Develop Bugs

DIY -Unlock and Flash Tmobile Dash to HTC Excalibur

Okay guys, this process took me 1 hour on the first Tmobile Dash i flashed cause i was reading and searching instructions from different sources at one time on the FLY so it took me longer. The 2nd Dash i flashed for my girlfriend took me 22 minutes flat cause i saved all these links and files.
You will have your phone done in about 20 minutes from start to finish if you follow these simple instructions.
DISCLAIMER TIME -
I'm writing this because i went through so many threads out there just to find out how i had to reflash the phone. Now, i've done 2 phones back to back and i wanted to put my experience in one SIMPLE thread. This worked for me, twice. I had success in reflashing my new Tmobile dash into an HTC Excalibur so i went and bought one for my girlfriend and did the same thing to hers with success.
I'm not responsible for any damages that you may incur in bricking your phone simple cause i wasn't the one that was reflashing your phone. This is my "story".
I went to http://www.imei-check.com/dashunlock.php to unlock my phone.
Seriously, its $38 bucks, don't be cheap. I did both of my Dash phones through them, its easy as all hell to do AND within 3 minutes, i was SIM unlocked and CID unlocked.
Sim Unlock - Use any carrier's SIM card.
CID Unlock - Unlocking the phone's Software lock
Application Unlock - Unlocking registry and installing 3rd party applicates that don't have certificates.
IMEI Check only SIM and CID unlocks (which is what most ppl do)
Step 1 -
With your new Tmobile dash - I want you to wipe the handheld clear first, based on my experience, it makes loading new ROM's FASTER.
Follow these Key strokes in the start menu
START - EXPERT - Clear Storage - enter 1234 to wipe the handheld.
(make sure your stuff is backed up if any!!)
Step 2 -
Install Activesync on your computer and make sure its Connected!!
Step 3 -
After that's done, you need to run this Rom bootloader update. I found this from the wonderful developers here. This is the link. To run this, all you have to do is download it and just run it on your desktop with your ActiveSync Connected.
ftp://xda:[email protected]/smartphones/Excalibur/RUU_Excalibur_SPL-1.11_UpgradeOnly.exe
I've read about ppl getting errors while trying to directly install the NEW ROM so i'm including this step ( once again, these are the exact steps that I took and it worked fine, i'm not going to tell you guys something that I didn't try or didnt work )
Step 4 - Let it fully set up and then install the new ROM. This is the ROM i used. Download it and run it with the ActiveSync Connected (Duh) Here's the link.
ftp://xda:[email protected]/smartphones/Excalibur/RUU_Excalibur_HTC_WWE_1.11.405.4_4.1.13.28_02.63.90_Ship.exe
I've read that this was the ROM that was most stable and I'm running it on 2 Dash phones without a single problem.
Now you're almost done!!!!
Step 5
After you get all that stuff set up, you need to edit the registry because the keyboard function still needs to be tweaked. This is a SDA Unlocker that I used on both phones to do the "Application Unlock".
ftp://xda:[email protected]/Uploads/Excalibur/unlock/SDA_ApplicationUnlock.exe
I know its for the TMobile SDA but it apparently works on the Dash too. This will do the APPLICATION UNLOCK and now you should be able to change the registry keys.
Step 6
Go into the phone and click START - Settings - More - Regional Settings-
Now change everything to English US, Not English UK. After that, reset the phone again for the changes to take place.
Step 7
Now click this link - Its a Registry Editor (best one i've used so far).
http://www.breaksoft.com/Download/MRE/MobileRegistryEditor.zip
Unzip it into a Folder on your desktop (no , its not a virus, scan if it you must)
and open it up.
it should look like this. (taken from their website)
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
What you're doing right now is you're changing the KEYBOARD layout BACK to the Standard US one. The ABC's work but the secondary symbols don't correspond to each other (IE - "alt" + "K" should be the $ sign but its the Euro Sign instead)
Step 8
Now, go to this location in your registry -
HKEY_Local_Machine -
HARDWARE -
DEVICEMAP -
KEYBD -
Now look for "CurLang" - double click that value and a little window opens up that looks like this
Change the "Value Data" to "1033" as the US Keyboard Layout value.
Exit the program, and restart the Phone.
DONE!!!!!!! - Your phone is unlocked without the TMobile Branding and its back to the good ol HTC Excalibur setup.
Now, Depending on your phone carrier, you must set up the GPRS Settings and stuff. I'm on Cingular's network, you can find their settings on their website by going here-
https://www.cingular.com/support/content.do?page=phone-device-support
I know its for a different phone but the settings are the same.
As for text message setting and voicemail numbers - here's a shortcut -
START - SETTINGS - PHONE - PHONE OPTIONS -
This will automatically download the voicemail numbers and SMS numbers to your phone from the network.
[email protected] if you have questions.
*****************UPDATE-FEB 13th 2009 *****************
I've just checked my old emails and i've been receiving LOTS of emails about the links on this post being down. There was an issue with the FTP servers before where these roms were stored. They are no longer there.
They can be found by going here -->http://lmgtfy.com/?q=HTC+Excalibur+ROMS
I apologize that i haven't gotten back to those of you who have emailed me.
I no longer have this phone now so i never bothered to look into any of the emails.
There are plenty of sites where you can find the ROM images.

good post... thanks for the insight and instructions. been waiting for someone to confirm success before I actually went throught it myself. Thanks!

