Related
please feel free to direct me to any threads I might have missed - there is sooo many on here...
I have spent the last 2 to 3 weeks reading forums & articles (mostly from xda here once I found it or sites linked from here). I think I have a lot of things down and I even attempted to start my first root but after trying to use the adb shell I could not get a response from my phone. after reading and re-reading I determined that my EVO needs a factory reset before this will work (have not done this as of yet). I even confirmed this on another thread with someone else having a similar problem.
but before I dive in again I thought it wouldn't hurt to sign up here and ask questions (even repetitive dumb ones to some I'm sure) & get input. thanks for any help in advance.
and to let everyone know a little about me - I work on computers for a living and have for quite a few years now so I am alright with technical things and electronics. (more of a hardware guy but I install software & OS's etc.) I have flashed many motherboards also which flashing the phone sounds similar.
ok so on to my questions (these are in no order either just as I remember them)
as I said flashing a phone sounds similar but it sounds like there is approximately 4 different things to flash? is that right? a ROM, a recovery tool, you're wimax partition/key (might be saying this one technically wrong), and a kernel?
is a recovery tool (which is Amon_RA or clockwork - is that right to?) completely necessary? is there a stock version? also the HBOOT is just the boot loader right? nothing to do with the recovery tool if I understand correctly.
if necessary I want to use the Amon_RA from what I have read to. do I need to download and flash this separately? I thought I read it was part of the ROM package but I can not find where I read that at right now.
btw - I have saved all my phones info (software & hardware versions) if that would help with answers
before I go further I will try to keep it brief and give some information as to what I would like (I have read those threads to so I am pretty sure about this for now) - I am looking to go with the latest SprintLovers ROM. well I would actually luv gingerbread but I'm not ready for anything to "not" work. if I understand this correctly SprintLovers should have everything stock and be unlocked. I want what I have now including my 4G (I didn't see 4G listed as not working for this ROM) to work but I want what Sprint is keeping me from taking advantage of to - all the goodness built into Froyo but mainly full non-restricted wired & wireless tethering. I have also decided to go with the deodexed (sp?) version to have everything possibly necessary.
this will take up more room though on the built in memory right?
another question arises from the above - is it not possible to just root my phone and then continue using my stock ROM? or is the stock sprint ROM also locked in some manner to some degree (like being odexed if I understand the meaning correctly)? where I would not be able to use/install apps that require a rooted device
let's see
oh yes about doing a NANDROID backup - from everything I have read it seems like this backup occurs after the rooting AND flashing of a new ROM to the phone - am I right about this? if so that means I am just backing up my NEW ROM I just flashed? and not the stock one I had from the factory? if so is there no way to backup the stock ROM? or is that just completely unnecessary and being paranoid on my end as I have read about unrooting and using a stock RUU which I guess would be the same thing my phone has right now?
is it possible to just backup the wimax partition - root my phone - flash the SprintLovers ROM and be done without flashing a kernel or the wimax partition? (is that the right order?)
as for the kernel I have read many threads on that to and would just like to continue using the stock kernel for now.
one the threads I am going by and planning to follow is...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829045
but I do have a question - the instructions under "Lets Get Rooted!"
- well it states to push two files to the phone - PC36IMG.zip & PC36IMG-MR.zip then goes on to instruct on renaming the first to PC36IMG-ENG.zip and renaming the second to PC36IMG.zip and flashing both - why is this? what does MR stand for? I am guessing that is not 2 ROMs is it? if it is why would that be necessary? on that thread it also says he is using the SprintLovers ROM but if I go to the SprintLovers ROM thread the instructions there don't mention flashing PC36IMG.zip twice. the download I followed from the SprintLovers thread only linked me to download one PC36IMG.zip also (which I downloaded).
lastly (i think), how does my phone know to keep it's phone number or that it is still a sprint device and that it should talk to sprint to make phone calls and such? is that built in somewhere else or another part of the built in memory that does not get flashed?
thanks again to anyone and everyone who has time to help me. feel free to point me in the right direction if you have read my post and feel I am misunderstanding something. i look forward to learning some more & finally getting my phone rooted.
(sorry about the huge post & if I posted this in the wrong spot)
See my comments in red.
thegh0st said:
please feel free to direct me to any threads I might have missed - there is sooo many on here...
