Related
Ok, I'm sitting here with my stock Evo (with Unrevoked) and I'm really enjoying it. I see all the ROMs being made and I'm tempted to dip my toe in and get dirty with flashing custom ROMs but I'm not quite there yet. What I'd really love to do as a first step is to just manage to remove all the Sprint bloatware from my 2.1 stock Evo. I don't want to lose all my apps or anything if I can avoid it. I really want to just "do something" then "reboot" then be able to use a file manager type of application and start deleting things like Sprint Nascar. Is this possible and how do I go about this?
You need to have root and NAND unlock for the removal of system apps to be permanent. That's the only way you would be able to remove the apps via a file manager like root explorer.
Or you could remove the apps while in recovery
For an easy guide on how to root and unlock nand go here (this guide also covers backing up your current data and apps)
After that, you can flash a stock rom that has root access and you'll be able remove apps at your leisure.
I rooted with toasts part 1 and part 2, using flipz .6 rom with the latest radio and I was able to remove the sprint bloatware by using titanium backup.
Will doing all the NAND root stuff leave me with the same system as I have now plus root access? It's just that I have everything the way I like it now and I don't want to start from scratch or have to install someone else's stuff and try and set everything up again just so I can remove the Bloatware off the phone.
No, you'll need to flash a stock rom that has root. You can use titanium backup to back up your apps and home screen and restore them after flashing.
RickBaller said:
Ok, I'm sitting here with my stock Evo (with Unrevoked) and I'm really enjoying it. I see all the ROMs being made and I'm tempted to dip my toe in and get dirty with flashing custom ROMs but I'm not quite there yet. What I'd really love to do as a first step is to just manage to remove all the Sprint bloatware from my 2.1 stock Evo. I don't want to lose all my apps or anything if I can avoid it. I really want to just "do something" then "reboot" then be able to use a file manager type of application and start deleting things like Sprint Nascar. Is this possible and how do I go about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend following the TheBiles' guide. He did an awesome walk-through of toast's roots then you can flash a custom ROM. I did this in a little over an hour and it worked perfectly. At the beginning he backs up all your apps, and after I flashed Fresh's ROM, I was able to restore all my apps back the way they were and all the bloatware was removed except for what you want to keep you can add back in after. I can't post links yet, but here is the post with Thread ID:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=701004
Yes, I'm a noob, but I'm hoping someone can help me anyway. I used SuperOneClick just like the video said. I have my Superuser icon, but big deal. I can't see how to remove any pre-installed apps or even see what good this is for me.
What am I missing? I have a Samsung Galaxy S I9000M
Thanks gang!
Poptarticus said:
Yes, I'm a noob, but I'm hoping someone can help me anyway. I used SuperOneClick just like the video said. I have my Superuser icon, but big deal. I can't see how to remove any pre-installed apps or even see what good this is for me.
What am I missing? I have a Samsung Galaxy S I9000M
Thanks gang!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Titanium Backup.
Go to the market and download "Android Optimizer" once installed run it and select the un-install button then select "Constrictor" click "OK" and remove all you do not need.
There is also a backup function within the app under the same section rather than remove but i wouldnt rely on that alone.
I would recommend doing a NANDROID backup before you Un-install anything in-case you remove something you later need, or did not know what it was for ect...
Thanks!! Seems to work. Can't find anything called NANDROID, but Optimize Tool Box worked
Doing backups you would need another app, I use is clockwork recovery, then you can boot in to "recovery" and make your back-up, and if say something were to go wrong you would reverse the process and restore your device, which would restore it to the the current state the phone was in prior to the problem not an actual factory restore.
You may wish to look in to nandroid backups and restore, you can find infinite information littered all over this forum, as its quite a common thing to want to do.
Thanks again. I sure could use all the help I can get. I love this phone so I don't want to 'brick' it. Learning the lingo too.
Now that I'm a 'superuser' is there any benefit other than deleting bloatware I had installed on the phone from the factory?
The biggest change you can make is changing ROMs, but that also gives you the biggest risk of bricking.
lifehacker.com/5563924/the-start-to-finish-guide-to-rooting-your-android-phone
You could also overclock your phone, to make it go faster
lifehacker.com/5623510/setcpu-overclocks-or-underclocks-your-rooted-android-phone
and for sure get a backup before you do too much
lifehacker.com/5784857/how-to-set-up-a-fully-automated-app-and-settings-backup-on-android
I can't make the links fully functional since i'm a noob on the forums, but you should be able to figure out how to get to the sites.
