks in advance, and if some of my questions have already been answered in a previous thread, can you guys just post a link to that thread?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some things that don't make sense in what you are doing.
1) Yes, you install the correct drivers;
2) Yes, you unlock your bootloader; however, if you want to save any data, it would be better if you root first (before unlocking your bootloader) -- see link in my sig, backup apps/etc. and even do a full backup. Don't forget to copy all of that OFF your device, as unlocking wipes even /sdcard.
3) If you are going to install a custom ROM, then there is no need to root the stock ROM you currently have, only to overwrite it with a custom ROM. Doesn't make sense.
4) If you are installing a custom ROM, you cannot "update" it to 4.0.4, unless the dev releases a 4.0.4 update for that particular ROM.
5) If you are sticking with the stock ROM, look at the link in my sig for either how to update to 4.0.4, or, better yet since you are unlocking your bootloader (which will wipe all your data anyway), flash the full 4.0.4 ROM.
6) OTA updates are only for stock ROMs.
7) You can use Titanium Backup once you are rooted to back up apps and app data.
efrant said:
There are some things that don't make sense in what you are doing.
1) Yes, you install the correct drivers;
2) Yes, you unlock your bootloader; however, if you want to save any data, it would be better if you root first (before unlocking your bootloader) -- see link in my sig, backup apps/etc. and even do a full backup. Don't forget to copy all of that OFF your device, as unlocking wipes even /sdcard.
3) If you are going to install a custom ROM, then there is no need to root the stock ROM you currently have, only to overwrite it with a custom ROM. Doesn't make sense.
4) If you are installing a custom ROM, you cannot "update" it to 4.0.4, unless the dev releases a 4.0.4 update for that particular ROM.
5) If you are sticking with the stock ROM, look at the link in my sig for either how to update to 4.0.4, or, better yet since you are unlocking your bootloader (which will wipe all your data anyway), flash the full 4.0.4 ROM.
6) OTA updates are only for stock ROMs.
7) You can use Titanium Backup once you are rooted to back up apps and app data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference between a stock rom and a custom rom? I was looking at milestone 4. What is an example of a stock rom because I would prefer that to be able to still do ota updates.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
corban227 said:
What's the difference between a stock rom and a custom rom? I was looking at milestone 4. What is an example of a stock rom because I would prefer that to be able to still do ota updates.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are asking that question, more reading is likely in order before you start flashing things.
But anyway: a stock ROM is the ROM Google puts out. They are found here, and instructions on how to flash are in my signature. All other ROMs are custom ROMs.
Gotcha. Ill look it up tonight
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
I ended up reading more which lead to me unlocking and installing 4.0.4
Im happy with this now and I dont feel the need to custom mod. I need my phone to be functional all the time with out being too time consuming =D thanks for the help and leading me to my conclusion
I would seriously give aokp a try, I promise its worth it. Its the same as stock there's no extra work needed or anything to worry about or deal with. Its that good.
Id say stick with stock. I tried all the custom roms and while customisation options are good, nothing better than knowing your phone is 100 percent stable and secure with a locked bootloader.
biffsmash said:
Id say stick with stock. I tried all the custom roms and while customisation options are good, nothing better than knowing your phone is 100 percent stable and secure with a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend re-locking your bootloader if you have unlocked it. Actually, I would recommend that, every time you buy a Nexus device, the first thing you should do is unlock the bootloader. Don't forget, having an unlocked bootloader does not mean you are not "stock". An unlocked bootloader doesn't affect anything (aside from what I mentioned below).
Why you ask? Good question:
Advantages of a locked bootloader
If you lose your device, no one can easily access your data, but only if, in addition to your bootloader being locked, you have the stock recovery installed AND you have USB Debugging disabled AND you have a password on your device. However, this "risk" (if you can call it that) can be mitigated by many apps that can remotely wipe your device.
Disadvantages of a locked bootloader
You cannot use fastboot commands, so you cannot flash or boot images, which can save your butt in certain occasions.
You cannot try out new radios (assuming no root).
You cannot backup your data (i.e., make an image of your device's memory (assuming no root).
You cannot root (on 4.0.4 and later).
You cannot manually update to the latest version of Android once Google starts rolling it out. You have to wait until Google decides it's your turn, which could be minutes to months after the update becomes available.
+1 to working without me thinking. I'm leaving the boot loader unlocked to install any updates Verizon doesn't push through but other than that its staying stock. Plus I really like vanilla ICS AS IT IS
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2

