Develop Bugs

[Q]Creating a backup before I root my GIO

hello, i just got my first android phone so I'm new to this sort of stuff, though I love being able to unlock hidden potential of different devices, so naturally I discovered the ability to root smart phones and all that good stuff.
The model I have is the Samsung Galaxy Gio GT-S5660M. It's running 2.3.4. Gingerbread version.
I've been reading a lot of guides and for the most part rooting and adding additional utilities like flash, etc. seems pretty simple. However, I have not yet been able to find out how to create a back of up of my stock firmware when I bought the phone in case I end up bricking it, or decide I want to return to stock.
I've read many guides that claim to show how to create back ups and recovery points, but I'm still having trouble understanding it.
To be more specific, I would like to create as opposed to download, a back up of the phone in it's current state which is, as I said earlier, stock. I did a factory reset since I had some stuff installed while I was fiddling with it for the first time.
thx

You have to root it before you can back up stock rom so, firstly you root it (you can find guides here on xda)
Then install clockworkmod recovery: warning: DON'T EVER USE ROM MANAGER TO INSTALL CLOCKWORKMOD ON YOUR GIO, IT WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE!! use one of the recoveries found in xda, you will also find guides to install them there.
Then third; backup in clockworkmod using "backup and restore"
Sent from my GT-S5660

iok1 said:
You have to root it before you can back up stock rom so, firstly you root it (you can find guides here on xda)
Then install clockworkmod recovery: warning: DON'T EVER USE ROM MANAGER TO INSTALL CLOCKWORKMOD ON YOUR GIO, IT WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE!! use one of the recoveries found in xda, you will also find guides to install them there.
Then third; backup in clockworkmod using "backup and restore"
Sent from my GT-S5660
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so first of all, what I'm looking for is called a ROM right?
what I don't get though is how come I need to modify the device before creating the backup. Isn't the phone modified at that point? Or is the stock configuration being stored somewhere on the phone that I can't see without clockwork?

You cannot create a backup without the recovery mod CWM Clockwork Recovery Mod. But to install this you need your device rooted (modified so you can modify and view system files)

gfyrdr said:
so first of all, what I'm looking for is called a ROM right?
what I don't get though is how come I need to modify the device before creating the backup. Isn't the phone modified at that point? Or is the stock configuration being stored somewhere on the phone that I can't see without clockwork?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 - you don't need to search for a rom to backup your stock rom
2 - you need to root your phone in order to be able to backup your rom
3 - you need to install a more advanced recovery (program "similar" to pc BIOS) in order to do a nandroid backup
4 - after you flash that more advanced recovery (aka CWM -> ClockWorkMod), you backup your rom in "backup and restore" menu, backup. It will then store your rom in a folder.
5 - you should strongly consider after that, to install a custom rom made by many of the devs here on XDA in order to have a better experience with your phone...

0M3G4_ said:
1 - you don't need to search for a rom to backup your stock rom
2 - you need to root your phone in order to be able to backup your rom
3 - you need to install a more advanced recovery (program "similar" to pc BIOS) in order to do a nandroid backup
4 - after you flash that more advanced recovery (aka CWM -> ClockWorkMod), you backup your rom in "backup and restore" menu, backup. It will then store your rom in a folder.
5 - you should strongly consider after that, to install a custom rom made by many of the devs here on XDA in order to have a better experience with your phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 That was what I wanted to say

I've already uploaded a stock ROM backup last fall of the same Gingerbread ROM you're running, along with instructions on how to make one yourself or flash mine.
The best advice I can give you is: research, research, and more research.
Good luck,
Darkshado
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA

What software do you recommend to clockworkmod Gio with?

s!mon said:
What software do you recommend to clockworkmod Gio with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use px-cwm-v2.zip recovery.
You flash it using stock recovery.

thx for the replies. I will give it a try.
Darkshadow, whats the thread's name where you posted the ROM and instructions? I'd like to check that out too.
Also, whats a good rom to consider upgrading to? Something that has the ability to play flash videos.
EDIT:
If I understand correctly, roms are basically whole operating systems that have been customized by the developer. So a rom can be already rooted and have clockwork as well as other custom stuff, and I just need to flash it. The alternative to this is to do everything manualy... root the current OS, add clockwork and whatever else. Correct?
Also, I'm not sure yet if a rooted phone has any extra options on it's own, or if it's only a set up that's sole purpose is to allow other applications to be installed who then will give the user better control over his device.