I have spent the last 2 to 3 weeks reading forums & articles (mostly from xda here once I found it or sites linked from here). I think I have a lot of things down and I even attempted to start my first root but after trying to use the adb shell I could not get a response from my phone. after reading and re-reading I determined that my EVO needs a factory reset before this will work (have not done this as of yet). I even confirmed this on another thread with someone else having a similar problem. (factory reset is NOT needed to root)
but before I dive in again I thought it wouldn't hurt to sign up here and ask questions (even repetitive dumb ones to some I'm sure) & get input. thanks for any help in advance.
and to let everyone know a little about me - I work on computers for a living and have for quite a few years now so I am alright with technical things and electronics. (more of a hardware guy but I install software & OS's etc.) I have flashed many motherboards also which flashing the phone sounds similar.
ok so on to my questions (these are in no order either just as I remember them)
as I said flashing a phone sounds similar but it sounds like there is approximately 4 different things to flash? is that right? a ROM, a recovery tool, you're wimax partition/key (might be saying this one technically wrong), and a kernel?
(technically, you don't need to flash any of these to have root. You can use Unrevoked to obtain root and keep the stock rom, kernel and recovery. Do NOT mess with flashing anything for your Wimax UNLESS you absolutely have to; meaning it doesn't work)
is a recovery tool (which is Amon_RA or clockwork - is that right to?) completely necessary? is there a stock version? also the HBOOT is just the boot loader right? nothing to do with the recovery tool if I understand correctly.
(with a customer recovery, it will make things like flashing and creating NAND back-ups much easier. Download ROM Manager (I suggest the premium version), and once you have root with Unrevoked, you can flash either clockwork or Amon recovery using this app. Please remember if you create a NAND back up with Amon, you can only restore it with Amon recovery and vice versa)
if necessary I want to use the Amon_RA from what I have read to. do I need to download and flash this separately? I thought I read it was part of the ROM package but I can not find where I read that at right now.
(some roms may include a customer recovery, yes. However, you will need root AND an unlocked boot loader (meaning "s" is off or you have the engineering hboot) to flash a custom rom that would include a custom recovery.)
btw - I have saved all my phones info (software & hardware versions) if that would help with answers
before I go further I will try to keep it brief and give some information as to what I would like (I have read those threads to so I am pretty sure about this for now) - I am looking to go with the latest SprintLovers ROM. well I would actually luv gingerbread but I'm not ready for anything to "not" work. if I understand this correctly SprintLovers should have everything stock and be unlocked. I want what I have now including my 4G (I didn't see 4G listed as not working for this ROM) to work but I want what Sprint is keeping me from taking advantage of to - all the goodness built into Froyo but mainly full non-restricted wired & wireless tethering. I have also decided to go with the deodexed (sp?) version to have everything possibly necessary. (tethering is controlled by the kernel. If the Sprint Lover's rom is based off of a stock kernel, wireless tether will NOT work. You would need to flash a custom kernel that would allow for that.)
this will take up more room though on the built in memory right?
(not sure)
another question arises from the above - is it not possible to just root my phone and then continue using my stock ROM? or is the stock sprint ROM also locked in some manner to some degree (like being odexed if I understand the meaning correctly)? where I would not be able to use/install apps that require a rooted device
(yes, you can just root the stock rom and keep that.....a lot of people prefer it this way. It will be odexed, but you can find a deodexed version of the stock rom on here if it means that much to you.)
let's see
oh yes about doing a NANDROID backup - from everything I have read it seems like this backup occurs after the rooting AND flashing of a new ROM to the phone - am I right about this? if so that means I am just backing up my NEW ROM I just flashed? and not the stock one I had from the factory? if so is there no way to backup the stock ROM? or is that just completely unnecessary and being paranoid on my end as I have read about unrooting and using a stock RUU which I guess would be the same thing my phone has right now?
(no....you are backing up your current rom so you can go back to it should you get some kind of error while flashing the new rom)
is it possible to just backup the wimax partition - root my phone - flash the SprintLovers ROM and be done without flashing a kernel or the wimax partition? (is that the right order?)