[Q]Creating a backup before I root my GIO

hello, i just got my first android phone so I'm new to this sort of stuff, though I love being able to unlock hidden potential of different devices, so naturally I discovered the ability to root smart phones and all that good stuff.
The model I have is the Samsung Galaxy Gio GT-S5660M. It's running 2.3.4. Gingerbread version.
I've been reading a lot of guides and for the most part rooting and adding additional utilities like flash, etc. seems pretty simple. However, I have not yet been able to find out how to create a back of up of my stock firmware when I bought the phone in case I end up bricking it, or decide I want to return to stock.
I've read many guides that claim to show how to create back ups and recovery points, but I'm still having trouble understanding it.
To be more specific, I would like to create as opposed to download, a back up of the phone in it's current state which is, as I said earlier, stock. I did a factory reset since I had some stuff installed while I was fiddling with it for the first time.
thx
You have to root it before you can back up stock rom so, firstly you root it (you can find guides here on xda)
Then install clockworkmod recovery: warning: DON'T EVER USE ROM MANAGER TO INSTALL CLOCKWORKMOD ON YOUR GIO, IT WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE!! use one of the recoveries found in xda, you will also find guides to install them there.
Then third; backup in clockworkmod using "backup and restore"
Sent from my GT-S5660
iok1 said:
You have to root it before you can back up stock rom so, firstly you root it (you can find guides here on xda)
Then install clockworkmod recovery: warning: DON'T EVER USE ROM MANAGER TO INSTALL CLOCKWORKMOD ON YOUR GIO, IT WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE!! use one of the recoveries found in xda, you will also find guides to install them there.
Then third; backup in clockworkmod using "backup and restore"
Sent from my GT-S5660
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so first of all, what I'm looking for is called a ROM right?
what I don't get though is how come I need to modify the device before creating the backup. Isn't the phone modified at that point? Or is the stock configuration being stored somewhere on the phone that I can't see without clockwork?
You cannot create a backup without the recovery mod CWM Clockwork Recovery Mod. But to install this you need your device rooted (modified so you can modify and view system files)
gfyrdr said:
so first of all, what I'm looking for is called a ROM right?
what I don't get though is how come I need to modify the device before creating the backup. Isn't the phone modified at that point? Or is the stock configuration being stored somewhere on the phone that I can't see without clockwork?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - you don't need to search for a rom to backup your stock rom
2 - you need to root your phone in order to be able to backup your rom
3 - you need to install a more advanced recovery (program "similar" to pc BIOS) in order to do a nandroid backup
4 - after you flash that more advanced recovery (aka CWM -> ClockWorkMod), you backup your rom in "backup and restore" menu, backup. It will then store your rom in a folder.
5 - you should strongly consider after that, to install a custom rom made by many of the devs here on XDA in order to have a better experience with your phone...
0M3G4_ said:
1 - you don't need to search for a rom to backup your stock rom
2 - you need to root your phone in order to be able to backup your rom
3 - you need to install a more advanced recovery (program "similar" to pc BIOS) in order to do a nandroid backup
4 - after you flash that more advanced recovery (aka CWM -> ClockWorkMod), you backup your rom in "backup and restore" menu, backup. It will then store your rom in a folder.
5 - you should strongly consider after that, to install a custom rom made by many of the devs here on XDA in order to have a better experience with your phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 That was what I wanted to say
I've already uploaded a stock ROM backup last fall of the same Gingerbread ROM you're running, along with instructions on how to make one yourself or flash mine.
The best advice I can give you is: research, research, and more research.
Good luck,
Darkshado
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA
What software do you recommend to clockworkmod Gio with?
s!mon said:
What software do you recommend to clockworkmod Gio with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use px-cwm-v2.zip recovery.
You flash it using stock recovery.
thx for the replies. I will give it a try.
Darkshadow, whats the thread's name where you posted the ROM and instructions? I'd like to check that out too.
Also, whats a good rom to consider upgrading to? Something that has the ability to play flash videos.
EDIT:
If I understand correctly, roms are basically whole operating systems that have been customized by the developer. So a rom can be already rooted and have clockwork as well as other custom stuff, and I just need to flash it. The alternative to this is to do everything manualy... root the current OS, add clockwork and whatever else. Correct?
Also, I'm not sure yet if a rooted phone has any extra options on it's own, or if it's only a set up that's sole purpose is to allow other applications to be installed who then will give the user better control over his device.
I've run into a little problem.
I'm following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16963172&postcount=1
I've got Odin and the tar downloaded, but when I go into download mode with my phone and connect it to the PC, it says that the device driver was not successfuly installed, and I get no confirmation in Odin that a connection has been made between the phone and the program.
What am I missing?
Thx.
EDIT:
Nevermind, I needed to install Kies. Don't even need to run it. Apparently it has the driver that's needed.
Okay, I've rooted my phone successfully. Now the next step is to install Clockwork and create a back up.
Now that I understand a little bit the way Odin and flashing ROM works, I think it would be better to just download a stock ROM and in case something goes wrong, I can just flash it the way I flashed the rooted one.
(I think I saw a completely stock ROM somewhere for my model but I don't remember where. A link would be appreciated if it exists.)
Correct me if I'm wrong pls.
Also, if I do that, then is there any reason to install Clockwork since I've read that many ppl have issues with installing it and it's riskier than rooting or installing other software.
Right now I think what I'm most interested in is installing Adobe Flash Player 11 or something of the sort that can play flash videos and streams.
^
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19623732&postcount=1
taken from the sticky
i'm also thinking of installing cwm
looking at the sticky, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20397988&postcount=8
how outdated is this cwm?
I'm using Opera as my browser so from what I've learned, flash doesn't work with it period. Is skyfire a good alternative?
Also, like I said, I don't think I need the clockwork if I can get a clean stock ROM that I can just flash if something goes wrong. As I don't intend to download many apps or add many phone numbers (memorized instead), a backup isn't really needed.
nvmd, i just went ahead and installed the cwm in that link, there's a 5.0.2.7 though if that is even the newest one
now, i cant seem to backup my phone
it says it cannot mount /system
try dolphin browser
anonxlg said:
nvmd, i just went ahead and installed the cwm in that link, there's a 5.0.2.7 though if that is even the newest one
now, i cant seem to backup my phone
it says it cannot mount /system
try dolphin browser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you pick the ext4 + rfs version?
Sent from my GT-S5660
Clockwork is not riskier than other things you do. Just follow steps and you see no problems.
anonxlg said:
^
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19623732&postcount=1
i'm also thinking of installing cwm
looking at the sticky, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20397988&postcount=8
how outdated is this cwm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its an older version, its 5.0.2.7, theres also 5.0.2.8 but these give some problems after installing/wiping, so some people still use the older version.
Hello guys,
I'm new here. I have the same problem as anonxlg. It says can't mount system. I also used the version from the big thread for new users. Can anyone enlighten me on what to do? I've been searching the forum and google, but can't make it work. I feel like a compleet noob now, and I don't feel special about it.
RJ88
Edit: I kept searching, and finally found a working 5.0.2.7 version. First I had another 5.0.2.7 version, but when I tried to install it didn't work. I finally found "signed_cwm-5.0.2.7-flashablezip-ext4+rfs.zip (Flash from Recovery)" on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1421650 (through google actually. I have to get used to this site), and I'm making my backup now.
thanks RJA88, backup worked
edit/update
i used the cwm linked and backup worked, i tried installing cm9 beta8 (galaxyics), and it would get stuck after samsung bootscreen (it flashes a white pick or soemthing before full back screen)
i tried restoring backup i made, and it didnt work, some mount error again
i reverted back to 5.0.2.6 and did the restore backup again, and this time it goes up the the galaxy gio gt5660m screen and just stop..
note that i do not know what the rfs/ext4 is for for the gio if that is what is causing problems