What about putting things back the way they were should you need warranty service, etc... With the SDA, I could, and did, put T-Mobile back with the shipping ROM available at the HTC web site -- but -- I don't see the shipping Dash ROM there or at T-Mobile.

To be honest with you, Warranty repairs and those sort of things should be a concern. You can reflash the factory ROM back onto the phone but i don't think anyone's released it yet. If you find it, please post it back up for more people that have the same concerns. To be frank, if you're going to flash a phone or "mod" it in anyway, it voids the warranty period but from what i understand, i believe HTC has a 1 year warranty on the phone. If its going to be carrier warranty, i wouldn't know where to begin to answer that question simply because I'm not with Tmobile as a carrier (and they are the only carrier that has released this phone in the US). This was the same ROM that i was posted up as the shipping ROM, not a test ROM. I'm merely using the resources that I've found as a simple guide for those who deem to do what I've done successfully.
I wish i had a better answer for you though.
Thanks

Nvious said:
To be honest with you, Warranty repairs and those sort of things should be a concern. You can reflash the factory ROM back onto the phone but i don't think anyone's released it yet. If you find it, please post it back up for more people that have the same concerns. To be frank, if you're going to flash a phone or "mod" it in anyway, it voids the warranty period but from what i understand, i believe HTC has a 1 year warranty on the phone. If its going to be carrier warranty, i wouldn't know where to begin to answer that question simply because I'm not with Tmobile as a carrier (and they are the only carrier that has released this phone in the US). This was the same ROM that i was posted up as the shipping ROM, not a test ROM. I'm merely using the resources that I've found as a simple guide for those who deem to do what I've done successfully.
I wish i had a better answer for you though.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I am waiting for, otherwise I would have flashed this thing about 20 times. I don't know what is taking so long for us to get the original ROM from T-Mobile.

Nvious said:
I went to http://www.imei-check.com/dashunlock.php to unlock my phone.
Seriously, its $38 bucks, don't be cheap. I did both of my Dash phones through them, its easy as all hell to do AND within 3 minutes, i was SIM unlocked and CID unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to stir the boat, you really did an excellent job on writing all, but I believe all can be done WITHOUT the prior unlocking, it's not necessary.. correct me if I'm wrong
good post though, kudos

jsp_m said:
I don't want to stir the boat, you really did an excellent job on writing all, but I believe all can be done WITHOUT the prior unlocking, it's not necessary.. correct me if I'm wrong
good post though, kudos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks man. I looked at so many different sites and did so much searching, but i still couldn't find a site that just gave me steps to do it. That's what motivated me to do it!
I read on another thread that there was a way to reflash the ROM without a CID unlock through the bootloader. I tried it and I got the error code, it didn't work.
It was the bootloader that needed to be changed so i changed it but it still didn't work. I think the code was "invalid vendor" or something like that.
After all this, i'm pretty sure that AS OF NOW, there is no way to doing it.
I'm sure someone will find a way though. The first time i tried to flash my
personal Dash, i went through IMEI check cause i knew it was a sure fire way to do it. Then, the next day i went and bought a dash for my girlfriend and decided on trying to bypass the CID lock before we flashed the phone, i had a little more experience than i started with so i gave it a shot. I tried changing the bootloader, didn't work, there was still a SIM lock on the phone.
I had to get it done regardless so i did it. From what I understand ( i might be wrong), you can get the phone SIM unlocked through Tmobile if you've been in good standings for 90 days, but it won't remove the CID lock which is needed to have access to flashing the Carrier's ROM that's been installed. The application unlock is just to protect the registry and prevents you from installing programs that don't have secured and verified certificates. I tried all of the above and the only way i was able to it. Anyone else have any shortcuts? I can modify my original post so if there's a shortcut.
Thanks for all the input guys!

This was the thread that i read to try and bypass the CID lock= this might be worth following up for those of you who would rather save the $38.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=287791

Sort of... if you return the device to T-Mobile with anything other than their ROM, they'll either charge you a restocking fee (full retail) or send it back -- and getting them to send it back is no minor undertaking. If you reflash it with their ROM, they won't know, at least they didn't with my 2nd SDA -- the first one I mistakingly left the iMate ROM on and it turned into a lengthy ordeal. Eventually, they sent it back, and I reflashed it, and sent it in again without issue.
It appears the shipping ROM isn't going to be posted at the HTC or T-Mobile sites. If and when they issue an update, then that'll be the new 'shipping' ROM we need to start playing around with the others
Personally, I'm fine with the T-Mobile ROM, except for the HotSpot stuff that loads on boot. I'd rather free up the memory, but haven't yet run into a hack that lets the device boot up without all that HotSpot junk.
Nvious said:
To be honest with you, Warranty repairs and those sort of things should be a concern. You can reflash the factory ROM back onto the phone but i don't think anyone's released it yet. If you find it, please post it back up for more people that have the same concerns. To be frank, if you're going to flash a phone or "mod" it in anyway, it voids the warranty period but from what i understand, i believe HTC has a 1 year warranty on the phone. If its going to be carrier warranty, i wouldn't know where to begin to answer that question simply because I'm not with Tmobile as a carrier (and they are the only carrier that has released this phone in the US). This was the same ROM that i was posted up as the shipping ROM, not a test ROM. I'm merely using the resources that I've found as a simple guide for those who deem to do what I've done successfully.
I wish i had a better answer for you though.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

loging to xda ftp site
Hi I keep getting rejection to log in to the FTP site, any idea why is that ? it keep saying permission denied
thank you

You sure its askin for permission? It never asked me??
ftp://xda:[email protected]
That's weird??
Check with the Moderator "Pof"

nice guide
nice will show this guide to my brother
the thing that has stopped us from upgrading his phone is that the Offical USA t-mobile rom is no where to be found incase he wants to flash back...
does anyone have this or can we back it up? please let us know so we can break the tmobile spell
also is it possible to get the tmobile APP called faves which stores his favorite contacts for free calls? i assume i can extract it
need some help - 1way

No one seems to have a program or anything that can back up existing Tmobile ROM's and no one can really find a release?
I've had no luck with it yet. Sorry

FYI...I've been running the ROM this thread specifies for 2 weeks now without any problems. My biggest grip is that I wish someone would post a ROM with xt9 and put back the functionality of being able to press and hold a key to get the alternate characters.

I'd say the fact that you've lost some significant functionality and can't get it back the way it was isn't "without any problems". When a ROM update comes out, we'll have our 'shipping ROM'.
bkeaver said:
FYI...I've been running the ROM this thread specifies for 2 weeks now without any problems. My biggest grip is that I wish someone would post a ROM with xt9 and put back the functionality of being able to press and hold a key to get the alternate characters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

well the fact the those 2 functions are gone done warrant to me that it has problems. Problems to me is the wifi no longer works or the phone freezes up or calls drop those are problems. the 2 things I listed are a can live without thing.

1wayjonny said:
also is it possible to get the tmobile APP called faves which stores his favorite contacts for free calls? i assume i can extract it
need some help - 1way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will still bill the calls for free for the myfaves. You just have to use my.t-mobile.com to change the myfaves instead of the phone. You might know that but just incase someone else here did not know.

chaznet said:
I'd say the fact that you've lost some significant functionality and can't get it back the way it was isn't "without any problems". When a ROM update comes out, we'll have our 'shipping ROM'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XT9 is the feature in which the phone tries to guess what you're typing??? It was a blessing to actually get rid of that feature! I could not stand it.

I'm with you on that.
It seems to me that the debate is just over having the existing ROM to reflash.
If you guys have concerns on having a backup ROM, reflashing a phone is out of the question.
I wrote this thread cause Tmobile's the only company that provides the S620.
I don't have Tmobile as well as many others but that doens't mean we should be SOL on this phone.
To be honest, i expected only NON tmobile customers to be reading this thread because it relates to them more. Its on how to unlock and reflash the phone for use with other carriers. if you are currently with Tmobile, i suggest you keep the existing ROM on there as that particular ROM was designed for Tmobile users.
For all you others, Lets keep the steam boat running.
Who has done this operation so far???
can i get a show of hands?
Problems?? anything?

djdanska said:
They will still bill the calls for free for the myfaves. You just have to use my.t-mobile.com to change the myfaves instead of the phone. You might know that but just incase someone else here did not know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no i didnt but thanks that the only thing that was stopping the rom switch

does rooting disable OTA updates?

I want to Root my Evo,but i have no idea if i will be able to get my gingerbread or even honeycomb OTA update.
i really dont know how to do manually updates,i dont know if its even hard to do.
What is a good/reliable team to get my rooting access from?
in Mind is the UnrEVOked team.
please give me your opinions to help me make the right decisions.
and threads or anything useful for me to have.

If you stay on the stock ROM you should still be able to get ota's but you might loose your root. The cooked ROMs will be updated usually before the official updates are even rolled out, and most likely tweaked and improved. I wouldn't even worry about sprints updates. As far as choosing a ROM, just read through the development forum and read what the ROM offers and the comments through the thread of users reporting bugs (if any) and opinions of performance. Baked snack, CM, and fresh seem to be the most popular and stable. Start with one of those. I used calkulin and frost, both work well too if you like vanilla Android, fresh was the only sense ROM I used and it was very nice. Its all about what look you want and customization. Thats the beauty of Android.
There are plenty of tutorials on the process, read the useful threads and links thread. Thats a good place to start. When ROMs get updated just flash over the previous unless the dev says a wipe is needed, which is rare.

I mean I love my sense. I can't go on without the beautiful widgets it comes with.
Plus the upgrade they're doing for sense is coming out soon.
But I need to know if a custom recovery is the same as a custom Rom.
I am thinking of doing Unrevoked because its the only one I know that does 2.2 root. Please give me links!
Thanks for the massive help tho.
Sent from my PC36100

Caspers25 said:
I mean I love my sense. I can't go on without the beautiful widgets it comes with.
Plus the upgrade they're doing for sense is coming out soon.
But I need to know if a custom recovery is the same as a custom Rom.
I am thinking of doing Unrevoked because its the only one I know that does 2.2 root. Please give me links!
Thanks for the massive help tho.
Sent from my PC36100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom recovery will either be "R.A." or "ClockworkMod." They are a little different from each other. People usually use R.A. They say that clockworkmod doesn't delete cache right, but I personally use clockwork. What a recovery is, is a menu outside the phones system that allows you to install flashable zips. It also allows you to wipe anything, format anything and create & restore nandroid back ups.
There are tons of Roms. Roms are the system of your phone. Usually flashed from the SD card.
Sent From My HTC Evo Using Tapatalk Pro!

If you do unrevoked forever, you won't lose root when you accept an OTA.

_MetalHead_ said:
If you do unrevoked forever, you won't lose root when you accept an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one thing i have seen is that if you root and use unrevoked forever then you can't accept OTA's either, i have seen this with alot of people including myself, not sure why, but you can download the OTA, but it will not upack, literally, as you start it just freeze's up within the first mintues, and no matter how many times you try, it won't take.

tomh1979 said:
The one thing i have seen is that if you root and use unrevoked forever then you can't accept OTA's either, i have seen this with alot of people including myself, not sure why, but you can download the OTA, but it will not upack, literally, as you start it just freeze's up within the first mintues, and no matter how many times you try, it won't take.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... I haven't heard of that but don't doubt it.
The thing is, the devs here usually get their hands on OTAs before they are rolled out, then they make them better and package them into their ROMs. I see no reason to even care about receiving OTAs at all, tbqh

Well i was reading about it and from what I gathered up.
It tells me that if you have a custom Rom you aren't able to accept OTAs,I don't wanna manually update my phone. I don't even know how.
But I need to know of a custom recovery with disable me from getting OTAs,help?
If I should use any custom recovery or any team who should I get my root from? I have a unrooted 2.2 sense.
I need a guide and video tutorial,ha.
I'm on my girls MAC,so no windows stuff please.
Sent from my HTC Evo

Referring to your original post here, I wouldn't root until you are fully comfortable with getting down and dirty with your phone. You say you don't want to or even know how to manually update your phone, well that is Android 101. If you aren't fully familiar with everything that rooting entails (custom recoveries, kernels, ROMs, SU permissions) then you need to keep reading. I spent weeks reading everything I could find before I rooted my phone and I suggest doing the same so you don't potentially fark things up.
Read the wiki, read through the rooting threads in development and really try and build a full understanding of what you're doing before you make the leap.

Well I've rooted my g1 way back then. But I know its not the same concept anymore,but they really never had an update it was just 1.6 so yeah.
I just want OTAs still.
Does any one know what is an Nandroid?
Sent from my HTC EVO

I agree with _MetalHead_ . You really need to read more on rooting, ROMS (and in the process, you'll learn about Nandroid!) before proceeding. I also spent weeks reading and then I didn't go full root - just enough to get wireless tether. Then, I read some more. There are some incredibly helpful people here as well as some incredibly rude people.
While unrevoked can get you started, learn adb and get comfortable pulling and pushing apks. Get very comfortable with Nandroid because it's going to save you.
My lessons learned are 1) NEVER accept an OTA update because it can take devs a long while to gain root, and 2) be patient and NEVER pull the battery while the Evo is doing something - like updating.

I use apk files already and unrooted.
And thank you very helpful.
PLEASE someone tell me what Nandroid is.
And sites where I can learn about rooting all together.
What do I need to look for?
Sent from my HTC EVO

A nandroid backup can be done from the recovery screen and it essentially backs up your phone EXACTLY as it is when you run it. So if you want to change something, you nandroid backup (which includes contacts, themes, settings, everything) and if your change doesn't work out, you can boot into recovery and restore your nandroid backup.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

The one thing i have seen is that if you root and use unrevoked forever then you can't accept OTA's either, i have seen this with alot of people including myself, not sure why, but you can download the OTA, but it will not upack, literally, as you start it just freeze's up within the first mintues, and no matter how many times you try, it won't take.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just did a little research. The reason why the updates won't take is because of the custom recovery. You need to flash a stock recovery in order to accept updates. It's on Unrevoked's website.
I use apk files already and unrooted.
And thank you very helpful.
PLEASE someone tell me what Nandroid is.
And sites where I can learn about rooting all together.
What do I need to look for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is your friend. Nandroid is a way to backup and restore your phone.
I already posted the link to the wiki, that is the first place you should start. Next, read through a lot of rooting threads in the development forum here on xda. If you still have questions use the forum's search tool and use google. You gotta do the legwork.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Nandroid+Backup
this should help... teach a man to fish...

[Q] Debranding and Rooting O2 uk

I'm new to android phones so kinda looking at some hand holding atm.
My phone is O2 but atm I'm using tesco's sim in it. When I put a sim in it asks me 2 options and I just select pay as you go (planning to switch to giffgaff at some point).
So a few questions. I want to debrand my phone from all the O2 stuff. Whats the best way to do this?
1: Root it and flash the latest stock rom on it? Or just root it and delete all the 02 stuff from it.
2: If I put a new stock rom on it will the phone still be sim unlocked?
3: I've read a lot of posts about backing up data and stuff but still not 100% how to do this. Could I make a back-up of the whole phone as it is now so that if I do something wrong I can just re-flash it with the original 02 stuff included? In other words can I make a copy of the firmware that is already on there. Not worried about the data.
EDIT: Think I've answered this myself. I can use Rom Manager to back it up to sd card and then put it on my pc for future use if needed.
4: Found this on the forums somewhere. It's for sgs2 but guess the apps are the same as the sgw when it comes to safe removal. Safe apps to removel
Cheers

Think I've answered most of my questions except the most important one to me. So if anyone can help be most appreciative.
As I said my phone is branded with o2 stuff and when I put the sim in it asks me my payment plan, pay monthly or pay as you go (I'm using a tesco sim not o2 and it works fine). If I flash the phone with a stock rom via odin will my phone still be unlocked and just de-branded, or will some nasty o2 bite me in bum and lock my sim to o2 now? Don't want to risk it if that will happen.
Cheers

blitz_32 said:
Think I've answered most of my questions except the most important one to me. So if anyone can help be most appreciative.
As I said my phone is branded with o2 stuff and when I put the sim in it asks me my payment plan, pay monthly or pay as you go (I'm using a tesco sim not o2 and it works fine). If I flash the phone with a stock rom via odin will my phone still be unlocked and just de-branded, or will some nasty o2 bite me in bum and lock my sim to o2 now? Don't want to risk it if that will happen.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to check Network Lock Status [SIM Lock]: Dialler input *#7465625#
You should see this:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
To back out, just tap OK button.......
If SIM locked, there is presently no method that is not paid-for, unless someone has come up with a method recently!! So, you will have to pay someone for SIM unlock, based on your IMEI......usually about £15-£20. [To get IMEI from Dialler: *#06#]
Don't like that Payment Plan message....my Phone is on Tesco Ireland network, and I get no messages!!! SIM unlocked should not get messages, IMHO.
BTW, I would not use ROM Manager on this phone, it is not supported, there is no CWM Recovery in ROM Manager list for Galaxy W [GT-i8150].....
be very careful!! you could Brick Phone!!!
Best thing is to Flash CWM for this phone, via ODIN, and do a Nandroid back-up, save to external sd, there is an option, otherwise Nandroid will go to Internal USB Storage....
this will be a snap-shot of everything on your Phone at the moment of back-up.....including all Apps and Data on Internal Storage....
External SD Card is not backed up by Nandroid presently, but it should remain as is, unless you wipe it, or modify data on it.....so moved apps will still be there, for example.
But, before you do, check unlock status, as above, and also is phone rooted, as you may need to root phone, and best way is with Stock Recovery.
Flashing Guides:
Arco's ClockworkMod Recovery Version 5.5.0.4
THE-E Guide to Flashing FW with ODIN, and more!!

Cheers for that Irishpancake. I checked on my phone and all are 'OFF' except Network Lock. So how is it I'm using a non o2 sim in it, Tescos? Guess I may have to pay for it to be unlocked.
I've read all of The-E's guide to flashing (D/L most of the files ready to go and put them in Odin, just not plugged my phone in) but will have to read up more about CWM. Do I do CWM first to back everything up then root the phone before flashing?
One other thing, In a previous post you put up a link to your drop box for a recovery md5. What is this for as I d/l it thinking it was a stock rom but noticed the small file size compared to The-E stock rom in his original post.
Sorry to be a pain but just want to be clear before I start.

blitz_32 said:
Cheers for that Irishpancake. I checked on my phone and all are 'OFF' except Network Lock. So how is it I'm using a non o2 sim in it, Tescos? Guess I may have to pay for it to be unlocked.
I've read all of The-E's guide to flashing (D/L most of the files ready to go and put them in Odin, just not plugged my phone in) but will have to read up more about CWM. Do I do CWM first to back everything up then root the phone before flashing?
One other thing, In a previous post you put up a link to your drop box for a recovery md5. What is this for as I d/l it thinking it was a stock rom but noticed the small file size compared to The-E stock rom in his original post.
Sorry to be a pain but just want to be clear before I start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Network Lock is normally called SIM Lock.....sorry, looks like your phone is locked to your SIM provider???
Perhaps O2 and Tesco have a relationship....in Ireland Tesco uses O2 Network, as a Virtual Operator, MVNO ...looking here it seems the same!!!
however, AFAIK, if you want to move to GiffGaff, for example, you will need Network Unlock....
If you want to Root, I suggest doing this before flashing CWM, as the best Root method requires Stock Recovery, which you already have!!!
Here is THE-E HowTo Guide for Root
After successful rooting, then follow the CWR Flash Guide, previously linked....
The Stock Recovery I hosted was as a favour for user QAU5881, who could not download from RapidShare, not a ROM, but what you have already!!!
but won't have once you flash CWM!!!
cheers, and Good Luck...and ask if there is anything else

Thanks Irishpancake. I was getting confused as to the difference between stock recovery and CWM and what they did. Found this which cleared my confusion up a lot. Basicly CWM gives you more options and if you don't want it flash back to stock for OTA updates.
One thing though. Once I unlock my phone it stays unlocked and flashing new roms on it won't bugger that up. Think I know the answer to that already but as I said in my first post, hand holding! Who knows, one day I may be of use to some other newbie and answer his questions.

blitz_32 said:
Thanks Irishpancake. I was getting confused as to the difference between stock recovery and CWM and what they did. Found this which cleared my confusion up a lot. Basicly CWM gives you more options and if you don't want it flash back to stock for OTA updates.
One thing though. Once I unlock my phone it stays unlocked and flashing new roms on it won't bugger that up. Think I know the answer to that already but as I said in my first post, hand holding! Who knows, one day I may be of use to some other newbie and answer his questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, once network unlocked, stays unlocked!!!
There are more options in our CWR, as we have External SD, and internal SD....
so this is catered for in where back-ups are stored, and where device is restored from!!
But, don't forget, if you sre going to root phone, do it before you flash CWR, i.e. with Stock Recovery [This is default Samsung Recovery]...

Cheers Irishpancake. I have asked this on another thread but haven't got a reply so hoping you can help me once more
I've rooted it now and got CWM on it but can't find a uk stock rom. Someone said to use any Euro one but not sure they will support radio etc. Which one would you suggest?
Also if I do a back-up on cwm will it be just as my phone is now, including rom and apps I have on the internal sd. Guess it doesn't back up external one which is where I've D/L my stuff to!

blitz_32 said:
Cheers Irishpancake. I have asked this on another thread but haven't got a reply so hoping you can help me once more
I've rooted it now and got CWM on it but can't find a uk stock rom. Someone said to use any Euro one but not sure they will support radio etc. Which one would you suggest?
Also if I do a back-up on cwm will it be just as my phone is now, including rom and apps I have on the internal sd. Guess it doesn't back up external one which is where I've D/L my stuff to!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Howya blitz.....
To answer second question first [I'm Irish ]....
A Nandroid bk-up is a snapshot of your device at this precise moment... including all device partitions....
it will include everything needed to restore your device to its current state.....
including all apps on Phone memory, related data stored on Internal SD/USB Storage....
but there will not be Apps on your internal SD, unless you have implemented mount-point swap??
There is presently no backup of external SD in our CWM.... but unless you wipe this, or alter data on external SD....it should be OK.....you should also regularly backup the external SD contents to your PC/Laptop, including all hidden folders and files....these will be your moved Apps!!! For security!!!
As for your first question, any of the Euro ROMs are safe to flash, as they all have common baseband/modem/phone mobile freq bands. And all have English Language and usually no Service Provider Branding...
my current Stock ROM is a Cosmote Romania from way back.... no probs whatsoever!!!
To flash the Stock ROM's you will need ODIN.....check out THE-E sticky!!!
which means you will lose root and maybe CWM Recovery...but these can be regained....
But, maybe time to consider some of the Custom GB ROM's....and we have CM9 also in Alpha 2... all rooted and flashable with CWM...no need for ODIN!!!!
You should head to the sticky section in Development.... loads of info there....
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Tapatalk

Cheers IrishPancake. No worries about second question first, I'm Cornish so it's how I would of done it!
I've been following the Dev ROMs including CM9 and also the camera topic in a different forum. Until that's working though I can wait. The stock does what I need but will definitely give CM9 a go when later as I fancy ICS and also donate to arco for his hard work when it's fully functional. Just needed a heads up and just D/L the CZECH rom so will flash that.
One other question, what would be a good app to view and delete bloat-ware? Going to follow the link in my first post as to what is safe to remove so all should be ok and if not I can re-flash.
Cheers.

blitz_32 said:
Cheers IrishPancake. No worries about second question first, I'm Cornish so it's how I would of done it!
I've been following the Dev ROMs including CM9 and also the camera topic in a different forum. Until that's working though I can wait. The stock does what I need but will definitely give CM9 a go when later as I fancy ICS and also donate to arco for his hard work when it's fully functional. Just needed a heads up and just D/L the CZECH rom so will flash that.
One other question, what would be a good app to view and delete bloat-ware? Going to follow the link in my first post as to what is safe to remove so all should be ok and if not I can re-flash.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man....there are so many bloatware removers on the Market/Play, but if you have a list, as in your link, and you want to customize what you remove, here is a good project.........which is designed for Sammy Bloat stuff!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1645301
You need:
CWM Recovery w/ ADB
USB Drivers
Rooted
Phone connected to PC with USB Debugging enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also need:
NotePad++ on your PC/Laptop.....
Perhaps you also may need adb.....below link to a pretty good tutorial for installing adb, and adding adb to path in Windows, for ease of use.....sorry if you are Mac man....I know nothing!!!
But, just a word of warning, don't remove TWLauncher unless you have another Launcher as default.....you could end up in trouble!!!
You can also batch install apks with this tool.....
I have not tried this, so you should carefully read instructions, such as they are!!
Otherwise, search Play, there are numerous bloat removers.....OK!!!

Cheers. I had had a look on Goggle Play but wasn't sure which would be the best one. The 'project' link you posted looks good but not sure if I just replace every bloatware apk with TWLauncher apk, so will have to read up on it if I go down that route.
Cheers for the help and so far, touch wood, I've not bricked my phone!

O2 Unlock
blitz_32 said:
Cheers. I had had a look on Goggle Play but wasn't sure which would be the best one. The 'project' link you posted looks good but not sure if I just replace every bloatware apk with TWLauncher apk, so will have to read up on it if I go down that route.
Cheers for the help and so far, touch wood, I've not bricked my phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi all,
Just a bit of info for you if it's still needed. In the UK O2 unlock your phone for free at any time on contract and after 12 months on PAYG for £15.
Also Giffgaff is run on the O2 network the same as Tesco so you should be ok without an unlock.

Help rooting

Ok, So I did some searching and I found lots of information, but I didn't really find anything that tied all of the information together. I am not new to rooting or flashing phones, but I am new to this phone. So Here is my problem. I have seen a lot of the "how to root" guides. But I haven't really seen a guide on how to know which method to use. I have a brand new phone that I got today before work. So I have no idea how to tell which root method to use. Any information regarding how to tell which method/root this thing would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Its up to you, just follow the directions. I prefer odin from pc or sfhub autoroot package. I always have pc access though.

Using either of those methods, does it matter that I just got my phone and I don't know what software is on it? What if I wanted to try an ICS ROM or something? I am just a bit apprehensive.
So more reading and I figured out that I have the EL29 what ever. So I need to do this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1433101
But am I right in thinking that I still need to install CWM somehow in order to flash custom ROMs? Also, does flashing a custom ROM increase the flash counter thing?

revaew said:
Using either of those methods, does it matter that I just got my phone and I don't know what software is on it? What if I wanted to try an ICS ROM or something? I am just a bit apprehensive.
So more reading and I figured out that I have the EL29 what ever. So I need to do this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1433101
But am I right in thinking that I still need to install CWM somehow in order to flash custom ROMs? Also, does flashing a custom ROM increase the flash counter thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1662295 Watch Qbking's videos - here is the one for the FF18 build [located here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1721229 [
Take some time and read read and then read again or you will turn you device into an expensive shiny fishing lure.
If you start off with sfhub's one-clicks you really can't go wrong. He has made it dead simple and safe and provided outstanding directions.
You can then use sfhub's Autoroot package to add Agat's 'safe' recovery with CWM.
Good luck

So I see that the the initial autoroot, it doesn't increase the Odin flash counter. But flashing a custom ROM (like say I wanted to go to ICS) would increase the counter?

I use this to get rid of the triangle and reset flash counter http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114

revaew said:
So I see that the the initial autoroot, it doesn't increase the Odin flash counter. But flashing a custom ROM (like say I wanted to go to ICS) would increase the counter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend one of the best pieces of advice I have seen here for you is too do some reading. Also why do you want to root your phone? If its for tethering you can simply install foxfi. If you want to try out different roms and tweaks then you really need to learn your phone. Developers, themers and contributors have set up thread after thread of great tutorials and answers to all your questions.
Welcome to android rooting world and you made a good choice but before I have to view another "I May Have Bricked My Phone" thread please read up and get up to speed on the craziness in here
Also to answer your question your counter only goes up when you flash an unsecure kernel through odin. Not when you use CWM
someguyatx said:
I use this to get rid of the triangle and reset flash counter http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I am not mistaken I believe that app is strictly for ICS.... I may be wrong

playya said:
My friend one of the best pieces of advice I have seen here for you is too do some reading. Also why do you want to root your phone? If its for tethering you can simply install foxfi. If you want to try out different roms and tweaks then you really need to learn your phone. Developers, themers and contributors have set up thread after thread of great tutorials and answers to all your questions.
Welcome to android rooting world and you made a good choice but before I have to view another "I May Have Bricked My Phone" thread please read up and get up to speed on the craziness in here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Have rooted 3 previous phones, I just am new to this one. I Haven't done anything yet and I don't plan on it until I understand this phone better. Right now I am just kind of lost with a lot of the shorthand that is used in a lot of the threads. I am doing a ton of reading, but like I said, there are just some things that I feel aren't clarified enough for me to be comfortable just yet.

I just got a replacement phone from Sprint that I can't root. Every time I get the Hellions with BLUE flame message.

revaew said:
I Have rooted 3 previous phones, I just am new to this one. I Haven't done anything yet and I don't plan on it until I understand this phone better. Right now I am just kind of lost with a lot of the shorthand that is used in a lot of the threads. I am doing a ton of reading, but like I said, there are just some things that I feel aren't clarified enough for me to be comfortable just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my old phone was a samsung but rooting and flashing were way different. This phone is really easy though. Don't over complicate it, just read the directions and go when ready. Don't flash anything brand new or any alpha releases, everything else out there is pretty safe if you follow directions.

Well the phone just updated to FF18. If I am not mistaken, I thought I saw somewhere something about rooting it (or flashing it) with ICS/ICS ROMs to be very risky? is this true?

[Q] Rooting and ROM

Hello, this is the first time posting on this forum and relatively new on the android platform after jumping ship from blackberry. So, i have afew questions i hope you guys can help me with.
1. I heard/read alot regarding rooting to bring out the full potential of an android(s4) phone. What is the full advantage of rooting my phone? How does granting administrative access affect my phone performance?
2. I often see the jargon of bloatware on this forum, what does it exactly mean?
3. What is the function of ROM?
Sorry if these qns are repeated, please direct me to the answer if it is already present in the forum. thanks

1. Ans
2. Ans
3. Ans
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London

Rooting your phone gives you access to do anything you want ie (Apps 2 sd) that the phone dosent permit you to do.
A ROM is just a different feel, and its a faster alternative in upgrading your android ios. (S4 has touchwiz, can change it to Htc Sense)
Bloatware is a bunch of unnecessary apps that Carriers know youll never use but have it just cause. Its annoying and it takes up space. Rooting allows you to delete these apps, cause if its not you wont be able to remove it.
I hope this helped, ask again if you have any more questions.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it. When I look at some of the threads on rooting it just seems like a foreign language to me!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

mahgnillig said:
I was wondering if there is a sort of rooting guide for dummies out there. I want to root my phone to get rid of some of the bloatware that I will never use, and also to delete the annoying start up and shut down sounds. Other than that, I'm happy with Touchwiz so far, but I suppose adding custom themes would be fun.
I rooted my last phone (Samsung Vibrant) over 2yrs ago and don't remember how I did it. I know I installed a custom ROM, but don't remember how to do that either. I remember following a really good guide with pictures and step by step instructions though. It's early days yet with the S4, but I really hope someone will do the same kind of guide because it's very helpful for those of us who like to customize but don't have the time or knowledge to seriously get into it.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
---------------------------------
Still confused between Samsung Galaxy S4 and 10 acres of land in London

nikufellow said:
Try the motochopper method - the guide is pretty simple and self explanatory however if you're on latest kernel then rooting is a no go as of now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I looked at that and it seems straightforward, but I'm concerned about what to do after the actual root. Things like how to back the phone up in case I mess it up, how to delete things, how to add things. Also I find a lot of the terminology confusing... not quite sure what all the acronyms stand for either, like ODIN or CWM, or what each thing does exactly. This is the kind of thread which would be totally useful: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=849028 (this one is for the Vibrant though, so I think a lot of it would be different on a different device?)
As far as the kernel... as far as I know nothing has been updated. I got the phone on the first day it came out so I'm assuming it doesn't have the latest kernel. How would you find out? Not even sure what the kernel is or what it does :\ I would like to find out though!

^^^then you might be on an earlier kernel version anyway trying to root by motochopper method won't brick your device even if it doesn't go successful so no worries.
ODIN is the same software that service centres use to revive your bricked device - as a matter of fact with Samsung drivers, a usb cable and stock rom downloaded from online sources like sammobile, you can revert almost any instances of soft brick. Simply saying ODIN will flash back factory/stock rom anfd make your device as it was when you bought it. And yeah flashing via ODIN and all are more or less same procedure for all Samsung devices
Cwm is a custom recovery. If you don't know what recovery means it might be worth googling for better understanding the concept as even my knowledge is limited and my explanations might fall short of your expectations
---------------------------------------------------------
" Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor"

with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?

Mami-dalous said:
with regards to rooting my s4 which is running on 4.2.2 jellybean, does motochopper actually brick my phone? In addition, can i root my phone to remove the bloatwares and afterwhich, unroot my phone again, with all the bloatwares already permanently removed? Is it possible to download the full list of softwares of the s4 online such that if i accidentally remove an important software, i will be able to restore it. As I am someone who is not into very much customization and over-clocking, i believe i dont need my phone rooted for custom ROM right? I can use stock ROM when my phone is unrooted and clear of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Steps
#1. Locate GS4 box, place phone inside box.
#2. Return to store and get iPhone.
Serious tho. Best thing you can do is READ. SEARCH and READ. SEARCH and READ.
If you are unsure about something, READ again. Most questions have already been asked and answered.
If you find yourself lost......SEARCH and READ. Believe me this is this most useful advice you will ever get here.
Stuff is so easy now compared to when android 1st started. I remember rooting my G1 on a terminal prompt and installing recovery with wicked long commands. Now everything is automated and the hardest (NOT) part is reading the step by step instructions provided on almost every mod and tweak.
Welcome and goodluck !