(yes, you can root with Unrevoked Forever which gives you root and changes your hboot to s-off and then flash the Sprint Lovers rom without a kernel....again, don't mess with the Wimax unless it gets borked and you have to.)
as for the kernel I have read many threads on that to and would just like to continue using the stock kernel for now. (if you want wireless tether, a stock HTC kernel will not work. Again, depending on the kernel that comes on the rom you choose, you may or not be able to use this feature.)
one the threads I am going by and planning to follow is...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=829045
but I do have a question - the instructions under "Lets Get Rooted!"
- well it states to push two files to the phone - PC36IMG.zip & PC36IMG-MR.zip then goes on to instruct on renaming the first to PC36IMG-ENG.zip and renaming the second to PC36IMG.zip and flashing both - why is this? what does MR stand for? I am guessing that is not 2 ROMs is it? if it is why would that be necessary? on that thread it also says he is using the SprintLovers ROM but if I go to the SprintLovers ROM thread the instructions there don't mention flashing PC36IMG.zip twice. the download I followed from the SprintLovers thread only linked me to download one PC36IMG.zip also (which I downloaded).
(That thread is from November and very outdated. Do NOT try any of that because it will not work. Go here http://unrevoked.com/#evo and read. If you're tech inclined, this will be VERY easy for you to do.) Edit: I see this thread was updated 1/26. However, I am not familiar with this root method, so I prefer not to comment on it. Read, read and read. Also, check which software version your phone has and look for a root method for that particular software. Although I believe that Unrevoked currently works with all software version.)
lastly (i think), how does my phone know to keep it's phone number or that it is still a sprint device and that it should talk to sprint to make phone calls and such? is that built in somewhere else or another part of the built in memory that does not get flashed?
(How does the phone know? I don;t know, but you don't have to worry about this. You do not need to call Sprint and reactivate your phone after rooting or flashing.)
thanks again to anyone and everyone who has time to help me. feel free to point me in the right direction if you have read my post and feel I am misunderstanding something. i look forward to learning some more & finally getting my phone rooted.
(sorry about the huge post & if I posted this in the wrong spot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so TL;DR you are curious about rooting.
The absolute fastest and simplest way to root would be to use Unrevoked, just google unrevoked and read their guide, there is even a video tutorial step by step. Unrevoked has been updated to all versions of the EVO. When you root with Unrevoked, it automatically changes your recovery from the Stock unusable recovery to Clockwork mod 2.6.
When you flash a Rom, it comes already with a kernel, you can choose to change the Kernel but this is not required, Flashing wimax keys is not something you do, what you do is create a backup and this will backup your wimax keys. It is confirmed that Clockwork 2.6 makes a backup of your wimax keys.
You cannot make a backup of your unrooted stock rom, however as soon as you become rooted, you can make a backup of your stock rooted rom. Inregards to Clockwork vs Amon, If you root with Unrevoked you will have clockwork, if you wish to switch Ra recovery, you should follow the step by step instructions in the Ra Recovery thread in the development section.
Sprint Lovers is a Sense rom, which means it is 100% functional, the only 90% roms are AOSP(MIUI, CM, Gingerbread, ect..) if a rom is based on the 3.70 OTA Update it will be a sense rom, and be 100% functional. Before you Flash any rom, ALWAYS go into your recovery and Wipe Data, Wipe Cache, Wipe Dalvik Cache. Perform all wipes twice for best results. In Ra recovery these are all in the front page, in clockwork you need to go to advanced to access the dalvik wipe.
In regards to nandroid, you cannot do this without rooting, Once you root you will have a custom recovery, from inside your custom recovery you will select Nandroid(Clockwork), or Backup/Restore(Ra Recovery), and perform your backup. Both is these recoveries will make a backup of your Wimax keys, Ra Recovery is the only one that lets you select individual items to backup. Please also note, if you make a backup with clockwork it is only good with clockwork, and if you backup with RA it is only good with RA. So if you decide to change recoveries, you must redo your backups.
Your phone keeps its number because the only thing flashing changes is your software, it doesn't change your phones ID numbers that were activated on the sprint network.
Here are some Links for you.
Unrevoked Root Method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=895208
Ra Recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=705026
Sprint Lovers Rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=830153
Again if you are new to all of this, Unrevoked is the fastest simplest method to rooting your phone.
I think you got two very good answers... Unrevoked by far easiest and trouble free rooting procedure IMO out there. I would just flash Amon recovery afterwards.
