Develop Bugs

Am I doing it correctly

So I'm still pretty new on the E4GT forums, having recently come over from a Nexus one, which was quite a bit easier to mess with as far as ROM's are concerned, and much less easy to brick. About the only thing that could brick an N1 was flashing a radio, and new radio's didn't come out that often, so no big deal.
I'm currently running Calkulins EL29 mod with an FC14 modem on my E4GT, but I'm really wanting to mess with the testing builds of CM9, I really miss CM. All the steps seems to spread out across multiple threads, so I want to make sure I do it correctly so as not to brick.
1. nandroid backup, backup, backup
2. boot to download mode
3. load stock cwm el26 through odin
4. flash cm9 zip
5. mess around with it.
Where I'm a little confused is how to get back to where I was should I decide to wait some more. How do I get back to the EL29 CWM so that I can then restore the nandroid backup? Also, will I need to flash different modems again, or can I stick with the fc14 modem through all of this?
Please understand that I'm not a total n00b at all of this, been flashing all kinds of ROM's on my old Nexus one for two years, just don't have much experience with Sammy devices.

You just want too flash roms and themes?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

I would also like to know the answer to this.. I'm terrified to flash or odin any ics-based roms because I don't want to brick my phone like a lot of others have
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA Premium App

ScubaSteev said:
You just want too flash roms and themes?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Themes, not really, but ROM's yes. It's just a bit confusing cause I see things like, you need this CWM for this, you need to flash this, or you need to Odin that, you need this specific CWM for this, or you need to get back to stock before you fan flash or Odin this or that.
But what I'm really wanting help with at this moments, is the testing build of CM9, and then how to get back if I don't like it at this time.

Ok....I download roms straight from xda app and then I go to recovery......do a full wipe....wipe data/wipe dalvic/wipe cache/wipe battery stats.........then I install .zip (rom) then reboot.....that's all I do,its pretty simple
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

ScubaSteev said:
Ok....I download roms straight from xda app and then I go to recovery......do a full wipe....wipe data/wipe dalvic/wipe cache/wipe battery stats.........then I install .zip (rom) then reboot.....that's all I do,its pretty simple
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that CM9 is an ICS ROM, you can't just flash willy nilly as there are a lot of reports of people bricking their phones cause they didn't use the right recovery. How to flash CM9 on is not my problem, it's how to get back to EL29 if I don't like the current testing build of CM9.

Ohh yeah....I don't mess with that stuff lol,can't take a chance.......but everyone says don't.
And I love cm7 can't wait for cm9 to be stable
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Check out QBKing77 on YouTube. He has very simple videos about how to get back to stock after flashing ROMs, his guidance taught me everything. But don't let my noob-ness detour you, they are great videos.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

xerxax said:
Check out QBKing77 on YouTube. He has very simple videos about how to get back to stock after flashing ROMs, his guidance taught me everything. But don't let my noob-ness detour you, they are great videos.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People, please read my OP, I'm already rooted and running a custom gingerbread rom and recovery. I'm wanting to run CM9, but it may not be stable enough for me, so I'm wanting to know what the steps are to get back to my custom gingerbread rom should I decide to go back.

garfnodie said:
People, please read my OP, I'm already rooted and running a custom gingerbread rom and recovery. I'm wanting to run CM9, but it may not be stable enough for me, so I'm wanting to know what the steps are to get back to my custom gingerbread rom should I decide to go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guy you just quoted... just told you where to find that information. :what:
This has been discussed ad nauseum all over the forums, and if you do a bit of research you will find the exact procedure. Since I'm on my phone, kinda a pain to type it all out. But he's right, the point is to get back to stock GB rom before restoring any GB nandroids. (specifically before wiping any partitions, but that's yet another long explanation.) This issue And procedure is the same for ICS leaks, for cm9, for AOKP.
Look for a sticky thread in general titled "how not to brick your phone" or something.
Or, god forbid, actually read one of the ICS/cm9/AOKP/leak threads. I swear, every third page you will see someone ask this and the process described.
And QBKING77s videos have a step by step explanation for this as well. Really the best way.
And yes, you can keep the modem, no matter what rom/kernel you run. Same thing as a "radio".
Sent from my calculator watch.

