[Q] New to XDA and rooting and flashing etc.... - Samsung Epic 4G Touch

Hello all!
My name is Bruce, and I’m a new android user. Although I bought my Sprint Samsung Epic 4g Touch (E4GT) back in October, I still call myself a n00b because I joined the army being a switcher from Apple. The reason I left iOS is because I felt the OS got stagnant, and wanted to try something new. I also hated having to wait for jailbreaking tools from the dev teams and so forth, to make my iOS device worthwhile.
So here I am, I have my E4GT and I want ICS. I’ve been reading countless sites trying to figure out how to get it. But I’m scared of hard bricking my phone in the process. First, lemme give you my phone details.
I have a stock Sprint E4GT Model # SPH-D710. Running Android Version 2.3.6 on Baseband S710.10. S.EL29. It also uses Hardware version D710.10. It’s never been rooted or modded in any form or fashion. Totally stock besides the updates sprint pushes out.
I am a Mac user running a Macbook Pro (Mid 2010) on OSX 10.7.4; though I have access to a PC running Windows Vista if needed.
When it comes to android definitions such as ‘root’, ‘flash’, etc. I’m still somewhat n00b. I have a somewhat average understanding of what each one does, but I’m still mediocre at best on the definitions. As a matter of fact, I just learned yesterday what Kies is, with my cousin upgrading his t-mobile galaxy s2. I discovered it’s like a version of iTunes (correct me if I’m wrong) but for the E4GT or Samsung devices?
So why am I here? Well to be honest… I want ICS like everyone else on here does (and which most of you probably already have). But I’m still a n00b to android and don’t want to hardbrick my device. I know the chances are low if I can follow instructions well, but here’s my problem. I’ve read so many different forums and threads, and watched tons of youtube videos on how to root, and flash roms, etc. I don’t know where to begin. It’s all a big jumble in my head. :-(
So here’s what I’m asking. I’m asking my fellow android users for some guidance. I want an awesome ICS rom that is stable enough and won’t brick my phone. I also want one that is closer to the real android ICS, and that junk Samsung puts out that is more gingerbread than ICS based.
I was hoping someone can lay out a short answer to guides that can help me root, and install a custom rom stripped of all the Samsung bloatware. Also, if you can point me to a guide with links to the files that I need, and most of all… in which order I should do it in. E.g. root first or flash rom, or something else?
Lastly, and I feel this is important. Like I stated, I don’t have access to a windows computer, and that’s fine, I can use my family’s PC like I stated earlier, but the one thing I think you should be aware of is the brick bug and chipset.
I ran the gotbrickbug-v1.1apk on this thread which starts here
http://www.droiddog.com/android-blo...ynos-family-of-phones-sii-and-note-brick-bug/
and directs to the apk on this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1693704
And I’m sad to say that it indicated that the verdict for mine was “DANGER! This eMMC chip is *KNOWN* to have the brick bug !
In closing, should I be thinking of flashing a rom with the above known brickbug issue? Or should I wait?
I know this is REALLY long, but I just wanted to be thorough when seeking the help of the community. If anyone has any ideas on how to safely upgrade my phone even with the above brickbug effecting my phone, or if I should wait, or what course of action I should take… please let me know.
I appreciate everyone who might have read this, and hope to become an active member of this community.
Thank you again.
- Bruce
P.S. I read the E4GT wiki at the top of thread, and it did have answers. But I was hoping someone could offer a more specific answer to my questions. Particularly the brick bug. Thank you all again!

Easy answer, only flash roms and stuff from EL29 rom with EL26 kernel. Yes, it means it's harder to preserve data, but you will preserve your phone. Read the directions slowly. Not being condescending, but even I will miss a step rushing through at times. Use Qbking77's videos. He takes the time to make them so you don't have to have issues. Feel free to join our forum where he and any of us can help in an environment where you don't have to worry about getting flamed or ridiculed if XDA requires a thicker skin than you're used to. Otherwise, feel free to ask questions. It took me 8 months to first root and rom my Old Epic.

Hey Bruce I think we all got the Danger message. Just be smart and if a developer has directions then follow them. I've probably flashed this phone a hundred times in 5 months and many others have flashed a lot more. If there is a doubt then don't flash, read, watch, ask first. Here is some required reading http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1525495
Basically the easiest safest place to start with an ICS rom would be with one of sfhubs one clicks. Here is the most recent http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1705730
Next when you are ready to update your kernel use this (Option D for ICS kernels) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1342728
After you play with the stock ICS for a bit then start poking around the various roms. There are lots of options. Based on recent comments I would stay away from AOKP and CM9 as a noob.

My order of event
1. Nandroid current setup
2. One click to EL29 rooted
3. Use sftools to push EL26 cwm by Chrisg41
4. Flash new modem
5. Reboot
6. Wipe using Calk full wipe
7. Flash desired ROM
8. Odin agat recovery (touchwiz roms only)
9. Flash inverted apps
10. Rebuild and debloat as desired
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

I know it has already been mentioned, but qbking77 has the best videos for a noob. Going to ICS is usually safe. Going back to gingerbread or switching between ICS roms is where you can easily get into trouble. Go to qbkings YouTube page and watch the videos.
Then watch them again.
Then watch them AGAIN.
specifically the ones about using mobile Odin. Personally I recommend rujelus22's blu kuban . Watch the install video and follow step by step and you will be fine. Just be patient and you will learn a lot by doing. If you are unsure,ask before doing something. This is a great community and everyone is very willing to help. Just ask.
Sent from my ridiculously long named phone while firing up a Blu Kuban ---
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch

It took me over 5 months to root and flash my E4GT when I got it. I agree with these 2 guys that you should watch QBKing77's videos. He is very helpful with his reviews as well as install instructions. Not sure which Rom to flash ? Watch his reviews and see which one appeals to you most. Once you find your desired rom he will give you step by step instructions on how to do so. Also, mobile odin, I dont use mobile Odin ... there is just something about it that does not sit well with me ... I always use a normal Odin3 v1.85 .. I am running the AOKP rom and I absolutely love it. I would like you to be aware that almost all ICS roms are still buggy and you may need some work arounds i.e. MMS, Video recorder, Voicemail etc. but if you follow the threads the questions are always asked and solutions are always posted. I flashed AOKP build 39 last night and the MMS was not functional. By this afternoon, there was a work around posted and MMS is fully functional. What I have noticed is that in most roms your video recorder will not record in HD. But 480p SD will work just fine.
You should not be scared, but be careful. Always read and follow instructions EXACTLY and do not deviate. I would also suggest that you do not preserve your data as a fresh clean install always works best. Best of luck.

Use sfhub's autoroot packages to root (root just means giving yourself elevated permission levels that are usually blocked by the phone company) your phone. then use his other package that automatically installs CWM to your phone. Use this stock CWM5 (for EL26 or EL29) to flash an ICS ROM. Make sure it is stock... so the hat and the cog or whatever are both there as the logo. Don't use Rogue Recovery or anything custom to flash.

Bruce, I'm gonna take the time to write out as much as possibly can to help you, through a private message when I get the chance to do so on a computer. It may be a day or 2 before I can because I've got a pretty busy schedule the next couple days, but I assure you, by the end of our conversation, you will have as much of an understanding of all the lingo and knowledge as I do. The best advice to give to you, or anybody, is to be VERY PATIENT with everything that you do. As far as the gotbrickbug app, yes, all of us have it. Just don't be hasty with anything, and don't be afraid to ask when you are unsure of anything no matter how "n00b" are or aren't.
You'll be hearing from me soon.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA

We were all noobs once. Post your questions, because I guarantee there is someone else looking for the sane answer who is to scared to ask. And don't worry if its been asked before. People get too damn touchy about the search feature.
Sent from my ridiculously long named phone while firing up a Blu Kuban ---
Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch

First off, I would like to thank ALL of you for the amazing, helpful info that you provided me. I am very grateful to all of you for taking the time to read my post and provide excellent feedback.
In regards to the brick bug, I'm now feel reassured in moving forward with upgrading my phone, and putting the worry of the brick bug behind me. I will still follow through with everyones advice in reading the directions carefully and re-reading them, and re-re-reading the posts and instructions to avoid hard bricking my E4GT.
A special thank you is in order to peanut1596; for when you take the time to write me a private message to assist me in the best method of upgrading my phone to ICS. Your effort and time will not go overlooked.
From here on out, I'm going to take everyones advice, and look into the you tube vids that you have suggested, and watch them multiple times before proceeding.
Thank you all for also making me aware of the possible problems I might experience, such as problems with MMS, video recording in more than 420p, etc.
Again, many thanks to everyone on here for all their feedback. I can't say it enough, you all have my sincere gratitude in making me feel welcome to this community, and I hope that in the future... I will be able to pay it forward to someone else in need.
If anyone has any more advice, I sincerely look forward to reading it. I appreciate all help and will keep everyone posted on any roadblocks I run into. Before I update my phone, I will post a new thread on what my plan of action is, and hope I can get the final "go" on if my plan is prudent from the community.
Thank you all again, I sincerely appreciate it.