I've run into a little problem.
I'm following this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=16963172&postcount=1
I've got Odin and the tar downloaded, but when I go into download mode with my phone and connect it to the PC, it says that the device driver was not successfuly installed, and I get no confirmation in Odin that a connection has been made between the phone and the program.
What am I missing?
Thx.
EDIT:
Nevermind, I needed to install Kies. Don't even need to run it. Apparently it has the driver that's needed.

Okay, I've rooted my phone successfully. Now the next step is to install Clockwork and create a back up.
Now that I understand a little bit the way Odin and flashing ROM works, I think it would be better to just download a stock ROM and in case something goes wrong, I can just flash it the way I flashed the rooted one.
(I think I saw a completely stock ROM somewhere for my model but I don't remember where. A link would be appreciated if it exists.)
Correct me if I'm wrong pls.
Also, if I do that, then is there any reason to install Clockwork since I've read that many ppl have issues with installing it and it's riskier than rooting or installing other software.
Right now I think what I'm most interested in is installing Adobe Flash Player 11 or something of the sort that can play flash videos and streams.

^
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19623732&postcount=1
taken from the sticky
i'm also thinking of installing cwm
looking at the sticky, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20397988&postcount=8
how outdated is this cwm?

I'm using Opera as my browser so from what I've learned, flash doesn't work with it period. Is skyfire a good alternative?
Also, like I said, I don't think I need the clockwork if I can get a clean stock ROM that I can just flash if something goes wrong. As I don't intend to download many apps or add many phone numbers (memorized instead), a backup isn't really needed.

nvmd, i just went ahead and installed the cwm in that link, there's a 5.0.2.7 though if that is even the newest one
now, i cant seem to backup my phone
it says it cannot mount /system
try dolphin browser

anonxlg said:
nvmd, i just went ahead and installed the cwm in that link, there's a 5.0.2.7 though if that is even the newest one
now, i cant seem to backup my phone
it says it cannot mount /system
try dolphin browser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you pick the ext4 + rfs version?
Sent from my GT-S5660

Clockwork is not riskier than other things you do. Just follow steps and you see no problems.

anonxlg said:
^
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19623732&postcount=1
i'm also thinking of installing cwm
looking at the sticky, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20397988&postcount=8
how outdated is this cwm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its an older version, its 5.0.2.7, theres also 5.0.2.8 but these give some problems after installing/wiping, so some people still use the older version.

Hello guys,
I'm new here. I have the same problem as anonxlg. It says can't mount system. I also used the version from the big thread for new users. Can anyone enlighten me on what to do? I've been searching the forum and google, but can't make it work. I feel like a compleet noob now, and I don't feel special about it.
RJ88
Edit: I kept searching, and finally found a working 5.0.2.7 version. First I had another 5.0.2.7 version, but when I tried to install it didn't work. I finally found "signed_cwm-5.0.2.7-flashablezip-ext4+rfs.zip (Flash from Recovery)" on http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1421650 (through google actually. I have to get used to this site), and I'm making my backup now.

thanks RJA88, backup worked
edit/update
i used the cwm linked and backup worked, i tried installing cm9 beta8 (galaxyics), and it would get stuck after samsung bootscreen (it flashes a white pick or soemthing before full back screen)
i tried restoring backup i made, and it didnt work, some mount error again
i reverted back to 5.0.2.6 and did the restore backup again, and this time it goes up the the galaxy gio gt5660m screen and just stop..
note that i do not know what the rfs/ext4 is for for the gio if that is what is causing problems

Rom Manager Issue

I have tried updating my rom through Rom manager and I keep getting an error. it says unknown volume path and cant mount backup path. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Posted in the wrong section this should be in Q&A. But I would advice not to use ROM manager and use another form of recovery like CWM.

Sorry about wrong section. What is CWM and where can I get it?

Pm me primedef lest they lock this thread
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

primedef said:
Sorry about wrong section. What is CWM and where can I get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM is clockwork mod recovery.
Custom recovery used to flash ROMs.
Although I don't remember if there's different versions of it for each Nexus.
If this doesn't get automatically moved to Q&A, repost it there.