kingdazy said:
The guy you just quoted... just told you where to find that information. :what:
This has been discussed ad nauseum all over the forums, and if you do a bit of research you will find the exact procedure. Since I'm on my phone, kinda a pain to type it all out. But he's right, the point is to get back to stock GB rom before restoring any GB nandroids. (specifically before wiping any partitions, but that's yet another long explanation.) This issue And procedure is the same for ICS leaks, for cm9, for AOKP.
Look for a sticky thread in general titled "how not to brick your phone" or something.
Or, god forbid, actually read one of the ICS/cm9/AOKP/leak threads. I swear, every third page you will see someone ask this and the process described.
And QBKING77s videos have a step by step explanation for this as well. Really the best way.
And yes, you can keep the modem, no matter what rom/kernel you run. Same thing as a "radio".
Sent from my calculator watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some searching, and everything I found says to get back to stock, I didn't see where it said that you have to get back to stock first before you can then restore a nandroid.
This is not how it was done on the Nexus One, so it's new to me.

garfnodie said:
I did some searching, and everything I found says to get back to stock, I didn't see where it said that you have to get back to stock first before you can then restore a nandroid.
This is not how it was done on the Nexus One, so it's new to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ics kennels with cwm have been bricking phones ....some just by wiping data ...they corrupt your data partition making it impossible to write to ..jtag doesn't even work on it...so we have been Odin back to stock GB and go from there
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

You may want to read this if you haven't already:
How Not To Brick Your E4GT
Now that it has been stickied the OP went through and updated the first post to cover most of I believe you are trying to find out. Hope this helps!

Epix4G said:
Ics kennels with cwm have been bricking phones ....some just by wiping data ...they corrupt your data partition making it impossible to write to ..jtag doesn't even work on it...so we have been Odin back to stock GB and go from there
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I've been seeing, which is why I want to make sure I do it right. I don't even know what jtag is, had to look it up. Some kind of debugging tool from I found.
garwynn said:
You may want to read this if you haven't already:
How Not To Brick Your E4GT
Now that it has been stickied the OP went through and updated the first post to cover most of I believe you are trying to find out. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll definitely give it good read. Thanks.

[Q] From Evo 3d

I'm someone, like others I've saw, that are coming over here from the EVO 3d after having to go through asurion.
As a good XDA member, I read through the stickies.
I wanted to confirm what I've learned.
ICS for you guys is rather different. I'm seeing many versions of ICS, I'm guessing leaks at different stages (haven't seen many leaks on phones in a while).
I also saw that wipe in custom recoveries is a REALLY bad idea.
In fact it said not to use custom recoveries with ICS stuff.
So why does Calkulin's E4GT rom say you MUST use a custom recovery?
I thought I saw something crazy that said it depends what version you are on for the method you root. But I can't find that again. It seems weird, but please tell me that's wrong and there's only one way to really root.

karate134 said:
I'm someone, like others I've saw, that are coming over here from the EVO 3d after having to go through asurion.
As a good XDA member, I read through the stickies.
I wanted to confirm what I've learned.
ICS for you guys is rather different. I'm seeing many versions of ICS, I'm guessing leaks at different stages (haven't seen many leaks on phones in a while).
I also saw that wipe in custom recoveries is a REALLY bad idea.
In fact it said not to use custom recoveries with ICS stuff.
So why does Calkulin's E4GT rom say you MUST use a custom recovery?
I thought I saw something crazy that said it depends what version you are on for the method you root. But I can't find that again. It seems weird, but please tell me that's wrong and there's only one way to really root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to use a specific recovery to flash stuff, called the EL26/29 recovery. It's based on 5.0.2.7 (?) of ClockWorkMod recovery. This is generally accepted as the safest way to flash. Flashing from an ICS based recovery has been known to brick devices.
Samsung devices have Odin, much like HTC devices have Fastboot. We're able to put the device in Odin (download) mode and flash just about anything. There's even an app version called Mobile Odin that allows you to Odin flash directly from the phone without having to plug in.