Check your PMs

Related

some issues after root

some background. My wife and I both bought Slides. Shortly after getting them she had someone she works with root hers. Everything worked great, I liked the way it ran and the lack of bloat ware so I had him root mine. Well after rooting mine I noticed that swype doesnt work anymore and flash(Website Flash) doesnt work anymore either. Now he doesn't want to help or return our messages and I am lost as to what to do.
I am not sure much about how he rooted it or what he did. I do know I get a cynogen screen when i turn on the phone and the rom is up to date.
Do you know what rom he installed?
Chanbob said:
he doesn't want to help or return our messages and I am lost as to what to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly the reason that you shouldn't have someone root your phone unless you know what you're doing to do it yourself.
Best thing for you to do is to flash the 1.35.531 OTA update, which will remove root from your device and return you to the latest stock mytouch slide firmware. But honestly if you don't know anything about rooting or its benefits, OR ITS RISKS, then you shouldn't have anyone do it for you cus it makes you and your device a liability to this community. Everytime you have the slightest problem you're gonna be back here at the forum looking for someone to hold your hand cus you have no clue what you're messing with.
So I recommend you unroot your device until such time when you are able to fully understand the risks and capabilities of root. Go back to stock, then spend a lot of time here learning about root and what you might be able to use it for. For starters, ROOT IS NOT INTENDED FOR END USERS. If it was, EVERY phone would already be rooted when you get it. But its not. Its intended for ADVANCED users as a sort of "service entrance" to your device. This allows tech support guys (and gals) to do things that you shouldn't HAVE to worry about as an END USER; or, (my definition) a person, owning and using a device, with MINIMAL knowledge of the inner workings of said device. Its just like with windows....ANY IDIOT can get on windows and check their email. It requires almost NO knowledge to operate. Just the same, these phones are made so that any idiot can operate them with a bit of practice, but the critical parts of the system, where an IDIOT could really wreak some havoc, is(are) sealed off to most end users, to make sure they don't mess **** up. ROOT unseals all that so that you CAN really mess stuff up. And that's what will happen if you mess with stuff without a clue what you're doing.
Its in YOUR best interest to go back to stock. For now, anyway. Don't just accept your current level of know-how...LEARN HOW. When I got my G1 when they first came out, I knew NOTHING about programming or any kind of code, or any of that. But I have spent A LOT of time learning it all, and I'm still learning stuff all the time, and now I create my own themes, I patch code to make things work the way I want it to work, I fix all my own screw-ups without asking for help, and I'm damn proud of it. And you will be too, when you root your device all by yourself and don't NEED some non-replying jerkoff to do it for you...please take my advice, you'll be glad you did. Play it safe until you know what's safe and what isn't.
-BMFC
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
bmfc187 said:
This is exactly the reason that you shouldn't have someone root your phone unless you know what you're doing to do it yourself.
Best thing for you to do is to flash the 1.35.531 OTA update, which will remove root from your device and return you to the latest stock mytouch slide firmware. But honestly if you don't know anything about rooting or its benefits, OR ITS RISKS, then you shouldn't have anyone do it for you cus it makes you and your device a liability to this community. Everytime you have the slightest problem you're gonna be back here at the forum looking for someone to hold your hand cus you have no clue what you're messing with.
So I recommend you unroot your device until such time when you are able to fully understand the risks and capabilities of root. Go back to stock, then spend a lot of time here learning about root and what you might be able to use it for. For starters, ROOT IS NOT INTENDED FOR END USERS. If it was, EVERY phone would already be rooted when you get it. But its not. Its intended for ADVANCED users as a sort of "service entrance" to your device. This allows tech support guys (and gals) to do things that you shouldn't HAVE to worry about as an END USER; or, (my definition) a person, owning and using a device, with MINIMAL knowledge of the inner workings of said device. Its just like with windows....ANY IDIOT can get on windows and check their email. It requires almost NO knowledge to operate. Just the same, these phones are made so that any idiot can operate them with a bit of practice, but the critical parts of the system, where an IDIOT could really wreak some havoc, is(are) sealed off to most end users, to make sure they don't mess **** up. ROOT unseals all that so that you CAN really mess stuff up. And that's what will happen if you mess with stuff without a clue what you're doing.
Its in YOUR best interest to go back to stock. For now, anyway. Don't just accept your current level of know-how...LEARN HOW. When I got my G1 when they first came out, I knew NOTHING about programming or any kind of code, or any of that. But I have spent A LOT of time learning it all, and I'm still learning stuff all the time, and now I create my own themes, I patch code to make things work the way I want it to work, I fix all my own screw-ups without asking for help, and I'm damn proud of it. And you will be too, when you root your device all by yourself and don't NEED some non-replying jerkoff to do it for you...please take my advice, you'll be glad you did. Play it safe until you know what's safe and what isn't.
-BMFC
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This doesn't help in anyway!!
I am not looking for someone to hold my hand. I am wanting to learn how to fix what someone screwed up. I am pretty sure during all the time you spent learning all the things you know with root you asked a question or two.
Back to the topic at hand. Is this something that can be fixed? Like I said I am not 100% sure what rom I have, pretty sure it is cynogen though.
The reason I want it rooted is because the stock slide sucks, I don't like all the crap that came preloaded. I like how the phone is rooted, I just don't like the things that are not working.
I'm pretty sure you'll learn the how's afterwards since you're going to be reading and absorbing info from this forum
But for now... fixing the issues at hand.
The problem on adobe flash is actually something not exactly fixable... the flash 10 is just not for our device (correct me if I'm wrong x_x) and so the current cm6 is just unable to use flash... =/
As for swype... I actually asked the same question when I flashed cm6 rom. The thread is in the Q&A subforum titled [Q]Swype on CM6? or something like that. There will be links to dl swype. Have fun =)
Hope this helps lol.
Sent from my MT3GS with CM6 using XDA App
Well the problems you describe are bugs with the rom you are using and they will be the same for MOST roms since they're all based off cyanogens work. You SAY you wanna learn how to fix what someone screwed up but nobody screwed anything up, you just don't know what you're doing. If you want to fix problems that are specific to a certain rom, you need to look in your "about phone" section in settings and figure out what rom you are running.
THEN, go to the thread of the rom you are running. DON'T POST a question about swype or flash or keyboard lights there...the questions have already been asked and if there is a fix for your issue it will already be posted there somewhere.
And for your information, I used to ask questions all the time, that's PART of how ppl learn...but I NEVER in my time with android, have let anyone DO SOMETHING FOR ME. And that's all you seem to want, somone to root your phone for you, someone to tell you the answer so you don't have to waste time reading or searching for the answer...you don't even know what rom you're on, am I supposed to tell you THAT, too? You've displayed no desire to help yourself and the only ppl that get help around here are ppl that are willing to help themselves.
Its NO ONE'S job to man these fora to help ppl...anyone that helps anyone do anything here, they do it out of either the kindness of their own heart, or sheer boredom. Either way no one is OBLIGATED to help you, especially when the fixes for the bugs you describe have already been posted, and instead of searching for the answers you start a new thread, asking an old question, in the WRONG SECTION. There is a section marked Q&A which is SPECIFICALLY for asking and answering questions.
And if you hadn't noticed, I'm about the only person even paying any attention to your plight so don't be too quick to shun my advice. I will help you learn how to do things, ill help you figure things out if you get stuck, but I'm not gonna give you the answers or do it for you.
Go find out what rom you're running. Then look up the rom and search the thread for the bugs you're experiencing. If there are fixes for the bugs they'll be there.
-BMFC
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Chanbob said:
This doesn't help in anyway!!
I am not looking for someone to hold my hand. I am wanting to learn how to fix what someone screwed up. I am pretty sure during all the time you spent learning all the things you know with root you asked a question or two.
Back to the topic at hand. Is this something that can be fixed? Like I said I am not 100% sure what rom I have, pretty sure it is cynogen though.
The reason I want it rooted is because the stock slide sucks, I don't like all the crap that came preloaded. I like how the phone is rooted, I just don't like the things that are not working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you didn't want anyone to hold you hand. why post asking for help? BMFC's post is actually what you should do. Also your phone isn't just rooted, its running a custom software. and as with any custom software its should be obvious that stuff you had from stock just isnt going to be there. (flash lite and stock swype.) Also THIS POST IS IN THE WRONG SECTION. IF YOU HAD READ THE STICKIES which I know for a fact that you didn't you might have learned a thing or two. seriously. is it that hard to read the stickies? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=701241
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=702973
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=704567
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=747388
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=704865
Your problem isn't really a problem at all. you are running cyan0gen mod 6. That being said since it is a 3rd party android build due to copyright laws, cyan0gen cant add a lot of the things you liked from your stock build. Like BMFC said rooting isn't for end users, you can really mess stuff up when you have root access and not know anything, My first android phone is the mytouch 3G Slide so I don't know as much as others but I do have a Linux background so as to knowing about root I am aware that it is something for more advanced users, and everything I learned I read in the stickies and through trial and error. Asking for help is fine no wrong doing in that but you have to understand that unless you have some idea as to what you are doing you shouldn't dive into rooting your phone. I didn't root my phone until after the first few ROMs were out. I read up on rooting and what benefits it could give me, also in my reading you come to understand what happens when you flash a custom ROM, and when I did it wasn't easy(it was a pain) but it got done. and yes I ran into some problems. but there was already answers for them in the stickies. My advice to you is the same as BMFC's advice and go to Chiefz' Stock OTA 1.35 ROM and you will back at stock with flash lite and you beloved swype, because apart from that you can only get swype on CM6 and thats if you download it through a third party, stay on that ROM until you learn a little more about how android works, getting and setting up the sdk, and getting comfortable enough with adb and what needs to be done with root, go ahead and root it YOURSELF. I wont link you to swype,learn to use the search button, and learn to lurk this forum.
inb4 lrn2grammar
bmfc187 said:
Well the problems you describe are bugs with the rom you are using and they will be the same for MOST roms since they're all based off cyanogens work. You SAY you wanna learn how to fix what someone screwed up but nobody screwed anything up, you just don't know what you're doing. If you want to fix problems that are specific to a certain rom, you need to look in your "about phone" section in settings and figure out what rom you are running.
THEN, go to the thread of the rom you are running. DON'T POST a question about swype or flash or keyboard lights there...the questions have already been asked and if there is a fix for your issue it will already be posted there somewhere.
And for your information, I used to ask questions all the time, that's PART of how ppl learn...but I NEVER in my time with android, have let anyone DO SOMETHING FOR ME. And that's all you seem to want, somone to root your phone for you, someone to tell you the answer so you don't have to waste time reading or searching for the answer...you don't even know what rom you're on, am I supposed to tell you THAT, too? You've displayed no desire to help yourself and the only ppl that get help around here are ppl that are willing to help themselves.
Its NO ONE'S job to man these fora to help ppl...anyone that helps anyone do anything here, they do it out of either the kindness of their own heart, or sheer boredom. Either way no one is OBLIGATED to help you, especially when the fixes for the bugs you describe have already been posted, and instead of searching for the answers you start a new thread, asking an old question, in the WRONG SECTION. There is a section marked Q&A which is SPECIFICALLY for asking and answering questions.
And if you hadn't noticed, I'm about the only person even paying any attention to your plight so don't be too quick to shun my advice. I will help you learn how to do things, ill help you figure things out if you get stuck, but I'm not gonna give you the answers or do it for you.
Go find out what rom you're running. Then look up the rom and search the thread for the bugs you're experiencing. If there are fixes for the bugs they'll be there.
-BMFC
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol your post is similar to mine only i didn't see it befor eI posted mine or I would have held back on my post lol.
Bahaaaaa Dang BMFC187 you sounded like u have been wanting to say that to someone. That made me LOL.
As far as the OP...you need to read the thread that says "slide Rom bible" and start there. Sounds to me like u need to flash an updated ROM, plus there are lots of links in there that are helpful.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Wow. I didn't realize a simple question would ruffle so many feathers.
The reason I thought something was wrong is because my wife and I have the same phone, we got them at the same time, they were both rooted at the same time with the same rom. Some of the features that work on her phone don't work on mine. In my mind, something wasn't right.
Thank you to those who took the time to be courteous and helpful by pointing me in a direction to start looking.
there is no way, unless your wife is running a stock espresso based ROM that she would flash(lite) running in her browser. swype yes. flash lite no. you still haven't read the stickies have you?
Just for the hell of it. What's wrong with a new guy who realizes he has an issue that he would like resolved. Yes he did several things the wrong way.
1. Saw eye candy and wanted it (valuable lesson being eye candy is not always what you want.
2. Not educating yourself and Do it your damn self.
3. Coming to these forum asking for help without being prepared to be flamed (most xda seniors are hot headed)
4. If you can't do it yourself then you prob shouldn't have root
? Oops there be another ? Mark now I go to the q&a corner.
Ahhh sleep time
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Chanbob said:
some background. My wife and I both bought Slides. Shortly after getting them she had someone she works with root hers. Everything worked great, I liked the way it ran and the lack of bloat ware so I had him root mine. Well after rooting mine I noticed that swype doesnt work anymore and flash(Website Flash) doesnt work anymore either. Now he doesn't want to help or return our messages and I am lost as to what to do.
I am not sure much about how he rooted it or what he did. I do know I get a cynogen screen when i turn on the phone and the rom is up to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming you can figure out what to do, there is http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7534187#post7534187 which is a ROM that's based off the stock variety. Can't speak for bloat (didn't like stock rom) but it may work for you.
As for flashing, I am not 100% sure what state your recovery is so no idea if you can realistically flash a ROM, but it's worth a shot.
Also, on the Android Market, there's the ROM Manager, which may help (or hinder) the situation...

[Q] coming from moment, to Epic 4g, and now S3 help on where to start learning?

Okay, so I really am not a complete noob lol, BUT I've heard that the jelly bean update made certain methods unusable, and frankly I have a policy of being well read and informed before screwing around with my phones. I was well versed with odin, recovery, flashing whatever i could get my hands on lol. But this is a new phone and I want to be educated, so could someone please walk me through some things. first of all which method works for a new jelly bean, I noticed a thread with a one click stock with root and a deodex option. is this where I want to be. How do I grab a custom recovery. Is it similar to the epic where once i have recovery and root i can just flash appropriate mods roms,kernels from recovery? Is there a good walk through some place that's relevant to the new jelly bean update. I was all excited to jump in, i downloaded the latest odin and drivers and then started seeing some posts about older methods causing soft bricks on jelly bean, and being humility is a good policy I thoght I'd come here, chill out for a night and follow the lead of those wise than I haha!
I can understand it,so no need to baby me, but i would love for some thorough reading links, places with good info. I would ordinarily spend half the night searching ever last link, and did look a little and find how to get into download mode, but frankly I'm sick and suffering with some MS like issues they are trying to nail down and my eyes go in and out of focus at times, dizzy, and already have a spinal cord being hollowed out from the inside out and have ALS symptoms (i have syringomyelia), so not to whine whine, it is what it is, but i just wanted to say I'm not trying to be lazy as I've seen since back on sdx days with the moment, people popping in, not doing their homework and *****ing and whining for hand holding lol, it's just not as easy as it used to be to stay up and just learn myself when my eyes refuse to keep going and I have the kiddies and too many classes. So I'm hoping a generous person(s) could help guide me a little?? I would really appreciate it. I've always had a slide phone I liked being able to edit from recovery from the keyboard, create symbolic links, move thing etc. It just felt like I had more control over the phone, so this is my first attempt at a purely touch phone, but really 2 years on the epic and I was starting to not even care that it was running like junk i was so bored. I had gone through every MTD rom and just bored haha so here I am guy and gals...guide me wise yodas! and an extra thanks to all the work I saw people involved in. It truly blows my mind, the most i ever did was modify a malfunctioning apps2sd mod for the moment to make it work, by following the logic from the original development and fixing the permissions in the link...haha and that's rather pathetic to what i see being done all over, so hats off, buy ya a red bull, beer or whatever many thanks! let the S3 games begin! where are good info posts to aquaint me, what is this flash count thing all about? what methods for jelly bean, recovery, etc...and many thanks. I really love these communities and I can't tell you how hard i try to get my i phone friends on over to here haha...you guys are a great bunch!
Kathi
"gain in the brain is all in the stain" (neuro nerd joke)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1726558
Follow that link to find all kinds of useful guides to get you on your way. I followed the same path you did, moment to epic to GS3, and qbking77 has not lead me astray. And welcome to the GS3 community!
sent from my paranoid GS3 using xda-developers app
^^exactly what he said. Rooting this phone takes less than 2 minutes and it's super simple, recovery and SU and ready to go QBking77 videos will hook you up.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2
I came from the epic 4g touch and it was kind of a mess because of the emmc bug. This phone is easy to work with though. Look up qbking77 on YouTube also he has a video on how to root and reviews for about every ROM I think.
This message brought to you by my SPH-L710 aka Sprint Galaxy S3 on CM10 using Tapatalk 2
Most of all, Welcome to the family, Use the search function, if you can't find an answer, We will help! This community is wonderful and helpful. As was stated Qbking77 has some of the most helpful reviews/how-tos around.
I will admit to being a complete noob when it comes to rooting/flashing phones, and the GS3 was my first attempt. The guides and videos mentioned in the above posts are what I used to learn what to do with the GS3. I was shocked at how easy it is! I did read, and then read again the many posts concerning rooting/flashing before I did it myself, but the process is a piece of cake.
I will add this though: when you have chosen a ROM that suits you, please check out this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1968724. You can use Morphology to really make your GS3 unique, and very much "your" phone!
Love that you came from moment, to Epic 4G and SG3 as did I!! Check out Team Veniums Roms Daze does really good work and always updating them!!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Thanks everyone. I I greatly appreciate the warm welcome to S3...it is an amazing phone... Sorry for delay we had a family emergency and now i have a 6 months old for the night lol but I am excited to read through the suggested places. I bet this phone is so snapy when tweaked! I its so cool to see if am no alone in moment to epic etc lol I honestly have had no desire to look at an HTC or other information just loved the waythe sSamsung was set up, and could 3 finger it while driving with my knee wipe and flash a new baby haha maybe not safe but it was that effortlessly maybe once a Samsung lover always a Samsung lover I I'll have to let you know how it all works out when I'm does with emergency baby duty... Night all! I and thanks and feel free to anyone in to throw out any thoughts... My goal is to know every rom and kernel development mod by next semesters start haha
so diff from epic...what is best procedure for wiping? when flashing
So I feel a little lost in TW recovery. On my epic most OP clearing listed the proper procedure, davlik x3, cache x3, and occassionally data x3. simple. Well I go into the wipe section of this new recovery and frankly I'm guessing lol. My phone has been acting super junking since i rooted and flashed a rom. I wanted to try out some other modems because sprint is sucking up all over western mass....and half the modems told me no sim card. Even when i went back and flashed the all in one fimrware/modem for jelly bean, my data was all screwed practically non existent. I did a davlik wipe in between Went back to flashing a rooted near stock rom after basically wiping everything haha, except for my external card. because i really don't know what the appropriate procedure is. The epic CMW seemed pretty straight forward and the OP's either listed the procedure or it was assumed, everything times 3
so basically I am wondering if someone can direct me with the TW recovery, when flashing a new rom and wanting a nice clean install, what do i need to wipe
also if flashing something like the modem picker zip, or just flashing a modem myself, or a mod, what needs to be wiped.
I don't know if the LJ7 modem just wasn't playing nice with the FREEGS3 latest rom, but it was so screwed up i was bummed, and I did read thoroughly, swamped my CWM recovery,
I noticed a post that listed fix permissions in procedure, then others that don't, and I'm a big fan of knowing what the F*** I'm doing before screwing with my phone, so I'm aggrivated with the seeming ambiguity . If anyone can listed some 101 for the S3, for flashing, what needs to be wiped, when i need to fix permissions etc. I'd be very grateful. I'm scanning through 1300 pages of one thread and want to shoot myself due to headache. And everything I look at isn't working today HAHA, dish TV bombed and will be down a week. My asus (unrooted, stock) transformer is being a punk, and my Boxee just decided it's not working too...awesome day, need a snappy working phone to perk me up, so going to ODIN back to stock , root and wait for a little direction on procedure for cleanest install, before screwing with a rom
any thoughts between Peoples or FREEGS3? I like both, but I feel like FREEGS3 calls to me, lol, maybe I shouldn't admit those things outloud.

Which ROM is best?

Hey all I am rather new to the rooting/ROM scene. I was big into jailbreaking iphones but finally saw the light and switched to android.
So I have a T-mobile Galaxy S3 with stock 4.1.1 android, I have it rooted and I used ROM manager to flash ClockworkMod Recovery 6.0.2.3.
I have not ventured into the ROM world yet but I would like to know which would be the most stable? Also do you lose all data everytime you flash a ROM? If that is the case that would probably dissuade me from doing it
Is there anything else that is recommended for a rooted phone with custom recovery?
Thanks guys!
I forgot to add that I am wondering about custom modems.. I live in a very rural area and I normally only have Edge network. Would this even be worth doing?
Look, research, READ, READ, AND READ some more. Only you can decide which is the best rom.
Sent from Flip's S3
Please refrain from being lazy http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2088179
T-Mobile SGS III
Ummmm..... YEH. A nandroid backup!!!!! Before u go ahead and tranform your phone into decepticon! Lol
Cmw, is good but I use the one from goo manager. I think their both capable of a backup!
Then afterwards have a go at it with 4.2 roms.. almost stable but still a few bugs
And touchwiz roms which are pretty much stable 4.0.4, 4.1.1 and. Soon to include 4.1.2 touchwiz roms <---- im waiting for that one
As long as u flash d2tmo roms u shouldn't come across any data problems even more so with touchwiz roms.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
elflip88 said:
Look, research, READ, READ, AND READ some more. Only you can decide which is the best rom.
Sent from Flip's S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol yea I think my brain is on overload from reading so much recently! :silly:
. You can try cyanogenmod they are usually pretty stable with all bloatware removed. Well you can always have an app like titanium backup or rom toolbox that can back up your data every time you want to flash a new rom then restore it. OK so read this carefully there's a thread that you need to find so you CAN BACK UP YOUR EMEI, if you don't know what that is its sort it like the brain of your phone you messed that up and it could become paperweight. Back up that nvfolder... also with CWR backup your current stock rom in case something goes bad you can always go back to something stable. Also don't flash other modems that's not from tmobile this will Brick your device. Since you seem pretty new don't go and flash att roms or kernels some say they have done it with no issue but again your fairly new.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
mt3g said:
Please refrain from being lazy http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2088179
T-Mobile SGS III
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do apologize but with a fiance, five kids, full time job, and something Always needing done at the house, I don't have the same amount of time as some people. I read as much and research as much as I possibly can. I trust what some of the senior members on this site have to say.
It is not a question of being lazy it is a request for information from those that know more than I do and can direct me in the right direction.
I have read about many different ROMs but I am not sure as to which one is the most stable and offer less risk of potential issues.
I like the look of the Jelly Bam ROM but it is not for the T-mobile S3.
daxecutioner24 said:
. You can try cyanogenmod they are usually pretty stable with all bloatware removed. Well you can always have an app like titanium backup or rom toolbox that can back up your data every time you want to flash a new rom then restore it. OK so read this carefully there's a thread that you need to find so you CAN BACK UP YOUR EMEI, if you don't know what that is its sort it like the brain of your phone you messed that up and it could become paperweight. Back up that nvfolder... also with CWR backup your current stock rom in case something goes bad you can always go back to something stable. Also don't flash other modems that's not from tmobile this will Brick your device. Since you seem pretty new don't go and flash att roms or kernels some say they have done it with no issue but again your fairly new.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your advice, I have read about the importance of using the correct carrier specific ROMS/Modems. I'll do some research on EMEI so I can fully understand it. Once again thank you for the help!
crossfx77 said:
Thank you for your advice, I have read about the importance of using the correct carrier specific ROMS/Modems. I'll do some research on EMEI so I can fully understand it. Once again thank you for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem here to help like others helped me. Your emei is a bunch of numbers that gives your phone identity, to your carrier. When flashing, modding themes your emei might mysteriously mess up hence why you need to back it up. Some say cwm is causing it so they prefer the touch recovery others still use cwm without issue. Also never give out those numbers they are personnel to your phone, someone who's tech savvy enough could get it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
daxecutioner24 said:
No problem here to help like others helped me. Your emei is a bunch of numbers that gives your phone identity, to your carrier. When flashing, modding themes your emei might mysteriously mess up hence why you need to back it up. Some say cwm is causing it so they prefer the touch recovery others still use cwm without issue. Also never give out those numbers they are personnel to your phone, someone who's tech savvy enough could get it.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea I read some about it a few minutes ago and I get what it is. Seems like you are def SOL if you screw that up!
A friend of mine lost his phone in Baltimore one weekend and someone found it and posted all over his facebook, we called the service provided and they blacklisted the phone using his EMEI number but also told us that the phone would be a brick after they did it. My friend called his phone and the guy wanted him to pay hundreds to get it back...some people lol.
@OP here is the thread that will help you back up your IMEI. It was the very first thing I did when I got this phone, even before Rooting. If you do lose your IMEI, this will inject it back in.
I suggest that you go into the Dev section and read a few OPs (do you know the difference between AOSP and TWiz ROMs?). Find a few you like and then go in and read about the last 10 pages to get a feel for bugs. If you find one you like, then start reading.
2 things:
First, since you have 5 kids and budding family, you need something that is consistantly working. For this I do not suggest jumping into the "flashing custom ROMs pool" feet first into a 4.2.1 ROM. Those, while some are stable for crack flashers and tweakers, are still WIPs. Play with the ability you have now -> Root. Contrary to some, Rooting does not mean flashing. there are several things you can do with Root that don't rely on flashing a new ROM or Kernel or Modem. Btw, DocHoliday has a modem thread where you can flash different modems(basebands) to see what works for your tower. There is also a Google.maps attached too.
Second, "Best ROM" threads always turn into a pissing match. I think that you are getting some good info in this for now, but I am going to close it when I get back to my PC. For one, you will get moderately flamed for opening a "Best ROM" thread (I closed at least 3-5 of these a day across the site) but I am giving a reprieve for a bit (until 2:30PM est) because you are getting some good advice for now.
Woody said:
@OP here is the thread that will help you back up your IMEI. It was the very first thing I did when I got this phone, even before Rooting. If you do lose your IMEI, this will inject it back in.
I suggest that you go into the Dev section and read a few OPs (do you know the difference between AOSP and TWiz ROMs?). Find a few you like and then go in and read about the last 10 pages to get a feel for bugs. If you find one you like, then start reading.
2 things:
First, since you have 5 kids and budding family, you need something that is consistantly working. For this I do not suggest jumping into the "flashing custom ROMs pool" feet first into a 4.2.1 ROM. Those, while some are stable for crack flashers and tweakers, are still WIPs. Play with the ability you have now -> Root. Contrary to some, Rooting does not mean flashing. there are several things you can do with Root that don't rely on flashing a new ROM or Kernel or Modem. Btw, DocHoliday has a modem thread where you can flash different modems(basebands) to see what works for your tower. There is also a Google.maps attached too.
Second, "Best ROM" threads always turn into a pissing match. I think that you are getting some good info in this for now, but I am going to close it when I get back to my PC. For one, you will get moderately flamed for opening a "Best ROM" thread (I closed at least 3-5 of these a day across the site) but I am giving a reprieve for a bit (until 2:30PM est) because you are getting some good advice for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir I appreciate it, I didn't mean to start any headaches for you, I guess I should have worded it differently. I agree the information is extremely helpful and will allow me to make an educated decision into whether or not I want to flash ROMs. I am gonna lean more to not because you again brought up a valid point, I need a working phone lol.
Thanks again for the continued support and I'll be more mindful about what threads I create :angel:
crossfx77 said:
Thank you sir I appreciate it, I didn't mean to start any headaches for you, I guess I should have worded it differently. I agree the information is extremely helpful and will allow me to make an educated decision into whether or not I want to flash ROMs. I am gonna lean more to not because you again brought up a valid point, I need a working phone lol.
Thanks again for the continued support and I'll be more mindful about what threads I create :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't start any headaches for me at all man. I love what I do. That is why I offered help and a link before the lock. You are all good. Take some time (with that much going on in your life, good luck finding it) and read a bit and before you know it, you'll be answering more questions than asking.
Thread Closed.

[Q] Rooting Etc. the s3

Okay, I just recently got the S3 after having an HTC hero for years that was unceremoniously killed by mother nature on a ride home that took me through a torrential downpour on a motorcycle.
My little hero was rooted and running cyanogenmod 7.2 however i haven't messed with modifying any phone or such since that one or more advanced than that.
I know there are tons of threads with how Tos on rooting the s3 and such. But, I have noticed in a few of them they mention "tripping a flash counter". Does the method shown by qbking trip it or not, and what is the significance of this?
Something else I'm noticing being mentioned in various threads are Kernels. To be honest I don't know what they are and haven't found a thread explaining them. So what do they do what is their significance? etc etc
Thanks in advance for any help and I'm sorry if these have been answered before somewhere I'm not seeing. But I think it's better to ask and get answers from the experts and be sure before moving forward with modifying my brand new phone. Especially since the guys at my local sprint store root and modify their phones so they know what to look for in case something were to happen.
Before I answer your questions, I just wanted to thank you for reading up a lot prior to asking and trying to find the answer on your own. Also, your questions were clear and concise, which is becoming more rare on this site (and others).
Ok, as far as the trip counter goes, it shouldn't matter if you trip it. Samsung is a lot more developer-friendly than HTC is, so there's no locked boot loader (on the s3) and there's no real big deal with tripping the counter. You can use triangle away to remove the trip, but it shouldn't matter. I believe qbking's method well trip it.
Kernals are a bit more difficult to explain, but if you're familiar with drivers for Windows, I think the concept is similar. The android os is not designed to communicate with every piece of hardware out there. The kernals are there to act as the translator between the "generic" language of android and the specific language of the specific hardware that's used in the phone. So when android asks for the GPS, all it had to do is call upon the GPS. The kernel is the one that translates that and gives directions to the specific piece of hardware (in this case, the GPS). The main advantage of custom kernals is that they can also relate the processor speed, which can either boost performance or save battery life, depending on your preferences and settings.
There is a thread in general that talks a lot about the ktoonsez Kendall and the various settings that people have used. I've found it a good primer on kernals and how the different governors work.
After all that, have fun flashing!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Tuvan03 said:
Okay, I just recently got the S3 after having an HTC hero for years that was unceremoniously killed by mother nature on a ride home that took me through a torrential downpour on a motorcycle.
My little hero was rooted and running cyanogenmod 7.2 however i haven't messed with modifying any phone or such since that one or more advanced than that.
I know there are tons of threads with how Tos on rooting the s3 and such. But, I have noticed in a few of them they mention "tripping a flash counter". Does the method shown by qbking trip it or not, and what is the significance of this?
Something else I'm noticing being mentioned in various threads are Kernels. To be honest I don't know what they are and haven't found a thread explaining them. So what do they do what is their significance? etc etc
Thanks in advance for any help and I'm sorry if these have been answered before somewhere I'm not seeing. But I think it's better to ask and get answers from the experts and be sure before moving forward with modifying my brand new phone. Especially since the guys at my local sprint store root and modify their phones so they know what to look for in case something were to happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest checking out THIS THREAD
topherk said:
Before I answer your questions, I just wanted to thank you for reading up a lot prior to asking and trying to find the answer on your own. Also, your questions were clear and concise, which is becoming more rare on this site (and others).
Ok, as far as the trip counter goes, it shouldn't matter if you trip it. Samsung is a lot more developer-friendly than HTC is, so there's no locked boot loader (on the s3) and there's no real big deal with tripping the counter. You can use triangle away to remove the trip, but it shouldn't matter. I believe qbking's method well trip it.
Kernals are a bit more difficult to explain, but if you're familiar with drivers for Windows, I think the concept is similar. The android os is not designed to communicate with every piece of hardware out there. The kernals are there to act as the translator between the "generic" language of android and the specific language of the specific hardware that's used in the phone. So when android asks for the GPS, all it had to do is call upon the GPS. The kernel is the one that translates that and gives directions to the specific piece of hardware (in this case, the GPS). The main advantage of custom kernals is that they can also relate the processor speed, which can either boost performance or save battery life, depending on your preferences and settings.
There is a thread in general that talks a lot about the ktoonsez Kendall and the various settings that people have used. I've found it a good primer on kernals and how the different governors work.
After all that, have fun flashing!
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help and the info. As far as the kernel thing goes i must admit i feel stupid now, esp being a computer science major, granted I'm just beginning toward my degree however for some reason i just didn't put two and two together. My excuse is that it was late at night/early in the morning heh , that being said please excuse me while i go bang my head against a wall to see if i can jump start my brain.
I guess now the only thing left to do is watch the video again/download the files and root the sucker and go from there.
Thanks again for the info and guess i need to read the FAQ a bit more rather than skimming through
We're here to help! I'm glad you're understanding it better now, even with the couple of horrible autocorrect mistakes I had in the post.
Hope you enjoy all the custom roms out there, I always enjoy trying out a new one.
Peace,
Topher
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

I'm a noob to flashing and rooting, please help! Thanks in advance!

Good afternoon,
My name is JJ and my phone or service has taken a dump.
I have the Unlimited Plan with MetroPCS and its paid. I was on the phone today for an hour (on another device) and they have no idea what seems to be the problem. I live in great coverage zone. I have been having troubles connecting to the mobile network as well as getting, receiving both calls and texts. When I am connected to WiFi I am fine..ish. I set up apn settings a few times, most recent today with MetroPCS. My IMEI is good, paid in full phone which is a SM-G925T-ZDETMB (Galaxy s6 edge orginally from T-Mobile)
Took it to the store and they looked at me like I am a monkey.
I need my phone for work and can't afford to get another one. It seems to be in great working order other wise. I figure I might as well flash it and root it and make it mine or something. I downloaded ODIN and got freaked out because I have no clue what I am doing.
Be cool to flash it or root it with Nougat. Is that possible?
So I was hoping for a step by step guide here.
My service and phone worked great until about two weeks ago,..now its as intermittent and flipp flopped as Trump and his hair and policies. Thanks again in advance. Looking forward to a speedy reply. I got nothing else going on.
These forums are really dead for this device, you can root using this link: https://download.chainfire.eu/732/C...F-Auto-Root-zeroltetmo-zeroltetmo-smg925t.zip
There is no Nougat for us. You can flash new ROMs which give better battery life and other nice goodies, you can flash it after you root and install TWRP.
Sorry
Rafy_0003 said:
These forums are really dead for this device, you can root using this link: https://download.chainfire.eu/732/C...F-Auto-Root-zeroltetmo-zeroltetmo-smg925t.zip
There is no Nougat for us. You can flash new ROMs which give better battery life and other nice goodies, you can flash it after you root and install TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyway you could give me a step by step? What is flashing compared to rooting? What is a ROM? No obligation here on this noob here.
Whats the difficulty with simply reading the threads here on the subject you're interested in? I mean after all, thats why they're here. If not, there'd be a million threads asking for step by step instructions. It seems like you have the competence to write your issue why not take it a step further and use the search button. Its clear you dont have any specific questions, youre simply looking for root instructions which have been posted and utilized by the thousands of other users who did use the search button. For whatever reason if youre needing these personalized Id suggest using your imagination and pretending they're written directly for you.
If youre still having issues, with this rather simple task that my 8 year old cousin could do by himself than perhaps rooting isnt your thing.. What youre asking is more basic than basic itself. By the way, when searching and reading you'll actually be gaining knowledge!
My apologies if you suffer from any health issues or current mental conditions that prevent you from these tasks..
Good luck
Talysdaddy said:
Whats the difficulty with simply reading the threads here on the subject you're interested in? I mean after all, thats why they're here. If not, there'd be a million threads asking for step by step instructions. It seems like you have the competence to write your issue why not take it a step further and use the search button. Its clear you dont have any specific questions, youre simply looking for root instructions which have been posted and utilized by the thousands of other users who did use the search button. For whatever reason if youre needing these personalized Id suggest using your imagination and pretending they're written directly for you.
If youre still having issues, with this rather simple task that my 8 year old cousin could do by himself than perhaps rooting isnt your thing.. What youre asking is more basic than basic itself. By the way, when searching and reading you'll actually be gaining knowledge!
My apologies if you suffer from any health issues or current mental conditions that prevent you from these tasks..
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
triggered? lol

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