[Q]How to flash 1.29.401.11 after having installed CWM? [Solved]

EDIT: What the frick! -.- I fond the answer only seconds after posting this in a thread labeled something entirely different. Oh well. For anyone else looking for the answer to this, my below assumption is correct, aside from having to lock the bootloader again.
More detailed description in this thread.
Original post below:
--------------------
Right, so I rooted and installed CWM on my phone to get rid of that incessantly annoying menu-bar. However, only days after, HTC decided that they'd release an OTA to fix a number of things (internal storage space, for one).
Now, if I've understood this right, there is absolutely no way for me to install the OTA, since I've completely replaced the stock recovery. So what I've gathered from different threads, guides and god knows, is this:
- I need to fastboot write the old recovery back
- Lock my bootloader
- Let the phone update
- Unlock
- Install CWM again
Am I correct? For I am assuming that it's not simply as easy as to flash the new RUU ROM with CWM, since CWM can't access radio, for instance.
MoonshineFox said:
EDIT: What the frick! -.- I fond the answer only seconds after posting this in a thread labeled something entirely different. Oh well. For anyone else looking for the answer to this, my below assumption is correct, aside from having to lock the bootloader again.
More detailed description in this thread.
Original post below:
--------------------
Right, so I rooted and installed CWM on my phone to get rid of that incessantly annoying menu-bar. However, only days after, HTC decided that they'd release an OTA to fix a number of things (internal storage space, for one).
Now, if I've understood this right, there is absolutely no way for me to install the OTA, since I've completely replaced the stock recovery. So what I've gathered from different threads, guides and god knows, is this:
- I need to fastboot write the old recovery back
- Lock my bootloader
- Let the phone update
- Unlock
- Install CWM again
Am I correct? For I am assuming that it's not simply as easy as to flash the new RUU ROM with CWM, since CWM can't access radio, for instance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where to find the old stock recovery back?
phonixloo said:
Where to find the old stock recovery back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll find it in the thread I linked.
Or if you want,
1. Do a CWM backup
2. Relock
3. Perform RUU install
4. Unlock
5. Install CWM
6. Restore CWM backup
7 (optional). wipe cache and Dalvik cache
I use this method as your OTA method means losing root and CWM as Unlocking it after the OTA will erase your data partitions.
jonshipman said:
Or if you want,
1. Do a CWM backup
2. Relock
3. Perform RUU install
4. Unlock
5. Install CWM
6. Restore CWM backup
7 (optional). wipe cache and Dalvik cache
I use this method as your OTA method means losing root and CWM as Unlocking it after the OTA will erase your data partitions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I didn't actually need to lock the bootloader. It wasn't necessary. Flash old recovery, install OTA, reflash CWM, make sure root works, if not, reflash SU.
I ended up having to factory reset on the unlock again. Bad move

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