Correct me if wrong but i think there is only an issue with ics recovery when wiping due to the emmc bug (partition corruption). Thats whats causing the bricks. There are plenty workarounds though. I use ics recovery to flash things, i just make sure to never wipe anything using the recovery. I use calk's format all zip and modified format zip whenever i need to wipe.

puff601 said:
Correct me if wrong but i think there is only an issue with ics recovery when wiping due to the emmc bug (partition corruption). Thats whats causing the bricks. There are plenty workarounds though. I use ics recovery to flash things, i just make sure to never wipe anything using the recovery. I use calk's format all zip and modified format zip whenever i need to wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct they have come up with ways to use ICS recovery to update and flash certain things. Honestly since the OP is new to Epic Touch I would stick with the very simply odin of el26 recovery and flashing anything you need while in ICS.
agat's threads have great info if you are a stock software guy with ways to flash and upgrade while on ICS. Honestly GB is pretty damn polished and there are some awfully nice roms for it as well and you have no worries at all with how you flash. sfhub has quite a few threads with his odin one click methods which have been a god sent for a lot of us here.
First decide what you want to do then any one of the OP's will direct you in the right direction. Also if you can read up on the How not to brick your phone threads/stickies in general I believe

Would be a better idea to use the cm9 direct boot Odin file. Much easier than pulling the battery 10 times. Read all the release notes on the cm9 wiki and you'll have safe flashing.
Sent from my awesomely EPIC Phone

Rooster-just curious, why would you need to pull the battery? I've flashed plenty of roms and haven't had to pull the battery once...
Karate-the easiest easy to just gain root access is to use sfhub's one click rooted el29-just boot into download mode (vol up + power), plug into the computer and click start...easy peasy
And as playya said, the OP's of any of the rom threads all have great info and directions to keep you flashing safely. Good luck and happy flashing!
Sent from my wickedly sensational e4gt

Sunsparc said:
You have to use a specific recovery to flash stuff, called the EL26/29 recovery. It's based on 5.0.2.7 (?) of ClockWorkMod recovery. This is generally accepted as the safest way to flash. Flashing from an ICS based recovery has been known to brick devices.
Samsung devices have Odin, much like HTC devices have Fastboot. We're able to put the device in Odin (download) mode and flash just about anything. There's even an app version called Mobile Odin that allows you to Odin flash directly from the phone without having to plug in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you a link to el2? Recovery
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1416477
Check this thread out, make sure to read all the directions and you should be able to find the auto root package where you can add cwm recovery to the kernel
Sent from my wickedly sensational e4gt

karate134 said:
I'm someone, like others I've saw, that are coming over here from the EVO 3d after having to go through asurion.
As a good XDA member, I read through the stickies.
I wanted to confirm what I've learned.
ICS for you guys is rather different. I'm seeing many versions of ICS, I'm guessing leaks at different stages (haven't seen many leaks on phones in a while).
I also saw that wipe in custom recoveries is a REALLY bad idea.
In fact it said not to use custom recoveries with ICS stuff.
So why does Calkulin's E4GT rom say you MUST use a custom recovery?
I thought I saw something crazy that said it depends what version you are on for the method you root. But I can't find that again. It seems weird, but please tell me that's wrong and there's only one way to really root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im one of those that went through insurance too and ended up with this today and i gotta say I love it!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

im also coming over from the evo4g and evo3d not because of insurance wanted something different and im loving the phone so far..i will say i was lost at first with odin and el29 its a different way of doin stuff but not hard at all

Welcome, I recently made the switch as well. The screen is incredible after looking at the E3D for so long. Seriously, I stop to look at how pretty it is at least once every day.