Agreed, and worst comes to worst, ROM Manager installs a version (possibly outdated) of cwm automatically, so you can always use that. Personally, I'd suggest flashing cwm 6.0.x and using that to manually flash everything from now on. Doing so (and understanding what you're doing) will vastly improve your Android experience, and knowledge, and may help you get out of a tight spot in the future, if something goes wrong with your phone. A little knowledge can go a looong way in the flash game.
Galaxy Nexus - Slim Bean 1.0

GooManager and TWRP is a superior replacement for koush's stuff. Just go with that and you'll never look back. They integrate well together and it actually works just like cwm and rom manager used to when it was 1st released a couple of years ago. Can't recommend it enough. I haven't used a properly working cwm/RM since the moto OG. But if you insist on cwm then I would find a version that has been been modified to function properly. Seems someone released a working touch version but I don't know if it integrates with the RM app.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

primedef said:
I have tried updating my rom through Rom manager and I keep getting an error. it says unknown volume path and cant mount backup path. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely failed if you don't have custom recovery installed as stated above
. Can't install custom ROM without custom recovery.
Travisdroidx2 said:
Posted in the wrong section this should be in Q&A. But I would advice not to use ROM manager and use another form of recovery like CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call
primedef said:
Sorry about wrong section. What is CWM and where can I get it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get it via ROM manager, choose install custom recovery. or you can flash it via fastboot.
jjhiza said:
Agreed, and worst comes to worst, ROM Manager installs a version (possibly outdated) of cwm automatically, so you can always use that. Personally, I'd suggest flashing cwm 6.0.x and using that to manually flash everything from now on. Doing so (and understanding what you're doing) will vastly improve your Android experience, and knowledge, and may help you get out of a tight spot in the future, if something goes wrong with your phone. A little knowledge can go a looong way in the flash game.
Galaxy Nexus - Slim Bean 1.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it installs "automatically". It WILL choose the correct one for your device but you need to actually choose to install it. (sorry not trying to say you are wrong, just wanted to clarify for the guy
But like someone else said, you might want to download app called goo manager beta. Then open app, press menu, choose install openrecovery script. Say yes. Let it finish installing. Then reboot into recovery via the option in the app. That will give you TWRP2.2.0 as your custom recovery, i used to use cwmr for the longest time, one day i tried TWRP(and goo manager app) and i haven't looked back.
Just one MAJOR tip for you:
After installing a custom recovery, the VERY FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO IS MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP.(choose option "backup" and let it do its thing) you won't regret making a backup. 75% of time before i flash/install something new or different i make a backup, this way if i don't like what i changed i can just restore and be back where i was. Plus, if anything ever goes wrong it's nice to have a couple nandroid backup files to choose from to recover your device to working condition.

ashclepdia said:
Most likely failed if you don't have custom recovery installed as stated above
. Can't install custom ROM without custom recovery.
Good call
You can get it via ROM manager, choose install custom recovery. or you can flash it via fastboot.
I don't think it installs "automatically". It WILL choose the correct one for your device but you need to actually choose to install it. (sorry not trying to say you are wrong, just wanted to clarify for the guy
But like someone else said, you might want to download app called goo manager beta. Then open app, press menu, choose install openrecovery script. Say yes. Let it finish installing. Then reboot into recovery via the option in the app. That will give you TWRP2.2.0 as your custom recovery, i used to use cwmr for the longest time, one day i tried TWRP(and goo manager app) and i haven't looked back.
Just one MAJOR tip for you:
After installing a custom recovery, the VERY FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO IS MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP.(choose option "backup" and let it do its thing) you won't regret making a backup. 75% of time before i flash/install something new or different i make a backup, this way if i don't like what i changed i can just restore and be back where i was. Plus, if anything ever goes wrong it's nice to have a couple nandroid backup files to choose from to recover your device to working condition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right...my explanation was a bit too simplified, I think. I meant that the process of installing cwm is automated when you choose to install it, versus having to manually flash it to the device. And you're 100% correct about immediately making a Nandroid after installing a recovery...having a stock, rooted system is always a prudent fallback. As for Too Manager; I actually just downloaded it the other day, because it gives me quick access to new Gapps whenever I need them, and it's a quicker solution than going to the site. I haven't used it for anything else at all, so I'm unaware of it's full capabilities... I would assume that anything that's hosted on Goo, is relatively easy to find via the app. Unfortunately, most of the JB ROMs I've flashed aren't hosted there. Yet and still, it's a very useful tool, even if you only use it to stay current with Gapp packages.
Galaxy Nexus - Slim Bean 1.0

jjhiza said:
You're right...my explanation was a bit too simplified, I think. I meant that the process of installing cwm is automated when you choose to install it, versus having to manually flash it to the device. And you're 100% correct about immediately making a Nandroid after installing a recovery...having a stock, rooted system is always a prudent fallback. As for Too Manager; I actually just downloaded it the other day, because it gives me quick access to new Gapps whenever I need them, and it's a quicker solution than going to the site. I haven't used it for anything else at all, so I'm unaware of it's full capabilities... I would assume that anything that's hosted on Goo, is relatively easy to find via the app. Unfortunately, most of the JB ROMs I've flashed aren't hosted there. Yet and still, it's a very useful tool, even if you only use it to stay current with Gapp packages.
Galaxy Nexus - Slim Bean 1.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fell in love with goo manager and TWRP as soon as i installed them, they are great. Was even able to find the beta versions of twrp2.2 on there. Tons of things are available on goo.you can usually find IMOSEYON lean kernel RC's on there as well. I even donated to not have to wait the 10seconds before download and help them get done new server equipment, hopefully they can get to their goal and we can get very speedy downloads.
(again sorry, i wasn't trying to step on ya toes or make ya look bad, i hate that i always want to clarify things further lol, makes me feel like a douche sometimes.)

Since this has not been closed or moved yet I just wanted to add that goo.im is great! I love that app for my getting downloads and gapps. I do have to say I tried twrp and it was faster but I never got the hang of it. Seemed you could only flash what was in your download folder? Or else I would have to move the file over to download folder to get it to flash. I guess on the dinc2 I got spoiled with touch ext4 recovery. It was a great recovery. I did notice the speed of twrp but decided to go back to my touch cwm since I already was familiar with the controls. Was probably user error on twrp since I see so many people love it on his forum.

ashclepdia said:
I fell in love with goo manager and TWRP as soon as i installed them, they are great. Was even able to find the beta versions of twrp2.2 on there. Tons of things are available on goo.you can usually find IMOSEYON lean kernel RC's on there as well. I even donated to not have to wait the 10seconds before download and help them get done new server equipment, hopefully they can get to their goal and we can get very speedy downloads.
(again sorry, i wasn't trying to step on ya toes or make ya look bad, i hate that i always want to clarify things further lol, makes me feel like a douche sometimes.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No harm, no foul man. We all need correcting once in a while. I rarely get mad at anything in forums, other than people flaming devs or not following rules the devs have outlined (like asking a CM team member for an ETA, lol). You've actually me a reason to delve into the Goo app a bit deeper, to see what's there.
Galaxy Nexus - Slim Bean 1.0

[Q] Noob here. Is installing Cyanogenmod 10 on my SGH-i747M with Rogers safe?

Hello.
I have a GS3 SGH-I747M on rogers. The last one I was trying to get Cyanogenmod 10 on kept getting (Status 7) error. Nothing screwed up at all, until I attempted to unlock the boot loader with some stupid app that said it was safe wit my phone. I finally got a new one, found a solution to my issue (I have to use a different version of clockworkmod) and was wondering if it is safe to do. I mean no chance of risk if I follow instructions (no bricks, etc).
TL;DR: I have an SGH-i747M on rogers and want to out cyanogenmod 10 on with no chance of brick. Could you give me instructions on how to, or tell me if it is safe/unsafe?
Thanks a lot,
Edwin

Flash a newer recovery prior to flashing CM10.
EdwinForTheWin said:
Hello.
I have a GS3 SGH-I747M on rogers. The last one I was trying to get Cyanogenmod 10 on kept getting (Status 7) error. Nothing screwed up at all, until I attempted to unlock the boot loader with some stupid app that said it was safe wit my phone. I finally got a new one, found a solution to my issue (I have to use a different version of clockworkmod) and was wondering if it is safe to do. I mean no chance of risk if I follow instructions (no bricks, etc).
TL;DR: I have an SGH-i747M on rogers and want to out cyanogenmod 10 on with no chance of brick. Could you give me instructions on how to, or tell me if it is safe/unsafe?
Thanks a lot,
Edwin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium

such as
SaneinOne said:
Flash a newer recovery prior to flashing CM10.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Such as...

EdwinForTheWin said:
Hello.
I have a GS3 SGH-I747M on rogers. The last one I was trying to get Cyanogenmod 10 on kept getting (Status 7) error. Nothing screwed up at all, until I attempted to unlock the boot loader with some stupid app that said it was safe wit my phone. I finally got a new one, found a solution to my issue (I have to use a different version of clockworkmod) and was wondering if it is safe to do. I mean no chance of risk if I follow instructions (no bricks, etc).
TL;DR: I have an SGH-i747M on rogers and want to out cyanogenmod 10 on with no chance of brick. Could you give me instructions on how to, or tell me if it is safe/unsafe?
Thanks a lot,
Edwin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest that you take a look at these first before trying to root your phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1725839
Second, I have Cyanogenmod 10 and I can say that it's playing safe so far - the only disadvantages that you would have are: Samsung's gestures are not functional and CM10 is kinda unstable for games and apps. I also experienced the Status 7 error and from experience, it's caused by using an 'old' version of CWM Recovery. Download the latest one from here (Samsung Galaxy S3 AT&T): http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager and download the Cyanogenmod 10 M2 from the CM site.
Assuming that you know how to setup the custom recovery for your phone, delete the current recovery.img on your phone and replace it with the new one that you downloaded. Then just do what you did to setup your custom recovery. I also suggest that you follow the ROM flashing guide on this page: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III:_Full_Update_Guide as it is what I followed to ensure that a brick wouldn't happen on my phone. Just a reminder, also wipe the Dalvik cache just to be sure.
TL;DR Flashing and rooting is safe as long as you're patient and you thoroughly follow guides on rooting/flashing your phone.

okay
GlassRaven said:
I suggest that you take a look at these first before trying to root your phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1725839
Second, I have Cyanogenmod 10 and I can say that it's playing safe so far - the only disadvantages that you would have are: Samsung's gestures are not functional and CM10 is kinda unstable for games and apps. I also experienced the Status 7 error and from experience, it's caused by using an 'old' version of CWM Recovery. Download the latest one from here (Samsung Galaxy S3 AT&T): http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager and download the Cyanogenmod 10 M2 from the CM site.
Assuming that you know how to setup the custom recovery for your phone, delete the current recovery.img on your phone and replace it with the new one that you downloaded. Then just do what you did to setup your custom recovery. I also suggest that you follow the ROM flashing guide on this page: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III:_Full_Update_Guide as it is what I followed to ensure that a brick wouldn't happen on my phone. Just a reminder, also wipe the Dalvik cache just to be sure.
TL;DR Flashing and rooting is safe as long as you're patient and you thoroughly follow guides on rooting/flashing your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response, do you recommend that I flash another ROM before flashing cyanogenmod 10?

EdwinForTheWin said:
Thanks for the response, do you recommend that I flash another ROM before flashing cyanogenmod 10?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really recommend that as that could cause unwanted trouble. From my experience, I just followed the rooting guide that I posted, flash a custom recovery, and flashed the Cyanogenmod 10. Another tip, if you don't want to lose your contacts, make a backup of it before flashing a ROM. Preferrably you write them in a paper so it would be easier. If you have important messages, use an SMS/MMS backup tool to save them. As for applications, make a list of applications that you consider are essential for you so you could just redownload them. Starting out in a custom ROM is really hard at first but you'll get used to it.

Its safety is directly proportional to your ability to follow directions.

Your first mistake was you used the app to unlock the VERIZON S3 bootloader.
All other versions of the GS 3 have unlocked bootloaders.
You should definitely do some more research before you attempt root and custom recovery.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

Can you just use ROM Manager after rooting and flashing the stock ROM to download CWM, then CM10? And is the CM10 you're using on your Rogers phone compatible? I don't see a Rogers version on the CM site. Did you use the AT&T one?

Yes for the ROM manager, but the free version doesn't install latest touch recovery. The at&t version is compatible with all Canadian i747m. You can get the latest version here: http://get.cm/?device=d2att

tonymtl said:
Yes for the ROM manager, but the free version doesn't install latest touch recovery. The at&t version is compatible with all Canadian i747m. You can get the latest version here: http://get.cm/?device=d2att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does touch recovery do? And do I have to use that link to flash it, or can I use ROM Manager? And if I were to use that link, I would DL the zip, boot my phone into download mode, plug in, open Odin, make sure auto reboot and F reset time are checked, load the .tar into the PDA, and click start? What happens to the previous ROM that was there?
And when I first root my phone, and load the stock rom, do all of my apps remain? I haven't rooted yet, for my Rogers phone.

A touch recovery lets you touch the screen as apposed to using the volume rocker.
You will keep all your data.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for the help! Another question, if I would like to unroot my phone, and decrease the flash counter, is there a thread I should see for the I747MVLLH1? I know about triangle away, but Rogers/my model isn't supported for that.

Triangle away does support Rogers gs3

Thanks! So should I flash CM10 through ROM Manager, or through the link that was posted? I'm not exactly clear on how to flash the ROM through the link though. Does flashing a new ROM erase the previous ROM? And 'wiping cache' doesn't wipe your data/apps right, only 'wipe Data and Cache'? And I don't really need to bother with kernels too right?