Also there is a nice program to help with other things called androidcommander.
Backing up your programs you can try MYBAckup
Like said previously no need to back up your rom but look into SPB Backup or Sprite Backup if you are still concerned
I think you have a pretty good handle on the phone stuff and the other answers you got were awesome...(gotta love the xda community!!)
My only gotchas you have to pay attention for are.
1. Having the correct drivers installed to use unrevoked. It is in the tutorials and in the instructions so you should be good
2. Getting the custom recovery (whther clockwork or amon ra) gives you great options to flash new stuff and backup existing installations, keeping backups is your friend!
3. I prefer Amon Ra over clockwork but clockwork is not a bad recovery, it's just preference (there are also certain posts out there that have clockwork being required to use for CM7, this may or may not be the case, I love me some Amon Ra)
4. at the bare minimum wipe cache and davlik in recovery when installing kernels, roms, and what not...I prefer a full wipe when switching between roms but if I'm just upgrading through betas or using the same devs roms I normally don't fully wipe.
5. Use Calkulins Format All.zip to do a full wipe, it just feels safer to use.
6. If something goes wrong don't get discouraged! restoring a nandroid or reflashing a rom will clear things up usually...
7. IMPORTANT - if you install new radios or PRIs or anything like this DO NOT PULL YOUR BATTERY IF IT TAKES A WHILE, just let it work...you will have problems...Using the sprint lovers all in one I feel is the safest route.
Forum advice
1. ignore the unfriendly people on the forums...they have nothing better to do than sit around and wait for people to ask dumb questions and get to use the same cliched links and jpegs to post to your question / thread...
2. Search and read and read and read before posting something that may have been covered.
Hope this helps, feel free to PM me, though I'm nowhere near the geniuses who are on these forums, so I'm closer to you than you think.
thanks for all the answers so far!
I am aware from all the reading and more reading not to mess with the wimax (RSA keys) as for flashing unless it is a last ditch effort to fix 4G. in my OP I just reference them to be sure on my understanding and how I am perceiving things to work. I believe the more I understand (basics, mechanics, etc.) the easier time I will have and the easier to trouble shoot.
oh and I have read and understand to backup the wimax/RSA keys also. that is made really clear in the threads I have read.
also I see everyone is saying to use unrevoked but from what I read here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865204
...I was not really looking to go that way. it states in this thread for the 3rd option "Longer step by step version: - Complicated and more time consuming but easier to troubleshoot" which is the way I would like to go so I understand more and have a better way to trouble shoot. I wouldn't wanna one click and bork with nothing to understand if that makes sense.
now from what I have read SprintLovers ROM has a built in wireless tether I thought so I guess this ROM has it's own kernel then from the information everyone has provided me with so far. is that typical for a ROM to have it's own kernel built and flashed with the ROM the same way some ROM's have their own recovery tool? if so I can live with that.
btw - just in case this helps:
SUPERSONIC EVT2-3 SHIP s-ON
HBOOT-2.10.0001
TOUCH PANEL-ATMELC03_16ac
RADIO-2.15.00.11.19
OCT 15 2010, 12:07:00
Software information
Android version
2.2
Baseband version
2.15.00.11.19
Kernel version
2.6.32.17-gee557fd
[email protected] #15
Build number
3.70.651.1 CL294884 release-keys
Software number
3.70.651.1
Browser version
WebKit 3.1
PRI Version
1.90_003
PRL Version
60674
Hardware information
Hardware version
0003
- that is my current phone info (oh doh I was going to reference replies but I gotta wait 5 min first)
thegh0st said:
now from what I have read SprintLovers ROM has a built in wireless tether I thought so I guess this ROM has it's own kernel then from the information everyone has provided me with so far. is that typical for a ROM to have it's own kernel built and flashed with the ROM the same way some ROM's have their own recovery tool? if so I can live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of roms come with a 3rd party kernel already built into it. The OP of the thread you got the rom from says (or should say) if and what kernel was baked into the rom. Some devs will even recommend custom kernels that have been tested with their rom.