SkuzFoz said:
Welcome, I recently made the switch as well. The screen is incredible after looking at the E3D for so long. Seriously, I stop to look at how pretty it is at least once every day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! It truly is amazing!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

[Q] Clockwork Mod Recovery

Hi.. just moved from the Samsung Vibrant S to the Epic 4G touch. I am confused on how to get Clockwork Mod recovery on my phone. Flashing it via the ROM Manager Premium app doesn't seem to work. I reboot into recovery, and no Clockwork Mod.
What is the appropriate and correct way to get Clockwork Mod on the phone? It seems for now, the only way I can play with ROMS is to find an ODIN version of the ROM. I am willing to use that if necessary, but a lot of ROMS are not released in ODIN format. Can someone help? Thanks!

Recovery is packed with kernal. So you have to flash a kernal with the recovery of choice. I think the consensus is to use Odin or MobilOdin for now.
Agat63 has some nice kernals and CM9 folks are making some safe ones.
Make sure you read the stickies on how not to brick your phone. There's some dangerous stuff that can brick you permanently, especially if youre used to flashing stuff on other phones. Theyre not just for noobies. Definitely read the stickies here. And did i mention to read the stickies?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

Please tell me you are on a Gingerbread rom!
Also, do not use Rom Manager, ever.
We can help you with this, but tell us what you flashed so far so we know how to proceed. Tnx
Edit: Its ok to be on ics, but please don't do any rom or kernel flashing yet until we're sure its done the safe way.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

thanks guys. Right now, I haven't flashed a new ROM as of yet. Is there one that you would recommend. I'd rather wait till CM is in beta stage, and I have checked out Phantom's rom.
I did try installing a kernel FE22 i believe, and thought it would have recovery in it, but getting into recovery mode, I don't see Clockwork mod. Am i doing it incorrectly? Which kernel would u recommend. Thanks!

Heed tdunham's advice about ROM manager or you'll paperweight your shiny new phone. Here are the kernels http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1662295 Read through some of the threads. I would recommend using the EL26 CWM or one of the latest ICS versions (FF11 FF18) from Agat63; they have not failed me or others. Being new to this device I'd recommend using one of sfhub's one-clicks then odin a kernel with recovery (again Agat would be my choice). Be careful to choose a recovery and install method that is expressly laid out by the developer. Using the wrong format, kernel, wipe, install method can also paperweight your phone.
Good luck.

dvargas2000 said:
thanks guys. Right now, I haven't flashed a new ROM as of yet. Is there one that you would recommend. I'd rather wait till CM is in beta stage, and I have checked out Phantom's rom.
I did try installing a kernel FE22 i believe, and thought it would have recovery in it, but getting into recovery mode, I don't see Clockwork mod. Am i doing it incorrectly? Which kernel would u recommend. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you've done so far but this is the method to install stock rooted and also CWM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=24158551&postcount=9980
From there, you can flash anything you want. I would REALLY recommend sticking with a Gingerbread rom for a while. Flashing over to the leaked ICS builds can be pretty hazardous if you're not absolutely certain of how it's done.
I prefer Calkulin's 3.0 GB rom found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1332837
It may look stock but believe me it is not. There are a few themed GB roms around to try also.

Wicked sensations is an awesome ICS ROM by Team Venum.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2

I have what may appear to be a pretty dumb question. I am running EL29 stock but rooted with Rogue Recovery which states it is CWM 5.0.2.7 I believe. I've been told that Rogue is not currently a safe recovery. I would like to know if there is a way to get my phone to where when I boot into recovery it is CWM and not Rogue ?? Hope this makes sense. I've searched for delete Rogue recovery to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.
thanks in advance.

