Hello All,
About to be first time rooter and want to ensure I have a complete understanding of how things work before I fully commit. I’ve been trying to piece together information from various threads and I think I have a basic understanding of how things work. Can you please help me verify?
1. When you flash a ROM, the ROM automatically comes with a kernel. The kernel can be stock or custom, but regardless, all ROMS have a kernel automatically bundled when you flash the ROM. Correct?
2. Once you flash a new ROM and the corresponding kernel it comes with, you can swap out the kernel with something else, as long as it says it’s compatible with that ROM version. For instance, if the ROM says it’s built from 4.0.4, as long as the kernel you want to swap says that it’s compatible with anything 4.0.4, then you are good to go. Correct?
3. Radios need to be updated manually. Most ROMs and kernels do not update the Radio in most cases (or do not have radios bundled)…. With one of the exceptions being the Official Google ROMs. If I were to flash a leaked Stock 4.0.4 OTA Verizon ROM, I would actually get a new ROM, Kernel, and Radio. Correct? If I were to flash AKOP (or another popular ROM), I would get the ROM, bundled kernel, but NO radio. Correct?
4. A Nandroid backup backs up the ROM, Kernel, all applications installed, app user configurations/preferences…… basically everything EXCEPT the radio. If I were to restore a Nandroid backup, there is no need to restore apps and reconfigure apps/preferences…. It’s a snap shot in time (or whenever the last backup was made). Correct?
5. Using Titanium to batch backup apps/preferences is really only necessary when you want to flash a new completely different ROM and want to restore your apps from a previous completely different ROM. Correct?
6. Let's say I'm rooted and unlocked boot loader and on a custom ROM..... Verizon pushes out a new OTA update Stock ROM (let's say 4.0.4). What do I need to do? Restore 4.0.2 Stock from Google's developer website? If I were to restore the Google developer Website 4.0.2 version, my assumption is that I lose root (boot loader still remains unlocked). Do I need to re-lock the boot loader for Verizon OTA updates?
7. When I install a new ROM, do I loose root unless the ROM specifically says it comes with Root?
****** additional questions/verification added after sean and artvandelay responded ***************
8. Nandroid backups do not back up the SD card folder. This should be done manually (copy directory to Computer every once in a while). Correct?
9. When I installed space heavy games, I should have installed the game data portion (when it prompted to store at App level or SD Card Level) in the SD Card directory. Now if I Nandroid, It will be unnecessarily larger because it’s taking the game data stored at the app layer correct?
10. When you flash new ROMs or restore Nandroid backups, the sdcard directory remains unaffected. Correct?
11. Only when the boot loader is unlocked/re-locked is when the SD Card directory gets wiped. Correct?
12. Let’s say I need to restore to factory (back to stock – original ROM, Kernel and Radio, no traces of root, locked boot loader, etc.)…. All I do is go to Google’s DEV download ROM site, download the latest official ROM. It will restore the ROM/kernel combination and the original radio associated with the stock ROM, gets rid of all traces of root (since stock does not have root access). I will have to manually re-lock the boot loader (which will in turn wipe the SD Card directory). Correct?
13. Can someone shed some light on "GAPPS". I realize they are a bundle of Google Apps, but once I install, will I still get updates from Google Play when updates occur? Do GAPPS just save time from having to manually download? If I restore from titanium backup (after ROM and GAPP install), I need to ensure that I do not restore any app that falls into the GAPP category correct?
So did I pass? Is my understanding there? Am I missing any essential basics? Thank you all for your input!
1)correct
2)correct
3)correct
4)correct......it also backs up radio too
5)usually a good rule with tb is to only restore apps and app data, and not system setting an prefs so things dont bug out going from rom to rom
6)usually best to wait until dev updates their custom rom to new firmware(devs update rather quickly) better than unrooting then rooting stock rom only later to flash a custom rom that has been updated to latest firmware
7)most if not all custom roms are already pre-rooted
YOU PASSED!!!
Research is Key
Thanks sean.... especially for elaborating on bullet point #5. I think I've read that somewhere regarding only doing the user apps/apps data, but forgot to ask. I'm pretty excited about doing this.
A Nandroid will definitely not backup your radio.
Did a quick search around the interwebs.... artvandelay seems to be correct. The majority seem to say that radios will not be backed up.