Sp1dy said:
The biggest change you can make is changing ROMs, but that also gives you the biggest risk of bricking.
lifehacker.com/5563924/the-start-to-finish-guide-to-rooting-your-android-phone
You could also overclock your phone, to make it go faster
lifehacker.com/5623510/setcpu-overclocks-or-underclocks-your-rooted-android-phone
and for sure get a backup before you do too much
lifehacker.com/5784857/how-to-set-up-a-fully-automated-app-and-settings-backup-on-android
I can't make the links fully functional since i'm a noob on the forums, but you should be able to figure out how to get to the sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I may give it a shot once I feel more comfortable, but that bricking has me really worried.
Great forums and very helpful members!!!! Thanks!
ANSWER
Root explorer or root unistaller 2 apps that will do the trick
Useful
Use Root explorer 2.16 and should be able to look at your Root Directory, especially
Data/ Data directory where you games and apps are installed, can be useful
Hey guys! So I had a Samsung vibrant for years before I got a 920 and rooted it. I would then of course flash roms every week. I looked over the main features of the Roms coming out for the new nexus 7 and don't see anything that I can't already do, but I may he wrong. Can you tell me what is unlocked if I root my amazing new n7? (Apps I can use if rooted , features, etc) Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I am more than happy to answer that question for you. First: I want to shed a little light on what 'rooting' a device means, and what flashing new ROMs entails.
First and foremost: root is not required to flash new ROMs. Having root access to the file system is having full control and rights to your files. Think of it like having an Administrator account in Windows. You're free to manipulate all files on your device, including core system files, which is why you don't have root access by default; the normal end-user wouldn't know which system files do what and could delete a very important file that could soft-brick their device, or could download a malicious app that would do the same (think of it as a virus in Windows)(Protip: if you only download apps from the Play store, you're good).
Second: the only thing required to flash a new ROM is your bootloader to be unlocked, and maybe a custom recovery is required, I'm not too familiar with the stock recovery and whether or not you can flash .zips from there. Unlocking your bootloader enables you to flash unsigned images to your device, a custom ROM in this case. Here's where the confusion happens: when you flash a new ROM, it overwrites your old ROM, including the superuser status you had. Most custom ROMs have root enabled by default, which is why it seems like your old root access carried over. Think of flashing a new ROM as re-installing Windows on your computer. All of your old profiles are erased and you need to set up new ones. Having root access is like setting up your Administrator profile and using it.
Third: the benefits of rooting. I personally use root specifically for Titanium Backup, Cerberus, ES File Explorer, and franco.Kernel updater. If you don't know what those apps do, I'll explain. Titanium Backup backs up all of my apps so when I flash a new ROM, I can easily restore them, instead of having to manually re-install them from the Play store which takes time and sometimes, data. TB needs root because it's installing apps on your device automatically (after you tell it to). You can see why you would need root there. Cerberus is an anti-theft app, which needs root to remotely activate sensors like GPS, camera, take screenshots, show messages, get device info, etc. Again, you could see why root would be needed there: security. ES File Explorer (any root explorer app) needs root because, well, so you can see and manipulate files that you need superuser status to do those things. I use it for many miscellaneous reasons such as renaming my nandroid backups. franco.Kernel updater I use to tweak my kernel settings.
Now, I'm not trying to convince you to root. That is a decision that should be made by you. Having root comes with potentially negative consequences. You could mess up your ROM. The chances are very slim, and very reversible (worst-case scenario: flash new ROM), but still very real. If you don't know your way around the bootloader, or how to restore factory images to the device, it could be frustrating to fix a soft-brick caused by system files being manipulated. Still, you have XDA, full of helpful people and plenty of guides and if you have the patience to read and listen to advice, you should be able to learn how to fix your problem, should one arise.