Longball said:
I have what may appear to be a pretty dumb question. I am running EL29 stock but rooted with Rogue Recovery which states it is CWM 5.0.2.7 I believe. I've been told that Rogue is not currently a safe recovery. I would like to know if there is a way to get my phone to where when I boot into recovery it is CWM and not Rogue ?? Hope this makes sense. I've searched for delete Rogue recovery to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the Kernel Repository maintained by RWilco. Just pay attention to the notes and the descriptions for each group and then read the threads linked for each.
:edit: Side note - Do NOT use Rom Manager to apply kernels/recovery for this phone.
If you need directions and helpful information, and if you haven't already, read this. [TUT] What Is ClockworkMod And How To Use It [Complete Guide] [VeNuM]

I'm so very confused as to what to do right now. I just bought an e4gt phone that I was told was rooted and flashed to cricket already, but when I get home, no custom recovery and I su doesn't respond to auto allow requests from superuser.apk, so I figure it lost root on that ics update. It's saying it's Fl24, and upon following various threads and stickies and videos, I'm absolutely overwhelmed, especially considering e4gtauto-sfx.exe and e4gtauto.zip are missing from their download links in a monster thread here in xda, so any help would be appreciated...

GrimeSyndicate said:
I'm so very confused as to what to do right now. I just bought an e4gt phone that I was told was rooted and flashed to cricket already, but when I get home, no custom recovery and I su doesn't respond to auto allow requests from superuser.apk, so I figure it lost root on that ics update. It's saying it's Fl24, and upon following various threads and stickies and videos, I'm absolutely overwhelmed, especially considering e4gtauto-sfx.exe and e4gtauto.zip are missing from their download links in a monster thread here in xda, so any help would be appreciated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't necro post. And go read the stickies in the general section.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

graydiggy said:
Don't necro post. And go read the stickies in the general section.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, now I would just like to say, as long as you necro post in a thread relevant to your isssue/question you shouldn't be responded to in that manner^^^
If it's already there and they post a new one they get flamed like hell for it, at least they took the initiative to actually search obviously!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

H4rryTipp3r said:
Okay, now I would just like to say, as long as you necro post in a thread relevant to your isssue/question you shouldn't be responded to in that manner^^^
If it's already there and they post a new one they get flamed like hell for it, at least they took the initiative to actually search obviously!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem, his questions don't pertain directly to CWM. He just says that there is not one on his phone. Basically, he is asking about how to get root back on a device that sounds like it actually wasnt rooted, and that is a completely different subject. And even if he was directly asking about CWM, the answer is in the post right above his. So he my have searched, but he isn't reading.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

All sorted out now, and you're right, it was all there for me to find. The issues with this phone regarding bricked devices and various unsafe recoveries and kernels WAS overwhelming, but after a couple days of lurking the stickies and all the other related threads I believe I've got at least a working awareness of the situation. For anyone else who comes after me, agats tREC CWM based recovery combined with the fl24 kernel as compiled by garwynn is a good place to begin, and qbking77's video tutorials will go a long way to getting you up to speed. Thanks (for nothing ) folks, this e4gt will live to see another day!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

GrimeSyndicate said:
All sorted out now, and you're right, it was all there for me to find. The issues with this phone regarding bricked devices and various unsafe recoveries and kernels WAS overwhelming, but after a couple days of lurking the stickies and all the other related threads I believe I've got at least a working awareness of the situation. For anyone else who comes after me, agats tREC CWM based recovery combined with the fl24 kernel as compiled by garwynn is a good place to begin, and qbking77's video tutorials will go a long way to getting you up to speed. Thanks (for nothing ) folks, this e4gt will live to see another day!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easiest way is to Odin full restore (rooted) the desired ROM. As of now I'd say GB27
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2191954
[LINK][ROM][ODIN][TAR]SPH-D710 GB27 (GB27 Modem/Kernel/ROM - Root/Stock)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

Well, while that is the newer repack, i wouldn't day it's the EASIEST method, because the vast majority (dare i say all?) of AOSP based ROMs specifically instruct you to "not use with a JellyBean modem." Following your method, they'd have to Odin flash to gain root, mobile Odin their CWM recovery, then follow ir up with flashing back to an ICS modern, re updating their carrier data & PRL (as well as nv items n all that) then get on to the ROM flashing business. If they start with FL24, they're able to side-step the whole modem compatibility consideration and jump right into flashing their custom OS of choice. Unless, of course, they decide to go with something that's TouchWiz based. But having been new to this device not that long ago, i can say with confidence that the AOSP based ROMs that reside in the "Android original development" thread are much more appealing to someone who's just gained root and is settling down to tweak their device to the fullest extent that modern development safely allows. So, yes, that is the most updated method, but easiest? Gotta say that was covered in my post...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