Tuffgong4 said:
1. Having the correct drivers installed to use unrevoked. It is in the tutorials and in the instructions so you should be good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
see above reply
4. at the bare minimum wipe cache and davlik in recovery when installing kernels, roms, and what not...I prefer a full wipe when switching between roms but if I'm just upgrading through betas or using the same devs roms I normally don't fully wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this can be done with the stock setup right?
5. Use Calkulins Format All.zip to do a full wipe, it just feels safer to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I would use this .zip and flash it like you flash a ROM or recovery etc.?
7. IMPORTANT - if you install new radios or PRIs or anything like this DO NOT PULL YOUR BATTERY IF IT TAKES A WHILE, just let it work...you will have problems...Using the sprint lovers all in one I feel is the safest route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks - good to keep in mind if I ever have to
Forum advice
1. ignore the unfriendly people on the forums...they have nothing better to do than sit around and wait for people to ask dumb questions and get to use the same cliched links and jpegs to post to your question / thread...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am usually pretty good at letting the water slide off and I tend to think I won't know things if I don't ask
2. Search and read and read and read before posting something that may have been covered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
promise I have read a lot!
Good information from everyone...just my two cents:
You can use Wireless Tether with the stock kernel; however, from what I understand you will not be able to use the naitive hotspot.
The link you posted for rooting is my favorite method. It works on HW 0004 and HW 0003, along with HBOOT 2.10
rugedraw said:
A lot of roms come with a 3rd party kernel already built into it. The OP of the thread you got the rom from says (or should say) if and what kernel was baked into the rom. Some devs will even recommend custom kernels that have been tested with their rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! I might have just missed that or forgotten (I will check that thread again) - i've got a jumble of info/things in my mind atm but once I actually do this and the more I do, well that usually straightens things out
1. As for rooting method there are a few but the easiest (at least to me) is unrevoked. Install drivers set your phone to charge only and wait a few minutes, voila! it's rooted.
4. It can be done with a custom recovery
5. Yes you flash it like a regular .zip like a rom or kernel (it's not 100% necessary but I like having it on my sd card and I normally combine it with a wipe from just the custom recovery
Khilbron said:
Ok, so TL;DR you are curious about rooting.
The absolute fastest and simplest way to root would be to use Unrevoked, just google unrevoked and read their guide, there is even a video tutorial step by step. Unrevoked has been updated to all versions of the EVO. When you root with Unrevoked, it automatically changes your recovery from the Stock unusable recovery to Clockwork mod 2.6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
again see my reply - trying not to use the one click method
When you flash a Rom, it comes already with a kernel, you can choose to change the Kernel but this is not required, Flashing wimax keys is not something you do, what you do is create a backup and this will backup your wimax keys. It is confirmed that Clockwork 2.6 makes a backup of your wimax keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doh! you answered one of my follow up questions right here lol so they do come with a kernel - gotcha! - and from all the reading I have done I understand about the wimax/RSA keys - I believe I read a thread and someone who answered said Amon_RA backs them up to but I will make a manual backup also to be sure
You cannot make a backup of your unrooted stock rom, however as soon as you become rooted, you can make a backup of your stock rooted rom.
In regards to nandroid, you cannot do this without rooting, Once you root you will have a custom recovery, from inside your custom recovery you will select Nandroid(Clockwork), or Backup/Restore(Ra Recovery), and perform your backup. Both is these recoveries will make a backup of your Wimax keys, Ra Recovery is the only one that lets you select individual items to backup. Please also note, if you make a backup with clockwork it is only good with clockwork, and if you backup with RA it is only good with RA. So if you decide to change recoveries, you must redo your backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for all this and the info on what the backups are actually called per recovery - that is some great info - it seems I was correct in thinking I could not do a nandroid without rooting but I could do a nandroid or Amon_RA backup before flashing a ROM & technically a nandroid is the backup term for clockwork. glad to know this and what Amon_RA is called - I mighta been wondering where I messed up going with Amon_RA and not finding a nandroid option.
now you say I will have a custom recovery once I root? but I the reply before yours states I can root and leave everything stock to?
This has helped me too, but I do have a couple extra questions:
1) Root
2) Nand backup using recovery of choice.
3) Flash a ROM
OK, if after #3 I find my 4g is borked and have lost my RSA keys, would flashing the backup made in #2 restore the lost keys correctly?
And, is restoring a Nand backup just like flashing a ROM?