Related
Okay I have flashed Calkulin's Rom
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=712695
The one without the OTA update that killed Root (I haven't updated to that yet )
I rooted using Toast's method - I did part 1 of his root. For part 2, I did this one
For part 2, I did this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=705113
I'm trying to flash a new ROM now. Maybe damage protection or even FROYO (Yeah froyo sounds better)
I also want to do the NOVATEK FPS bandaide as well.
I just don't know where to start. I read somewhere someone said you just re-flash a rom again with the recovery...but I don't want to screw up.
Can someone post a very brief what I should do or lead me please?
FYI, the Rom you flashed from the first link provided is stock rooted with the latest update.
Anywho, you heard right, you flash new roms the same way you flashed that Rom. Download the Rom to your sdcard, boot into recovery, wipe data cache and dalvik, flash from sdcard, choose the Rom you put on there and confirm. That's all there is to it!
The important thing to remember is to always wipe before you flash, this will ensure no errors occur.
Hey thanks for backing up data I heard nandroid and titanium which one is better
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Two different things. You should have at least one nandroid that you know works, this is used encased you beef anything up from flashing or something and you want to return your phone to the exact state it was at when you did the backup. That's the purpose of nandroid, to backup a complete image of the state your phone is in, Rom and all (excluding radio and wimax)
Titanium is a utility you use to backup all of the apps you have installed, along with their data and market links. This is usefull when flashing a new Rom so you can easily restore all of your apps without having to download and install them again and again.
Check this, it answers quite a bit of your questions and then some.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=710513
Currently stock 2.2 (3.29x), odexed ROM, rooted.
Questions:
1) Would this allow me to manually deodex my phone:
http://www.droidxforums.com/forum/droid-x-themes/4620-how-manually-deodex-your-phone.html
2) If I made full backups using Titanium from my odexed, stock ROM, can I restore those apps and data back onto a deodexed ROM?
3) When I flash a new ROM, I gather most of them will wipe all the apps and files from my phone. Is that correct? Under what condition will a new ROM flash NOT wipe the data? RUUs? I'm asking because I know 3.30x is coming.
4) When someone takes the release OTA 3.3x, root it, and deodex it, can I flash it over my stock odexed ROM and not lose any apps/data, as well as have everything work?
Thank you!
Bump--will someone please provide some guidance?
Another question: If I restore apps and data from one phone to another, with both phones operating (using the same gmail account), will it cause a problem?
I was wondering if Android apps install with unique IDs that would cause confusion/conflict between devices.
Thanks.
Trying again in hopes that I get some answers, in particular, #1. If I can manually deodex my phone with the stock ROM, I won't have to rebuild everything.
Later, I presume, I can just update using a deodexed/rooted RUU without losing anything?
snovvman said:
Currently stock 2.2 (3.29x), odexed ROM, rooted.
Questions:
1) Would this allow me to manually deodex my phone:
http://www.droidxforums.com/forum/droid-x-themes/4620-how-manually-deodex-your-phone.html
2) If I made full backups using Titanium from my odexed, stock ROM, can I restore those apps and data back onto a deodexed ROM?
3) When I flash a new ROM, I gather most of them will wipe all the apps and files from my phone. Is that correct? Under what condition will a new ROM flash NOT wipe the data? RUUs? I'm asking because I know 3.30x is coming.
4) When someone takes the release OTA 3.3x, root it, and deodex it, can I flash it over my stock odexed ROM and not lose any apps/data, as well as have everything work?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) No, that was made for a different phone and if you try you will get bootloops.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=795104
2.) Yes. I've done it going from Stock 3.29 to Myn's rom.
3.) You can flash any rom over any other rom and retain your data.
It does however cause major compatibly problems as most roms are designed differently.
You can just flash over an updated version of the same rom though.
i.e. Going from version 1 to version 2 of the same rom.
Ruu's will wipe everything back to stock. (and un-root I think.)
and 3.30 won't be an OTA it is only being shipped on new phones because they have a different hardware that requires the changes in 3.30.
If everything is stock you should be able to flash it over your 3.29 rom.
4.) I am not sure on this. Just make a Nandroid backup and try it.
If it bootloops or doesn't work, just boot to recovery and restore you Nand.