GrimeSyndicate said:
Well, while that is the newer repack, i wouldn't day it's the EASIEST method, because the vast majority (dare i say all?) of AOSP based ROMs specifically instruct you to "not use with a JellyBean modem." Following your method, they'd have to Odin flash to gain root, mobile Odin their CWM recovery, then follow ir up with flashing back to an ICS modern, re updating their carrier data & PRL (as well as nv items n all that) then get on to the ROM flashing business. If they start with FL24, they're able to side-step the whole modem compatibility consideration and jump right into flashing their custom OS of choice. Unless, of course, they decide to go with something that's TouchWiz based. But having been new to this device not that long ago, i can say with confidence that the AOSP based ROMs that reside in the "Android original development" thread are much more appealing to someone who's just gained root and is settling down to tweak their device to the fullest extent that modern development safely allows. So, yes, that is the most updated method, but easiest? Gotta say that was covered in my post...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have no idea what is the easiest method... Your method had a ton of steps and nothing to do with what was even asked or brought up by the other user.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

graydiggy said:
You have no idea what is the easiest method... Your method had a ton of steps and nothing to do with what was even asked or brought up by the other user.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a bit cheeky. Apologies. That's what i get for drunk posting... His post was written with the best of intentions. That was no way of me to show my gratitude. However, graydiggy, I'm guessing you weren't hugged enough as a child.... As for what you said about his post, you're half right, the GB27 method would be a fine choice for some purposes. And to clear up the mess i was in when i first posed my question to this thread, that'd have given me root and gotten me back to a happy place. But i didn't expound on my end purpose... I wanted to be able to flash Cyanogenmod, AOKP, etc, etc... And perhaps without the bundled recovery that'd still be a fine route to go, except for the JB modem issue i mentioned, but that's just an extra step. But, on a side note, Garwynn just uncovered some real troubles with the GB27 kernel and custom recovery repack he put out, in case anyone wants to look over it you can find the thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=40218765. But, for flashing aosp ROMs, sidestepping the jb modem issue does save a step, so for that purpose, I'd still go with the fl24 one click. In my opinion and for my purposes. So again, sorry for my cheeky-ass post.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

I don't know how many times I was hugged... Who cares? Some people do like me and some don't, because I am brutally honest 95% of the time. When a user offers advice that is lacking or more work than what needs to be done, I tend to let them know how dumb it is and I have no problem doing it. I am not always trying to be a d**k about it, but it comes out that way sometimes...
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Boohoo, I gave bad advice and got called on it, I'm going to pout now :stompsfeet: :sly:
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!

Dumbest Question Ever!!

Hello all,
I have had a couple of smartphones and I've asked a couple of questions on xda about various things regarding those phones. I just recently upgraded my work phone to the ET4G and I love the phone but hate the battery life and hotspot restrictions. I have no clue how to flash roms but I'm not totally clueless, I can follow directions. Can someone tell me or point me in the right direction as to how I install a custom rom on my phone. I want to install Calk N Venums Stock Rom but I manually installed ICS 4.0.4 because Sprint took forever to roll out the update. Not sure if the process was similar to me going into bootloader and unziping the file, etc. Long story short, I need to know what I need to have preinstalled on the phone so that I don't brick it (Clockwork Recovery, etc.). The devs have done a great jump with these roms and I am very interested in trying some out given I know the proper steps. Thanks for any and all advice.
One Dumb Guy!

dcscorpio76 said:
Hello all,
I have had a couple of smartphones and I've asked a couple of questions on xda about various things regarding those phones. I just recently upgraded my work phone to the ET4G and I love the phone but hate the battery life and hotspot restrictions. I have no clue how to flash roms but I'm not totally clueless, I can follow directions. Can someone tell me or point me in the right direction as to how I install a custom rom on my phone. I want to install Calk N Venums Stock Rom but I manually installed ICS 4.0.4 because Sprint took forever to roll out the update. Not sure if the process was similar to me going into bootloader and unziping the file, etc. Long story short, I need to know what I need to have preinstalled on the phone so that I don't brick it (Clockwork Recovery, etc.). The devs have done a great jump with these roms and I am very interested in trying some out given I know the proper steps. Thanks for any and all advice.
One Dumb Guy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really not a dumb question...at least you are approaching this with caution and there is a ton of information out there so it can be very intimidating and discouraging.
I would start here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229

jonnoh said:
Really not a dumb question...at least you are approaching this with caution and there is a ton of information out there so it can be very intimidating and discouraging.
I would start here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I began to read with delight about all the features and benefits than the horror of actually installing all these things correctly began to set in. Thanks for your help. At least I have a starting point.

What is the rom you want to install isit this one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1815212

this will help as well...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28507701
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

dz1 said:
What is the rom you want to install isit this one?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1815212
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the exact one I'm taking about

dcscorpio76 said:
...I need to know what I need to have preinstalled on the phone so that I don't brick it ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525495
Give that a read as well.
Look for stickies on the sections and be sure to read the thread of the rom that you're wanting to flash.. Then read it again.
Good luck!

cp320703 said:
this will help as well...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28507701
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, you guys are awesome with the quick responses. Thank you guys so very much. I'll revert back to this thread if I run into any hiccups.

This is the most helpfull video out there will teach you how to get to el26 and cwm
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=1Biu9Ros84M
Follow the video up to the point were he reboots in cwm
The rom you wants recommends el26 cwm there are different ways to get cwm but to mee this is the easies for noobs but please read don't brick
"preferably in stock el26 cwm if possible"
Then just follow the rom recomended instruction
Flashing instructions:
Full wipe recommended, that means....
Wipe cache
Wipe data
Wipe dalvik cache
Calks format all(you can find this in any of his actual threads)
Flash rom
Enjoy

Thank all you gents again. I'll look at the threads and the videos and I'll pay with this tonight. I'll reply back with my questions. Thanks peeps.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

Two more questions for you guys. I assume CWM well allow me to back up all my data so that once i flash a new rom, I can retain all my apps and contacts?
Secondly, can I go back to my stock ROM if I don't like the custom ROM like nothing ever happened? Or will my phone be deflowered and never the same again? Just wanna make sure before I try this.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

dcscorpio76 said:
Two more questions for you guys. I assume CWM well allow me to back up all my data so that once i flash a new rom, I can retain all my apps and contacts?
Secondly, can I go back to my stock ROM if I don't like the custom ROM like nothing ever happened? Or will my phone be deflowered and never the same again? Just wanna make sure before I try this.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find this to be helpful for explaining - What Is Nandroid And How To Use It - VeNuM or the original post [TUT] What Is Nandroid And How To Use It [Complete Guide] [VeNuM]
And hahah at deflowered.. Just use a one click if you don't like what you flash, or follow proper steps from going to rom to rom..

Update:
You guys at the best. I was able to stock root my phone with CWM and flash AOKP Milestone 6 to my phone and I've been tweaking ever since. Thank all of you for your help in getting me there. I'm becoming very familiar with Nandroid, wiping cache and installing mods via safe recovery. This is the most fun I've had with a mobile phone in a long time. Thanks again brethren! Good bless
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

Once you get things going check this out
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Samsung_Epic_4G_Touch
Has a few things that might possibly interest you. I did a lot of browsing here

try this YouTube channel
You should take a look at the qbking77 channel on YouTube. he has 20,000 subscribers and has helped me with four different roms on the epic 4g touch. he will tell you how to root, install clockworkmod, and flash roms easily