Thanks,
rugedraw said:
See my comments in red.
I think I have a lot of things down and I even attempted to start my first root but after trying to use the adb shell I could not get a response from my phone. after reading and re-reading I determined that my EVO needs a factory reset before this will work (have not done this as of yet). I even confirmed this on another thread with someone else having a similar problem. (factory reset is NOT needed to root)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
according the long method (this is the method I would prefer to use) this is required to use z4root (temp root) and get the phone to respond and is supported here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=891674&highlight=z4root - please let me know if I read that wrong or misunderstood
as I said flashing a phone sounds similar but it sounds like there is approximately 4 different things to flash? is that right? a ROM, a recovery tool, you're wimax partition/key (might be saying this one technically wrong), and a kernel?
(technically, you don't need to flash any of these to have root. You can use Unrevoked to obtain root and keep the stock rom, kernel and recovery. Do NOT mess with flashing anything for your Wimax UNLESS you absolutely have to; meaning it doesn't work)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just making sure I understood how things work here - thank you though - and yes I know not to flash wimax/RSA keys - also about unrevoked see my other replies - not looking to use the one click method if possible
is a recovery tool (which is Amon_RA or clockwork - is that right to?) completely necessary? is there a stock version? also the HBOOT is just the boot loader right? nothing to do with the recovery tool if I understand correctly.
(with a customer recovery, it will make things like flashing and creating NAND back-ups much easier. Download ROM Manager (I suggest the premium version), and once you have root with Unrevoked, you can flash either clockwork or Amon recovery using this app. Please remember if you create a NAND back up with Amon, you can only restore it with Amon recovery and vice versa)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this information to - very helpful - now about the ROM manager and using it to get a custom recovery I would do this after I get rooted right?
another question arises from the above - is it not possible to just root my phone and then continue using my stock ROM? or is the stock sprint ROM also locked in some manner to some degree (like being odexed if I understand the meaning correctly)? where I would not be able to use/install apps that require a rooted device
(yes, you can just root the stock rom and keep that.....a lot of people prefer it this way. It will be odexed, but you can find a deodexed version of the stock rom on here if it means that much to you.)
as for the kernel I have read many threads on that to and would just like to continue using the stock kernel for now. (if you want wireless tether, a stock HTC kernel will not work. Again, depending on the kernel that comes on the rom you choose, you may or not be able to use this feature.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if root my phone & I stay with stock (ROM & kernel) then I can install some root requiring apps but I wouldn't be able to get tethering? is that right? I don't care if it is sprint's hotspot or an after market app. I just would like one that works
and thank you very much again for all the information and answers!
topdawgn8 said:
Good information from everyone...just my two cents:
You can use Wireless Tether with the stock kernel; however, from what I understand you will not be able to use the naitive hotspot.
The link you posted for rooting is my favorite method. It works on HW 0004 and HW 0003, along with HBOOT 2.10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! I am definitely not worried about the native built in hotspot - just a wireless tether (and wired) that works - third party/after market - which ever
sounds like something to try at least before completely flashing the ROM
n00bhackin said:
This has helped me too, but I do have a couple extra questions:
1) Root
2) Nand backup using recovery of choice.
3) Flash a ROM
OK, if after #3 I find my 4g is borked and have lost my RSA keys, would flashing the backup made in #2 restore the lost keys correctly?
And, is restoring a Nand backup just like flashing a ROM?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am hardly the one to be answering for sure but from all the reading I have done I believe I did read at the very least a couple of times that you rename your backup file as PC36IMG.zip and flash it so I would think it is like just flashing a ROM but we would be flashing our backups.
hopefully someone with more knowledge will answer and confirm our thoughts
as for if that brings the wimax/RSA keys - good question
n00bhackin said:
This has helped me too, but I do have a couple extra questions:
1) Root
2) Nand backup using recovery of choice.
3) Flash a ROM
OK, if after #3 I find my 4g is borked and have lost my RSA keys, would flashing the backup made in #2 restore the lost keys correctly?
And, is restoring a Nand backup just like flashing a ROM?
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you backed up your wimax.img. In Amon Ra's backup you can select Wimax as one of the items to back up during a nandroid. I'm not sure about Clockwork recovery but in Amon Ra's it is not on by default. I created it once and haven't done it again as I have it backed up to my pc.