Nandroid Backup before you attempt ANYTHING.
xNotta said:
1.) No, that was made for a different phone and if you try you will get bootloops.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=795104
2.) Yes. I've done it going from Stock 3.29 to Myn's rom.
3.) You can flash any rom over any other rom and retain your data.
It does however cause major compatibly problems as most roms are designed differently.
You can just flash over an updated version of the same rom though.
i.e. Going from version 1 to version 2 of the same rom.
Ruu's will wipe everything back to stock. (and un-root I think.)
and 3.30 won't be an OTA it is only being shipped on new phones because they have a different hardware that requires the changes in 3.30.
If everything is stock you should be able to flash it over your 3.29 rom.
4.) I am not sure on this. Just make a Nandroid backup and try it.
If it bootloops or doesn't work, just boot to recovery and restore you Nand.
Nandroid Backup before you attempt ANYTHING.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much for your reply. I read your thread on #1, subscribed, in hoping that there may be a solution. I'm confused by your response #3, and how it relates to post #3 on the thread you cited. I thought I read that you wanted to manually deodex because you don't want to re-set thing up? If a ROM flash (not RUU) will simply overlay, why would you need to re-set thing up?
A couple of follow ups--If I make a full backup using Ti-Backup from an odexed/OE ROM, doesn't the odex files get backed up with it? So when I restore onto a deodexed ROM, wouldn't that cause a problem?
I'm in the same boat as you. I want to flash to the new 3.30 dodexed ROM so I can remove some taskbar icons (and get the newer ROM), but I don't want to re-setup everything I have done with my OE Evo ROM.
But, if I understand you, I CAN flash the 3.30/deodexed/rooted ROM over my OE 3.29 odexed ROM and everything will remain?
Thanks again! (and for the Nandroid reminder too)
Edit:
I see why this won't work--it's an RUU, therefore it will wipe?
[Supersonic RUU 3.30.651.2 | Kernel-Build149] - Flashable Zips - Odex and Deodex Ver.
snovvman said:
I thought I read that you wanted to manually deodex because you don't want to re-set thing up? If a ROM flash (not RUU) will simply overlay, why would you need to re-set thing up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory flashing over a similar rom should not cause a problem since all the files are the same.
So if that's right, you wouldn't loose any of your settings since it would kind of be like an upgrade.
But that's a good point. I didn't even think to just flash a DeOdex'd version of the same rom over my Odex'd rom.
The thing that stopped me from successfully de-odexing my rom was the framework-res.apk, any modification of the .xml's in that file would prevent the phone from booting. So I don't know if that will cause a problem if you flash the De-Odex'd rom on top.
Titanium Backup(TiBu) actually restores everything like home screen layouts, ringtones and settings and the donate version has hypershell that makes it so you dont have to click install on every app.
snovvman said:
If I make a full backup using Ti-Backup from an odexed/OE ROM, doesn't the odex files get backed up with it? So when I restore onto a deodexed ROM, wouldn't that cause a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't be completely sure, but I wouldn't try restoring system apps.
When I switched to a DeOdexed rom I went though every backup and didn't restore any of the system apps that would have still been Odex'd.
But I imagine TiBu would just replace those system files with the original Odex'd ones which kind of defeats the idea of DeOdex-ing, lol.
snovvman said:
But, if I understand you, I CAN flash the 3.30/deodexed/rooted ROM over my OE 3.29 odexed ROM and everything will remain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if you do that you would end up with DeOdex'd system apps but you would have to go though and delete the .odex files from /system/apps/.
It might not even work flashing a DeOdex'd rom over an Odex'd rom.
If it does work, your data should still be there.
snovvman said:
I see why this won't work--it's an RUU, therefore it will wipe?
[Supersonic RUU 3.30.651.2 | Kernel-Build149] - Flashable Zips - Odex and Deodex Ver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is actually the rom extracted from the RUU.
So a wipe is probably recomended, but I don't think rom's touch the part of the phone where our settings are stored so it shouldn't wipe. (if it works)
http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Supersonic/<-- that's the official RUU files, but they will reset your recovery back to stock and probably remove root.
That's going to be a really long post, haha. xD
Anyways, I would say do a Nandroid Backup or two (just in case) and wipe data, cache, and dalvik and flash the 3.30 rom .zip that was in the link you posted.