Ok, sum-up. Having "root" is like having Administrator rights on Windows. Installing ROMs is like re-installing Windows on your computer. Recovery is like the BIOS on your computer. Therefor, root is not required to flash a new ROM, only your bootloader unlocked (possibly custom recovery). Root is nice to have, and poses almost zero risk to hard-bricking your device. Having root could soft-brick your device if you don't know what you're doing, however, and could potentially be very frustrating if you don't know your way around the bootloader and/or recovery. If you have the patience to learn or listen to advice, it can be fixed though. It's up to you to weigh the risks and rewards. One thing to keep in mind: if you only download apps from the Play store, you should be 100% A-Ok to have root. The only way to soft-brick your device then, is if you're in there poking around with files you shouldn't be messing with (so, user-error). If you do decide to root and/or flash new ROM's, I'd advise in doing it manually at first instead of using toolkits. That way, you can see what's happening, which could come in handy if something should come up later.
Well said, Johnmama.
Basically, the #1 reason I root is Titanium Backup. I do also use some additional root apps, like ES File Explorer, but I could live without them. Titanium Backup is the ONE app that I will not do without.
The majority of custom ROMs already come prerooted.
Device Info: Sprint Galaxy Note 2 Running rooted stock Android 4.4.2. (chainfire auto root using odin)
Wifi only unit. I have no sprint contract purchased it used (I'm new to customizing android- I have flashed an old palm pda, but only via guidance)
Situation: Rooted the unit and have customized it as mine
1. No custom backup and would like to do that
2. Do not like all the bloatware apps
3. Now a system update has been downloaded asking to install (I've not okayed it)
So please help me with each of these
1. Please point me in the direction of best way to take a backup of existing rom ( I do have philz downloaded, but I'm not sure about how to ?
2. Would that deal with the persistent update request? Would it be good to update?
3. and then the bloatware removal, should I use an app that removes system apps? ( I have titanium, but I'm not good at knowing which apps to touch and not to touch) Thanks in advance and no I'm not in a hurry as yet.
Hi,
I will have your thread moved to your device section so the experts who own your device can help you.
Good luck!
Point to links please
If someone doesn't want to tackle this whole question I'd just appreciate links on how to step by step. I'd appreciate any help at all, I'm just a bit fearful of bricking the device, but if the instructions are clear I can definitely do this.
The first is issue is backup that is my priority at the moment. The second is whether to install the update or not and how to get rid of the nag. thanks
Not sure about backing up the ROM itself... but what I do is just back up the apps with Titanium and then re-load the apps (or just data) when I have to re-install my ROM like I did a couple of weeks ago. Prior to the Note II, I had an HTC Hero (stop laughing) and would do nandroids for that device. Don't know that you need that for Samsung devices, but somebody may be better to explain than I am.
ETA: here's an article on creating a nandroid, FWIW
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-a-nandroid-backup-and-how-exactly-does-it-work/
If you are rooted, I don't know that the persistent update will actually apply/install. I'm on Classic Stock 4.4.2 and I also had the same nag. Here's a link on how to disable the update nag. This is what I did, as my phone would not apply the update so I just disabled the persistent reminder using the steps below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2442207
With respect to removing system apps, not sure I can offer much direction other than to suggest removing obvious apps (maybe like the Sprint Zone app) and then just doing a search on each app that looks like you can/want to delete or uninstall. Probably a bit time consuming, however, I am not aware of a "bloatware list" or anything which outlines safe-to-remove apps.
Much appreciated Lenny
When I did the root, I didn't really want a custom rom, just stock with root. Now that I've used titanium backup and have removed the install update nag- I'm set for a while!
lost in cyberspace said:
Much appreciated Lenny
When I did the root, I didn't really want a custom rom, just stock with root. Now that I've used titanium backup and have removed the install update nag- I'm set for a while!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might also look at adding a free version of BusyBox (I use stericson's, and jrummy also has one out there).
Also might want to look at an install of AdAway, which you'll need to install manually (not available from the Play Store). You don't have to install the whole F-Droid package, you can download only the AdAway apk if you want.
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway
One last piece of info, you may want to turn off automatic updating for apps, as the SuperSU app can have problems after an update and you might have to re-root your phone. Here's what I ran into.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58955076&postcount=10
lennykravitz2004 said:
You might also look at adding a free version of BusyBox (I use stericson's, and jrummy also has one out there).
Also might want to look at an install of AdAway, which you'll need to install manually (not available from the Play Store). You don't have to install the whole F-Droid package, you can download only the AdAway apk if you want.
https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdid=org.adaway
One last piece of info, you may want to turn off automatic updating for apps, as the SuperSU app can have problems after an update and you might have to re-root your phone. Here's what I ran into.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58955076&postcount=10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I've side loaded adb adblock is adaway better? I use App Ops to turn off specific things within each app such as location finding, I like MW apps manager to add more apps to the multiwindow feature., and I've turned off most apps auto update, but some apps I've left auto update. I've just turned off auto update on super user -- even though, I've not yet experienced any major issues as yet.
lost in cyberspace said:
Thank you! I've side loaded adb adblock is adaway better? I use App Ops to turn off specific things within each app such as location finding, I like MW apps manager to add more apps to the multiwindow feature., and I've turned off most apps auto update, but some apps I've left auto update. I've just turned off auto update on super user -- even though, I've not yet experienced any major issues as yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know if adb adblock is better - I've never used it. Didn't see you mention a couple of these things when you said you were "all set for awhile", so I was just trying to offer a few other things to consider and look into. Sounds like you're already on the ball though!
Personally, I'm happy with stock. Big reason for me to root was getting rid of ads. I've tried some of the other ROMs but I've always come back to the stock look and feel. I've had the device since about 1 week after it came out in Fall 2012. Of course, I am also on my third one since I totaled two other ones. I absolutely love it, and am in no hurry to upgrade (if possible). Hope you enjoy it as I have... lots of good stuff from devs here!
I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.
ChewVodka said:
I just ordered this beautiful tablet. I've never owned a tablet before. I've actually always wanted a laptop, but things are changing. I have an Amazon Kindle Fire HD from many years ago. It's actually worked pretty well for me for ebook reading, limited web browsing and email using. But, the last few months it's really started acting funny and not working right. So I've decided it's time to upgrade. Did a week's worth of research and decided this is my best option. I haven't received it yet, but I'm really excited to dig in and do a lot more than I can with my Kindle.
So that brings me here. I don't remember where, but through my research on which tablet to buy, this website was mentioned as a major resource. To be completely honest, I'm 100% lost. There are things I want to do but I don't even know where to start. I love tinkering and figuring things out, but I need a little push in the right direction.
One of the biggest things I want to be able to do is make a complete low level backup of the entire system to store on my home server should anything happen and I need to restore it.
The other big thing I want to do is remove all the excess junk that comes pre-installed that I'll never use. With such a small area of space available, having half or so used up in unnecessary stuff is just pointless.
I'm sure there are other things I can do and may want to do in the future, but for now, these are the major keys. So... any help? Did I make the right choice? What other features/functions should I be looking at or considering?
Thanks guys! Looking forward to getting a lot of great use out of my new tablet and this site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
!!!Make a backup prior to this step!!!
Will update post when I am home with more suggestion's.
Thanks, that's somewhat helpful. At least it give me the names of programs. I have no idea what I'm doing though. Can you give me a link to a step-by-step guide, or at least explain what the different things are and what they do? Sorry for being such a noob with this.
Instructions
MAKE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE FILES FOR YOUR SPECIFIC DEVICE (T700, T705, T800, T805, etc.)
You will need Odin (This is the software that will allow you to install the root and other files [FLASHING])
CF-AutoRoot (Will provide Root access for your device): You will be flashing this with Odin
Optional: Install custom recovery TWRP. This is also done with Odin. This will allow you to make backups and flash .zip files, including custom roms, apps, etc.
Just google for guides on rooting Samsung Galaxy Tab S. They will show you step by step on how to do the Odin flashing, PDA, settings, autoreset or not, etc.
I recommend backing up your device at this point. Reboot into recovery (instructions will be in the rooting guides), go to backup and backup everything for now. In the future when you feel comfortable enough that you can/will select to only backup what you deem necessary.
Your device is now rooted, the first boot after installing CFAutoRoot will take awhile +/-3 - 5 minutes.
Now download Titanium Backup, and you can google or search XDA for a list of "safe" things to uninstall. Just go into TitaniumBackup and look for the app you want to Freeze (This will prevent the app from running but it will NOT delete it, thus it will still take up space) or Remove.