If you going from stock to cm10 wipe everything: cash, data, dalvik cash. Don't flash kernels unless you want to overclock and undervolt, cm10 comes with kernel and I get pretty good battery life with it. You can flash from ROM manager, and yes it will erase your previous ROM, so do a backup before flashing.

tonymtl said:
If you going from stock to cm10 wipe everything: cash, data, dalvik cash. Don't flash kernels unless you want to overclock and undervolt, cm10 comes with kernel and I get pretty good battery life with it. You can flash from ROM manager, and yes it will erase your previous ROM, so do a backup before flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And when I flash it through ROM Manager, it would give me the option to wipe everything right?
The backup that I would do through ROM Manager, thats just incase anything goes wrong right? It's not to get back my apps once I flash from stock to CM10? Other than manually installing them after flash, is there any way to quickly get back my apps/files?
And does the CM10 flash from ROM Manager include the GAPPS file?

Yes it will ask you if you want to wipe, if you download cm10 ROM from ROM manager it will ask you if you want the latest gapps. You can get ROM toolbox or titanium backup to backup your apps and restore them after flashing rom. Backup is just in case but you can always flash stock ROM later if anything goes wrong.

ily112 said:
And when I flash it through ROM Manager, it would give me the option to wipe everything right?
The backup that I would do through ROM Manager, thats just incase anything goes wrong right? It's not to get back my apps once I flash from stock to CM10? Other than manually installing them after flash, is there any way to quickly get back my apps/files?
And does the CM10 flash from ROM Manager include the GAPPS file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should probably flash through your cwm recovery instead of ROM Manager, but yea you can do a backup in recovery or ROM Manager, and I recommend Titanium backup it's easy to use and free.

s0ulja said:
You should probably flash through your cwm recovery instead of ROM Manager, but yea you can do a backup in recovery or ROM Manager, and I recommend Titanium backup it's easy to use and free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How exactly would I flash through cwm recovery?

[Q] AT&T S3 (Flashed via s3 toolkit) question on roms

I have a AT&T samsung galaxy S3 rooted by using the samsung galaxy toolkit http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1746665
I'm interested in flashing the following CM10 Nightly rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1778270 to my phone but have a few questions before I proceed.
1) What precautions should I take before flashing a custom rom? I understand I first need to make a nandoid backup (which I have done) and verify that I have the correct rom for my specific phone model that I will be flashing to. If I were to choose the CM10 Nightly rom, the link from the post goes to http://get.cm/?device=d2att which appears to be correct for my AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-1747.
2) Since I flashed with the samsung galaxy toolkit, it flashed the following recovery "CWM-Based Recovery v5.5.0.4 - Do I need to use a different recovery in order to use the CM10 Nightly roms or is this one compatible? If not, how do I go about changing to another recovery?
3) What is the steps for flashing properly? Would I need to update kernel or model or just simply download rom, save to SD card, boot to recovery, then flash the rom in zip form?
I appreciate any your responses in advance. I tend to over analyze and I feel i've read enough about the process of flashing custom roms but I want to be certain. Thank you!

It looks like you got all you ducks in a row, on behalf of the community thanks for being a smart user :good:.
1) You nailed it....make absolutely certain you are downloading the correct software for your device, flashing an incompatible ROM can leave you with a really sexy, expensive paper weight. The d2att identifier is unique to the AT&T variant of the SG3 (i747). Before you flash any new rom or kernel (or anything else for that matter in my opinion) make a nandroid or equivalent backup from your recovery. I do this even for the smallest mod, tweak, theme whatever if for nothing else incase i dont like it it an easy undo 'button'. Besides that i like to keep a fairly recent backup on something other than my phone.
2) For all intensive purposes that version of CWM will work, atleast currently. I would recommend you update it however as that version is several builds behind and there are sometimes updates in the more current ROM builds that may not play nice with older recoveries. The easiest way to do this is download Clockwork Rom Manager from the play store, on the main app screen at the very top is the option to install the latest recovery. It will download, preferably on wifi to minimize downloading errors as much as possible, and then install automatically. There is also atleast one other alternative recovery that i know of, TWRP, which is worth checking out in my opinion. Just keep in mind the backups from the different recoveries are NOT interchangeable.
3) It always best to follow any and all directions in the OP of whatever ROM you are installing as most differ. The generally accepted order for flashing goes something like this although everyone will have an opinion on this i'm sure. ROM > Gapps (if required by the rom) > Reboot > Kernel > Reboot. If you are really concerned you can always just flash one at a time allowing a full reboot in between each flash, personally i think this is overkill but thats just my opinion.
One last personal suggestion, I always keep a copy of my rom, kernel, and any required supporting software on my external sd just in case. It comes in handy if for some reason you try something that doesn't work out the way you had hoped and you are away from a computer and your phone is unable to boot into android. Some would argue that a nandroid makes this unnecessary but with 32 gigs in my current setup its not like im hurting for space. Hope this helps to clarify some things for you, good luck!

dntesinfrno, Thank you very much for your reply and kind words
A lot of the information has been posted on the boards but it can be a little confusing and too much information at once.
You mentioned that I can simply use Rom Manager then click "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery", are there any reports of there being problems in using rom manager to flash the recovery or is the S3 fully supported?
As for the kernel flashing.. I'm really only interested in flashing custom roms (CM10), is it necessary to flash the kernel as well when flashing custom roms? I didn't see anything on the other thread stating anything about flashing kernels so i'm guessing it's not needed?
I'm for sure going to take your recommendation and make a backup of current rom and kernel. Would you recommend Rom Manager to backup the current rom? I see an option that says "Backup current rom" in the application. How do you go about backing those up?
Thank you again! :fingers-crossed:

since I have the cwm-based recovery v5.5.0.4 i'm wondering if I were to use rom manager and flash the latest clockworkmod recovery, would it actually stick after the reboot?

found the following thread here and it looked almost identical to mine: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1801534&highlight=cwm-based+recovery
Ended up using rom manager to flash clockworkmod and after rebooting multiple times and booting into recovery, the official clockworkmod recovery is installed. (showing "ClockworkMod 6.0.1.2" now)
As for backing up kernel and everything else, will rom manager do that as well?
Thank you

[Q] S3 had a total breakdown.

For the past 3 days i've gone through hell and back with this phone.
To start off I rooted the phone, and that was working fine, my buddy was downloading something (idek what it is and I have no way to get ahold of him to ask him) and after that it busted. Then I somehow deleted my whole operating system.
Since then I have downloaded a 4.3 stock rom (os?) and I have successfully unbricked my phone. Now I have no service, and i'm 99% sure it's because all of my IMEI things are unknown. Now I figure that is an easy fix by downloading a modem?
Before I look into fixing my IMEI problems I would like to get back to 4.4.2 (Kit-Kat I think it was?)
I've downloaded countless ROMs, IMG files (converted to tar.md5), and many versions of Odin.
I've messed with Samsung Kies but I can just tell that this is a garbage program, and I have no clue what i'm doing.
What i'm asking here is help to getting me back to stock 4.4.2 (WITHOUT A ROOT) and possibly fix my IMEI problem and the problem I can't get 3g/mobile data working (snapchat/instagram did not work) (APN maybe?) (I haven't looked into these problems yet, could be super hard, could be fairly easy)
Samsung Galaxy S3 AT&T SGH-i747 is the phone i'm currently working with.
The last thing I tried to do is flash with a boot.tar.md5 and system.tar.md5, it did NOT work, as I was not sure where to put those files at in odin. Boot = Bootloader and System = AP/PDA?
Sorry if I come off as a complete noob, this is literally last resort for me (I've been doing this for 3 days....) as I can probably suspect you guys are very tired of all of these help requests.
Thank you to everybody who reads this, and am looking forward to having a normal phone again.
Edit: First post here

Does the phone boot into download mode? Sounds like it does since you can use Odin.
To get the phone running, copy the latest cm11 or cm 12 to an sd card, copy cm11 Gapps or cm12 Gapps (download the version that matches the ROM you intend to flash), flash a custom recovery (I prefer CWM for the d2lte or Philz Touch for the d2lte), boot into recovery, do a full wipe, flash cm, flash Gapps, boot the phone.

audit13 said:
Does the phone boot into download mode? Sounds like it does since you can use Odin.
To get the phone running, copy the latest cm11 or cm 12 to an sd card, copy cm11 Gapps or cm12 Gapps (download the version that matches the ROM you intend to flash), flash a custom recovery (I prefer CWM for the d2lte or Philz Touch for the d2lte), boot into recovery, do a full wipe, flash cm, flash Gapps, boot the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sick thanks for the response homie.
i'm not exactly sure which CM to download, I went to the d2ltes since that's the closest thing to my device I found in that list.
I also went to cwm rom managers and downloaded the recovery setup, i'm guessing I convert that and flash it using odin and voila, I have cwm?
and for the cm11 gapps I went to this website and downloaded the zip file, going to just put that on my sd card with the CM (when I figure out which one to download)
am I headed in the right direction?
edit: okay I got cwm recovery on my phone... thats good
edit 2: alright downloading cm12 and alreayd have cmgapps in a zip ready to be put in my sd card. i'll let you know how installing it with cwm goes. thank you for your help man I really appreciate it.
edit 3: how would I go about installing it via owm? everytime I install from sd card it resets my phone, just go back into recovery and install the second zip? or is there a way I can install both at once?

Boot into cwm, wipe cache, wipe data, wipe dalvik, install cm1 from sd card, install gapps, reboot.
The i747 is also known as the d2lte so anything designed for the d2lte is good.

audit13 said:
Boot into cwm, wipe cache, wipe data, wipe dalvik, install cm1 from sd card, install gapps, reboot.
The i747 is also known as the d2lte so anything designed for the d2lte is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright! couldn't thank you enough. like I said i'll keep you updated!
edit: i'm in the cwm recovery or w.e and there is a different keyboard as i'm doing this, does this transfer over to be my real keyboard after the cwm recovery stuff? if not, how do I get this keyboard?
edit 2: wow this is totally different, sick.. let me play around with it, i'm sure i'll have some questions.

alright, phone number is still not available, imei and imei sv is still not available, same with everything in the SIM status.
going to try and find a modem for my model.
no luck so far, if someone could help search for a MODEM for SGH-i747 AT&T s3 that would be great..
sorry for being so needy.. thanks for hanging in here and helping me out.
edit: I found this link but it's for 4.4.2... it says do not use it if you're on 4.3.... is it okay if i'm at like 5.1.1 cwm?
well, I cannot post the link and I do not want to find a way around to post the link incase a mod shuts this thread down. if you want the link you may PM me..
edit 2: okay so google play services does NOT work, and I need that in order to open skype.. so that's on another thing on the list of **** to fix. However I just downloaded an apk and I need to put it in system/apps but i'm not sure where to find that... i'll probably end up downloading it on the phone and dropping it in with a file manager.
edit 3: none of this worked, I still need google play services to get installed..

Does the phone boot to the desktop? Which rom did his try? Try the latest cm10.2 for the d2lte.
Are you able to install a terminal app or Samsung phone info app?
Try and find the apk version of the app and just install it from the file browser.

audit13 said:
Does the phone boot to the desktop? Which rom did his try? Try the latest cm10.2 for the d2lte.
Are you able to install a terminal app or Samsung phone info app?
Try and find the apk version of the app and just install it from the file browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It tells me "It cannot be installed". I will find 10.2 for d2lte... assuming I find the corresponding GApps.
I also could have ran all of the other google apps... "google +, playstore, youtube, etc"
edit: I cannot find cm 10.2, lowest I can find for d2lte is 11. should I try that instead?

These are all the zips i'm installing with cwm when I wipe/reset my phone totally:
Calkulin's Google Play Service modded (so google play services works)
cm-11
gapps-kk-20140606
and I am currently messing with modem files to get my service back, i'm about to try my second one.. wish me luck!
edit: I can't get my baseband model to show, nor my imei numbers to come, they all stay unknown.. if someone would like to do some sort of 1 on 1 that would be awesome.

You could also try the cm for the d2att.

audit13 said:
You could also try the cm for the d2att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
trying it now! should I use a specific gapps? maybe for 5.1.1? cause 12.1 uses 5.1.1 if i'm not mistaken.

There are separate gapps for cm10.2, cm11, and cm12.
It sounds to me like there is a problem with the modem and bootloader combination on the phone.
What specific bootloader version is on the phone?

audit13 said:
There are separate gapps for cm10.2, cm11, and cm12.
It sounds to me like there is a problem with the modem and bootloader combination on the phone.
What specific bootloader is on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so after I download cm12.1 and cm12gapps, I should look further into the bootloader/modem problem?
i've tried a few modems for i747 and i've had no luck so far unfortunately, if someone else reading this has had experience or knows someone who has experiences null baseband / imei numbers let me know!
edit: oops, my mistake.. just saw the last part of your post now. i'm not sure how to find out my bootloader.

Use the terminal app and type getprop ro.bootloader.

audit13 said:
use the terminal app and type getprop ro.bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i747ucufnj1
i'm certain the only problem I have now is the IMEI (no sim service) besides that everything is good now!

farkas3 said:
i747ucufnj1
i'm certain the only problem I have now is the IMEI (no sim service) besides that everything is good now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright I've now figured out that I do NOT have ANY efs files for samsung galaxy I747UCUFNJ1.
I have the imei number from the back of my phone.
I tried the EFS pro method and when I click "backup" an error pops up and says "Block device does NOT exist"
I'm so confused and I need help lol

wow, I fixed it! I installed the correct modem corresponding to my baseband / bootloader something like that.. wow. most stressful 4 days of my life
ty so much

Glad you got it working. This is why I kept asking about the modem and suggesting that the modem doesn't match the bootloader.