Then use TiBu to restore everything with the exception of the apps with red names, as those are system apps.
You need to restart you phone after TiBu finishes restoring.
You can always go back to your original nand backup if it doesn't work out.
I was reluctant to leave stock but once you try a better rom you wonder why you didn't switch earlier.
Hopefully someone with more experience can add to what I missed.
Thank you again for taking the time to reply.
Is it true that only system apps are odexed? What about market applications? I understand the concept of not restoring (via TiBu) system apps, but is it possible that there are other applications use the odex file?
I'm curious whether the state of odex/deodex is a system-wide property, where, if the system (phone) is deodexed, new installed are laid down as deodexed, and that would be the oppsite to be true for odexed phones?
When TiBu backs up an app that is odexed, does it backup both files and later try to restore both, even onto a deodexed system?
I presume it would be okay to restore "data only" on the system apps (going from odex to deodex)?
Lastly, not that I'd want to, I presume running deodexed precludes any possibility of OTA updates? Also, what about system app updates, like the recent Visual Voicemail update? Will it get installed as odexed because it is OE?
Hey, this may seem like a silly question but i would rather ask it than brick my device.
I have rooted and s-off my stock rom, i have installed all my apps and settings and ive got it just the way i like it. i have created a nandroid backup using clockwork mod.
I now want to try Gingervillian rom, ive got titanium backup to install all the apps back and that but what i want to know is:
Will i be able to restore my stock rom from the nandroid backup with all my apps and setting in tact, even though s-off is set and its rooted. i know a read somewhere that flashing a stock rom on a phone with s-off can semi-brick it... so will clockwork recovery do the same?
When you make a 'nandroid' backup via ROM manager/CWM Recovery, it makes essentially a carbon copy of the current setup of your ROM (not your radio, S-Off status, etc.). Literally everything is perfectly as you have it now. It just like doing a full HDD backup of your computer.
When you restore this backup, it simply brings back your ROM from exactly how it was. There is no effect on your root or S-off, or your radio.
So, if you do a nandroid backup, then wipe the device and flash another ROM i.e. Gingervillain, and make a nandroid of that, you can then freely switch back and forth between the 2 (or more) recoveries via ROM manager/CWM Recovery, with no issues.
The issues with bricking as you're referring to are if you for some reason try to somehow flash a non-rooted ROM, which would most definitely cause issues. In order to get back your phone to stock-stock-stock-stock (unroot and S-on), you will need to follow unroot instructions and flash an official unrooted RUU/PC10IMG.zip to get back to everything as it came out of the box.
Hope this helps, let me know if I need to clarify.
thank you very much matey much appreciated!!
I am not sure how installing a new custom ROM and kernel affects my device (R900x), but I already have root and unlocked the bootloader. Will I lose any of my data (music, contacts, etc.) if I flash DooM's Kernel and the FTS rom? And how should I backup data (preferably through CWM), even if installing a new kernel/ROM doesn't wipe everything?
The main reason I am doing this is because I constantly get software update reminders and I have to shut off my wifi/data in order to stop getting notified, because it will no longer let me click the "Remind Me Later" option.
Make a backup anyways
You wont lose data for kernel
but for Custom ROMS to be 100% functional i reccomend you make a backup and WIPE DATA
Thank you.
I also need help flashing FrAsErTag's FTS ROM. Can someone confirm these steps?
Backup data.
Flash UK-Generic firmware.
Factory reset data.
Get root. (Do I need to unlock bootloader and get root again after flashing the generic FW?)
Flash DooM's kernel.
Flash FTS ROM.
Run CDMA, Facebook, and gapps patches (CWR).
Restore data.
just do what the instructions tell you in his first post.
Well I'm not sure how to do it exactly, but I think I'm going to see if I can flash the full 2.3.3 update manually with FlashTool before I do anything else. I have an unlocked bootloader though, will manually flashing the update brick my phone? Thanks again for your help.
I am very new to rooting etc, but managed to root my HTC One M8 Developer Edition 4.4.4 and flash TWRP Recovery with the help of the guides in this forum. Also got S-off with Sunshine. I have not installed any custom ROM and still have stock
My question is - will I still receive OTA's (if and when HTC releases lollipop for the Developer Edition?
You can't take an OTA with a non-stock recovery. It will download, but not install.
Root, on the other hand, hasn't typically caused a problem. (though you almost invariably lose root in the process)
Being S-OFF and actually already being Dev edition all you need is to have a stock backup the way it is before you flash a ROM and when the time comes just wipe from whatever ROM you've chosen and restore the backup along with flash your stock recovery.
Or if you want less steps just download the bone stock no root, stock recovery RUU and rename it to "0P6BIMG.zip" and place it in the root of your external sdcard.
Boot into hboot and when it asks what you want to do just press up ,give it plenty of time to flash and when it finishes just reboot and it will be stock just the way it came out of the box only it will still be bootlooader unlocked and S-OFF
Thanks
Thanks jball and jshamlet
You bet
jball said:
Being S-OFF and actually already being Dev edition all you need is to have a stock backup the way it is before you flash a ROM and when the time comes just wipe from whatever ROM you've chosen and restore the backup along with flash your stock recovery.
Or if you want less steps just download the bone stock no root, stock recovery RUU and rename it to "0P6BIMG.zip" and place it in the root of your external sdcard.
Boot into hboot and when it asks what you want to do just press up ,give it plenty of time to flash and when it finishes just reboot and it will be stock just the way it came out of the box only it will still be bootlooader unlocked and S-OFF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I have gone through several guides and posts but am still confused. I had installed TWRP recovery and before rooting had taken a backup of apps, data and system. After rooting I have downloaded several paid apps including Titanium Backup. If I restore from the backup that I had made, these apps will not be available right?. Also I have paid apps running off my SD Card. These would not have been included in the backup and also might not be available?
Is there anyway of flashing stock recovery alone. WIll be grateful for any guidance or link to other posts.
Thanks & Regards
ramsabi said:
OK. I have gone through several guides and posts but am still confused. I had installed TWRP recovery and before rooting had taken a backup of apps, data and system. After rooting I have downloaded several paid apps including Titanium Backup. If I restore from the backup that I had made, these apps will not be available right?. Also I have paid apps running off my SD Card. These would not have been included in the backup and also might not be available?
Is there anyway of flashing stock recovery alone. WIll be grateful for any guidance or link to other posts.
Thanks & Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After flashing a ROM I do the out of box setup and allow Google to restore what apps I normally use,I haven't used titanium backup sense my S2 days cause it's a tossup that it even works right at any given time in my opinion.
As far as recovery goes
Download and install "Flashify" from the playstore and find the stock
recovery.img file.
After installing Flashify go ahead and open the app,give root permission and choose recovery image,now choose file and navigate with whatever root explorer you use and choose the stock recovery.img you downloaded and tap "yup" and it will flash it for you.
ramsabi said:
OK. I have gone through several guides and posts but am still confused. I had installed TWRP recovery and before rooting had taken a backup of apps, data and system. After rooting I have downloaded several paid apps including Titanium Backup. If I restore from the backup that I had made, these apps will not be available right?. Also I have paid apps running off my SD Card. These would not have been included in the backup and also might not be available?
Is there anyway of flashing stock recovery alone. WIll be grateful for any guidance or link to other posts.
Thanks & Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Amber, And just tobe sure - do you know if I will still have root and S-Off after I flash the stock recovery?
ramsabi said:
Thanks Amber, And just tobe sure - do you know if I will still have root and S-Off after I flash the stock recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a recovery in fastboot or with Flashify will do just that: flash a recovery to the recovery partition. Nothing else changes.
Root lives on /system. So as long as you don't flash a non-rooted stock rom you will keep root.
Your paid apps are yours. If you wipe them you can just reinstall them from the PS. If you paid for a root app like TiBu and you don't have root anymore, you still own it but it's not very useful...
You have apps on your external SD??? That is so ICS - don't know if they have libs or app data stored on internal anyway, but let's say you nandroid your current installation, take out your SD card, then wipe everything and install new firmware, recovery and rom. You should still be able to restore just your data partition from the nandroid, re-insert your SD and be good as gold.
As long as your new rom can live with the restored /data that is....
But seriously: Move data to external and install apps to internal - so much easier to manage....
Oh, and once S-off you're always S-off unless you run the code to S-on again. Not even flashing RUU will turn you S-on automatically.