Yup, would make sure I had everything backed up before I went flashing ROMs. Just want to make sure that I can recover everything using the nand backup (inc Keys) if something flashes wrong.
I live and travel in 4G areas, and don't want to lose that access.
So as I hear it I back up with Clock or RA w/ all options check, and if I needed to restore just rename to PC36IMG.zip and flash on that.
Thanks for the info,
n00bhackin said:
Yup, would make sure I had everything backed up before I went flashing ROMs. Just want to make sure that I can recover everything using the nand backup (inc Keys) if something flashes wrong.
I live and travel in 4G areas, and don't want to lose that access.
So as I hear it I back up with Clock or RA w/ all options check, and if I needed to restore just rename to PC36IMG.zip and flash on that.
Thanks for the info,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually just do a nandroid restore in the recovery and everything comes back. I have never used the PC36IMG.zip method. I also don't suggest restoring the wimax.img unless you have 4g problems, there is no reason otherwise...I suggest doing the backup and then saving the img in a safe place...
You can do a restore without certain .imgs in it.
Sweet...thanks so much, that just upped my confidence level to root. Needed to know I could and how to restore back to a starting point. Looks like I got a project now for this weekend...Root here I come....
Now I just gotta choose from all the great ROMs out there. Decisions decisions decisions.
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
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
Hey, I've got some ideas how to fix TWRP for stock. Does anyone need it?
The first and main problem is the screen split bug, which probably can be fixed by commiting this in kernels. The second problem is absence of extract_elf_ramdisk utility, but as stock is not updated anymore we can just use boot repacking script instead. Or I can try packing stock kernel with EER support. But I don't have much time now and will try it all only if enough people wants it.
Also I don't mind if some of devs or other users will try doing this using info given by me. I will provide needed help if anyone is interested and skilled enough. If someone succeeds, the credit will be given in official thread.
So do you REALLY need it in stock?
Yah I need this recovery, twrp is more better than Cwm, now am in4.3 stock,tell me how to install this recovery into stock,
Yes.
Definitely i needed TWARP for stock rom...
Will waiting for your update.
Good initiative..
Best of luck...
Please, create recovery for XMDual JB 4.3, thank you.
I'll have a time to work on this maybe in January. And I'll try to do this only if there will be enough votes. BTW, if you think that TWRP is needed for stock too, write why is it so important and what doesn't satisfy you in CWM/PhilZ.
i hopes this will happen on the future, need this
Hi, I have Philz Touch 6.50.6 but this is probably (I don't know) unusable if I want to try [ROM][MOB31K][6.0.1][NIGHTLY][FINAL] Official CyanogenMod 13.0 (https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/orig-development/rom-unofficial-cyanogenmod-13-0-t3245573) on my dual sim phone, where I must use yours TWRP to aply DUAL-SIM-PATCH (https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65104843&postcount=49).
Now I have stock rom 15.5.A.1.5 and I don't know how to change my Philz recovery to TWRP without losing data/phone config. I have Philz nandroid backups via recovery and have TWRP nan. backups via Online Nandroid Backup (https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620255) - if is it usable backup - I don't know and don't want to risk. My phone is working well with stock but I want to try to use CM on it with dual sim working.
Sorry for my bad english.
EDIT:
Got the solution myself (https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-m/orig-development/recovery-twrp-xperia-m-t3147051/page45) even though I changed the kernel to SXDNickiDS.
Other than the nice graphical interface, is there any reason to install TWRP if all one needs to do is flash a ROM? The stock recovery allows you to wipe the cache and do a factory reset as well as flash ROMs. I have used both on other devices. I recently bought a Tab S 8.4 and plan to install LineageOS 14.1. Seems like the stock recovery will do what I need without having to use Odin.
Update: I've done a little more reading and it appears that I probably cannot flash a custom ROM from the stock recovery. I had assumed that was possible due to the menu item of "install zip from SD card" item. I this is correct, then clearly I'll need TWRP to flash a custom ROM. If anyone can verify this, then the thread can be closed.
I like TWRP because now and then I can do a full backup of my install. If you tend to mod your ROM with root in any way, this can be handy because you can always revert to the old setup.
I like cwm recovery much better
LoVeRice said:
I like cwm recovery much better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. :silly: