Develop Bugs

Creating a custom ROM from a stock ROM

I'm sure I'm going to get attacked for posting this since it's probably been answered in 3000 other posts, but that's actually part of the problem. There's too much information and too much of it is different and confusing, so a noob like me gets lost quickly. I would like to take the stock Verizon ROM and add just a couple of things to it. I don't want to use "Bob's super special ROM" that he's added a ton of crap to and I don't want to use "Bob's super special ROM lite" that has just about nothing in it. I'm OK with what's in the stock ROM for the most part, but I want to include a few other things.
So first off, can I take the Verizon MR1 upgrade for my XV6800 and extract, uncook, whatever the term is the ROM out of the setup - or - can I get the ROM off of my XV6800 that already has the MR1 upgrade applied to it?
Second, assuming I can do that, how do I cook the ROM. I understand I need a kitchen, which I've actually played with PPCKitchen a little, but what else do I need, or is there a better kitchen?
Third, where can I go to get simple, concise, and intelligible instructions for taking my stock ROM I extracted from the setup or the phone itself, and add a couple of applications and then flash it back to my phone.
One other thing, do I have to flash another radio or if I'm OK with how the phone works after the MR1 upgrade, can I just leave that alone?
For the people that are going to abuse me for asking question that have already been asked before, sorry, it's just too much and too scattered. For those who understand the confusions and frustrations of being a noob, thanks for the sympathy .

bump....

Ouch. One last attempt at a shameless bump...

Go to ppc geeks. their forums are divided up by phone. also you will find (usually at the top of list as a stick note) step by step instructions. Easy to follow.

Thanks. I forgot about that site.

[Q] Adding Shortcuts on Home Page

Dear all,
I have HTC TP2 device, and I tried to add shortcuts on the home page, when I got the steps from the HTC site, I could not apply them, can anybody help me in this?
- I could not find the '+' button.
- When I press and hold on an icon in the start menu, I can find only one command in the popup menu (Move to top).
---
From HTC site:
Personalizing Your Home Screen: Shortcuts
Placing shortcuts on your Home screen gives you quick access to your favorite programs, contacts you most frequently communicate with, and other information.
Adding a shortcut
Press HOME and then tap the + button. You can also press and hold an empty area on the Home screen.
When the Add to Home options menu opens, tap Shortcut.
Select the type of shortcut to add to the Home screen. You can create a shortcut to a Bookmark, Gmail label, your mail inbox, music playlist, a contact, or a program.
To quickly add an application shortcut that is on the All programs screen to the Home screen, press and hold an application icon. When the phone vibrates, drag the icon to an empty area on the Home screen, and then release it.

This can only be done if you are running Sense 2.5. Most TP2/Tilt2 phones came with TouchFlo 3D or an earlier version of Sense. These have a Programs page where you can choose which program icons you want to appear, but they won't be on the Home page.

Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?

mrtarrouk said:
Thanks a lot for you reply. May you please tell me what is the difference between Sense and TouchFlo, are they two different programs, which is better and if those programs are supported from HTC or not. In other words, can I go to an HTC shop in my country to install it for me or it is downloadable from their site?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get in touch with your carrier to see if an upgrade is warranted for your device. Only a couple of carriers got the Sense "upgrade." It is considerably slower than TF3D if you go through their options. If you really want to experience Sense the way it should be, try one of the many custom ROMs on this site.

Thanks a lot. Can you refer me to one of the good ROMs here in the forum.

What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.

redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.

redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70

redpoint73 said:
What country, carrier are you on?
Couple reason I ask this. Firstly, some carriers released an official ROM update to Sense 2.5.
Also, custom ROMs on this website are limited to GSM versions of the TP2, although there is CDMA subforum, with links to ROMs for CDMA devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for you both. Here are the info and other info that might help:
Country: Egypt
Carrier: Vodafone
ROM Version: 1.86.415.2 (67102) WWE
ROM Date: 12/28/09
Radio Version: 4.49.25.17
Protocol Version: 61.44tc.25.32U
ExtPkg Version: 1.48.415.70

cajunflavoredbob said:
Even though some carriers released updates to Sense from TF3D, I don't think it's a good idea to use them. I have yet to see a single one that was stable enough for continued use. They are generally resource intensive. Chefs of custom ROMs take the device's hardware into consideration unlike the carriers who only seem to want to load it with their own software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.

redpoint73 said:
Some people seemed pleased with the latest ATT ROM with Sense 2.5. I never flashed it, so I can't personally comment. And the shipped ROM was so horrible, I have trouble believing it myself. Plus, you get the usual ATT bloat. But I mentioned the possibility of an official ROM update, only because many people are scared of flashing a custom ROM.
But I completely agree with you that a custom ROM is probably the way to go.
To the OP, poking around on the internet, I see that Vodafone in Egypt is GSM, so you can use the custom ROMs on this website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Yes Vodafone Egypt is a GSM operator. Can you tell me whether I can backup my original ROM before I flash a cooked one (in case I needed it) ... And also please refer me to the best cooked ROM here and the steps to flash/install it on my device.
Your reply is highly appreciated.

All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.

redpoint73 said:
All you need to flash a custom ROM is on the ROM Development subforum for the TP2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=490
The resources pinned to the top of the subforum are extremely helpful, and indispensable.
One of them is an excellent step-by-step guide for flashing a custom ROM, written for beginners:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550540
As indicated in the guide, you will need to HardSPL the phone. This unlocks SPL (secondary program loader), which is normally locked so you can only flash "official" ROMs from your carrier. HardSPL is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Also, optional, but highly recommended (I do it before EVERY new ROM flash) is running Task29. This formats the ROM area of the memory, and completely wipes it, so no old fragment of previous ROM linger to screw up the new ROM. It only takes a couple minutes to perform, and can possibly save you the headache of some random bugs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=550131
Flashing is really not hard. Just read as much as you can on the threads I linked, and follow the instructions carefully. The threads are really long, and you don't have to read the whole thing, but read as much as you have patience for. Any question or issue you can possibly have about the process has probably been encountered by someone else already, and a solution/answer already posted. The more you know before you start, the less you will panic when something doesn't go exactly as you expected.
Keep in mind that flashing a custom ROM will void any warranty you may still have. Although, people generally have luck re-flashing the stock ROM, and re-locking SPL before returning for warranty service, so the repair people actually have no idea the ROM was ever modified. Also, keep in mind that there is a slight possibility of "bricking" or disabling your phone. But follow the instructions and be careful, and it won't happen. Main things to remember, is never mess with the phone (power off, unplug) while its flashing, make sure you have at least 50% battery at each step, and flash the correct software (flashing a CDMA ROM to a GSM phone, or ROM for a completely different phone are highly probably ways to brick it). But normally, it is very safe. People on here have flashed custom ROMs onto their phone dozens, maybe even hundreds of times, without ever bricking their phones.
There is no correct answer to the question "what is the best ROM". Its like asking "what clothes are best to wear", there is no correct answer, it depends on your personal tastes and needs. The best ROM for you depends on how much you want looks and functions over speed and stability, what software you want packed-in, or if you want a minimum of built-in software (a "lightweight" ROM), and to install your desired software yourself. Look through the various ROMs to see the features of each one, look at replies from users, which thread are most popular, and pick for yourself. If you still need some suggestions, Energy, simplicity, Jackos, and Valkyrie are popular. But it would be an injustice to other chefs to suggest that other ROMs are not just as great. If you scan through the ROM Development subforum, you will see some threads along the lines of "what ROM is best, fastest, etc.", and you can look at those for more suggestions/opinions.
Also be sure to read through the first several posts on the ROM thread you pick to flash, as there are often specific instructions and FAQs for that ROM posted by the chef.
You don't need to backup your old ROM. If you need to return to the stock ROM for some reason, just go to shipped-roms.com and download it:
http://shipped-roms.com/
You will however, lose your personal data (contacts, texts, email) when you flash the ROM. There are a bunch of ways to back these up. Microsoft My Phone, synching to your PC on Outlook, or if you are a Gmail person, using Google Synch, are all popular methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear redpoint73,
Really thanks a million, you unleashed a lot of information to me with your very descriptive answer . As I'm new to the Windows phones world, I was confused with its terminologies like chief, ROM, cooking, flashing ... etc etc. But now it is very much easier than ever ... Thank you.

Is there a thread that breaks down all the basics (root/recovery/roms) for beginners?

I want to be clear, I used the search feature before posting here. I was able to find vaguely related threads, but there was a similar issue with each. They all were made on the assumption that the reader has a basic understanding of the terminology and the purpose of each of those things. While I've jailbroken iPhones in the past, I find that there is a world of difference between doing that and doing anything on the droid. While there is usually only one model of iPhone to worry about, there are several different versions of each model of phone released that runs the Android OS. This, coupled with all of the different things you can do discourages me from reading the mode advanced threads and blindly following the instructions. I want to understand the basics so that I can understand why I'm flashing a rom, why I'm rooting, what a flash counter is, etc.
If anybody remembers coming across a good thread or website that gives a good intro to Android (modification, upgrading, etc), then please let me know where I can find it! I would be grateful even if the information spans across 5 different sources, as long as it is a good introduction. I'm mainly interested in:
Stock Roms
Rooting
Recovery
Odex vs. deodex
Flash Counter
Flashing Rom
Thanks in advance guys!

[Q] differences between m8 versions and [Q] about ROOT and custom ROMs

Hi, thanks for taking a look!
First of, this is not the first time I'm getting in touch with rooting, but am a bit confused since I only usd purely 'international' devices until now. I have researched the forums and found the existing threads, but they didn't seem to answer my questions.
I recently bought a m8w (m8 for China Unicom, I'll be living in China for the life of this phone, so it kind of makes sense...) and have a few questions about this:
The differences I can see until now are the following:
CPU @ 2.5 GHz, Differences in radio frequencies
Rooting:
Does the difference in radios and cpu affect the way I would have to root? I'm assuming that the common how-tos for rooting should still work, since there doesn't seem to be any changes in terms of hardware? Am I correct in that assumption?
[*]gApps:
First thing after rooting would be the installation of gApps and XPOSED. Anything specific in this regard I should keep an I on (again, considering the slightly different HW).
[*]Custom ROMs:
I've been dabling with different ROMs on my last phone. How would I go about ensuring the compatibility? Is it possible to extract the radio files of my current firmware and e.g. use mobileOdin to flash this together with a custom ROM? Or any other way of 'making sure' a ROM is flashable?
While researching I stumbled over the claim that all Versions are the same, except for Verizon and Sprint. I honestly can't find that thread anymore - but is there a way to check on this directly on the device? Or is it possible, that this claim was based on the assumption that the phone used is for the North American markets?
Thanks again for viewing. I appreciate you taking your time to read through all this!

Flashing MDL ROM and Baseband

Hi all folks. Its been now almost one week(I've lost count of the opened tabs in my browser ) since I've started looking for a unlocking solution on my GT I9195(LTE version). Its locked on EE(UK) and according to some sources there is really no free method to unlock this particular device on this particular carrier. BUT, through my research I've found that I should mess up with PERSO SHA256 ON/OFF selection, which is not available on my device. So to make it available, according gurnted, I should flash MDL ROM and Baseband of my device, but I really have no clue what MDL stands for in the first place, let alone finding from where I do get these firmwares.
So, I would really like if someone could help me get directions and clues about these firmwares for my device...
Thanks XDA for making possible such a great place on the Internet.
Best regards.

bump same problem