[Q] (Q) Bricked Phone

Could somebody please explain why flashing a ROM (AOKP) on this kernel/recovery would brick my phone? I'm not blaming anyone but myself, but I just really don't want to go through it again. My problem is I thought being on Agats kernel I would be safe. But obviously I was wrong. Yes I know, FAIL. At least I got some good years in before popping my brick cherry. :laugh:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1879381

jtadak said:
Could somebody please explain why flashing a ROM on this kernal/recovery would brick my phone? I'm not blaming anyone but myself, but I just really don't want to go through it again. My problem is I thought being on Agats kernel I would be safe. But obviously I was wrong. Yes I know, FAIL. At least I got some good years in before popping my brick cherry. :laugh:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1879381
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, All flashing involves risk. I have flashed many times from that kernel/recovery. What were you flashing? (ROM / KERNEL) did it have the update script binary call for eMMC_format_all comand? Sorry to hear that you bricked.

g_ding84 said:
Well, All flashing involves risk. I have flashed many times from that kernel/recovery. What were you flashing? (ROM / KERNEL) did it have the update script binary call for eMMC_format_all comand? Sorry to hear that you bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's risky, but I mean not like that. Followed instuctions and flashed per instructions like always. I was flashing AOKP. But would it matter what I was flashing, or where I'm flashing from? I do not know if it had any updates. I guess I had hoped if it was unsafe, or "risky" it would have been in the OP. I'm just trying to figure out what the heck I'm missing here. Thanks, I'll be getting a new one $35 so it's not horrible.

jtadak said:
I know it's risky, but I mean not like that. Followed instuctions and flashed per instructions like always. I was flashing AOKP. But would it matter what I was flashing, or where I'm flashing from? I do not know if it had any updates. I guess I had hoped if it was unsafe, or "risky" it would have been in the OP. I'm just trying to figure out what the heck I'm missing here. Thanks, I'll be getting a new one $35 so it's not horrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not the first person that has bricked from that combo. I have never had any issues with agats or any other "safe" kernel. Vanberge had the same issue.
link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1912529&highlight=brick

g_ding84 said:
Your not the first person that has bricked from that combo. I have never had any issues with agats or any other "safe" kernel. Vanberge had the same issue.
link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1912529&highlight=brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Wow, I sure wish I came accross that sooner. Haha, oh well. It's how it goes. I just read that whole thread and posted my brick as well to maybe help develop some more awareness. It's el29 from here on out no matter what. Sheesh.

jtadak said:
Thanks. Wow, I sure wish I came accross that sooner. Haha, oh well. It's how it goes. I just read that whole thread and posted my brick as well to maybe help develop some more awareness. It's el29 from here on out no matter what. Sheesh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I do, unless it TW ICS to TW ICS.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

So you don't want to EL29 when flashing from TW ICS to TW ICS? Haven't heard that one...

jtadak said:
So you don't want to EL29 when flashing from TW ICS to TW ICS? Haven't heard that one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you guys send me a link to the AOKP build you tried? Think we may want to ask someone to test update-binary and see if the problem lies in there.

garwynn said:
Can you guys send me a link to the AOKP build you tried? Think we may want to ask someone to test update-binary and see if the problem lies in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is this one. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1881046
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app

jtadak said:
So you don't want to EL29 when flashing from TW ICS to TW ICS? Haven't heard that one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main thing is do what your comfortable with. You can do either of them. But i keep a copy of el29 direct boot kernel on my sd card.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

BluesRulez said:
I believe it is this one. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1881046
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the one...

g_ding84 said:
The main thing is do what your comfortable with. You can do either of them. But i keep a copy of el29 direct boot kernel on my sd card.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, so do I. I just didn't here :laugh: So you use CWM to flash TW ICS to TW ICS?

I use the el26 kernel or I use chris41g's twrp kernelor even his cwm kernel. They will overwrite the updater binaries using its own. However some zips will not like it and abort. Its safe as hell though. El26 is the first choice though
sent from my BAD A$$ Epic touch

Well went down to Sprint. $35 and getting a new phone Friday most likely. Could be worse I guess.