Busybox: Will be required by certain apps.
Optional:
Link2SD App, this allows you to install/move/link your apps to the SD Card, it essentially frees up your internal memory of the device and tricks the device into installing apps and their data files onto your second partition of your External SD Card (Google or Search XDA for guides on Link2SD). This will allow you to install a lot more apps than you normally would be able to. (Example: Vice City, San Andreas, Plants vs Zombies, etc. I mention these because of their large data size). Not all apps will work when linked, just trial and error. I can't seem to get Word, Excel, Powerpoint linked to my SD Card without at least one of the failing, same with Facebook. You will have to test each app and see what files you can link/bind and which you can't.
Adblock Plus: Self explanatory
Xposed: A bunch of customization options for your device
ES File Explorer Pro: The best file management/directory app IMO
Greenify: Battery saver
Aptoide: Secondary App Store
Hancom Apps: I feel these work better on occasion then the Microsoft Office apps (Example large excel files with multiple formulas and filters)
NovaLauncher: Custom launcher, a lot more customizations then TouchWiz will provide you. (Your home screen)
Tasker: Limitless possibilities with this app (Search google/XDA for info)
TWRP Manager: TWRP Recovery app.
VLC: Video player
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
If you are happy with your device up to this point, I would create another backup after you are done with the initial set up and have installed the apps of your choosing. Save a copy on the device, PC, NAS, etc. just in case you lose one of your copies. Some TWRP versions do not allow you to backup directly to the external SD Card, you may have to backup into the Internal and then transfer the information over to the external SD Card.
Good Luck.
xLima said:
Root with chain fire root, flash via Odin.
This will allow you to have root access allowing you to remove unwanted app amongst other things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this the link I should be using? I'll know for sure what it's model number is once I receive the tablet. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
xLima said:
Flash via Odin: TWRP Recovery for Chagallwifi (assuming it's a Samsung T800)
This will allow you to create a back up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
xLima said:
I believe the order of this can be inverted. IE. Flash recovery with Odin and then have TWRP flash the CFAutoroot zip and the SuperSU (the app that will "manage" your root)
Install Titanium Back up and freeze/uninstall unwanted apps. There are lists of removable apps on the forums. I prefer to freeze but it's up to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
Thanks again for any help!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/development/root-cf-autoroot-twrp-t800-t3079488
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This link works, although there are newer versions of TWRP, you can install these after however, no big deal.
Doesn't installing Chain Fire Root via the previous link also contain the TWRP Recovery? Or is this a special version I need to install after running the first root through Odin? What is Chagallwifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The previous link contains TWRP, read above. The normal CF Autoroot comes with CWM Recovery I believe (A custom recovery similar to TWRP). You can use the link you posted. Chagallwifi is the "nickname" of the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 WiFi, it is one way to search for a device, the other being the model number T800, for instance or the long commercial name.
This is just an app I get from the Google Play store right? Or is there a special version I need to get, or install manually? I think I saw in a YouTube video that I need to install something called GApps if I want install something from there after rooting, is this correct? Also, if Titanium Backup IS an app, how can I get a backup of the entire system when I'm booted into the OS? I think I read somewhere, or saw screenshots that show this basically creates backups of your installed programs, so you can easily restore them without having to re-download them. Maybe I'm wrong, as I said I'm completely new this and probably don't know what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get the app from the playstore, correct. I am not sure about GApps, I want to say it isn't necessary unless you will be installing a custom rom (you can double check this on the rooting guides, if it asks for GApps, then flash the GApps)
The system back up is done via TWRP or CWM, boot into recovery and choose backup.
Titanium Backup allows you to back up the app and its data file. So you don't lose the progress of your games. Also backs up email, WiFi passwords, etc.
My biggest concern is that I'll screw something up and find myself with a tablet I can't use, without having had it no more than a couple days, and having spent nearly $600 for it and the accessories. I know that rooting/etc voids the warranty, but I also have seen where people are able to put the whole system back to factory default for repairs, etc. That sounds like something I really need to learn how to do and be confident I can do should something happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the errors cause soft bricks, you can recover from these. I would recommend you backup after rooting, in case you mess something up toying with Titanium, Link2SD, SuperSU, etc. You can always use SamMobile and find a Stock Rom to flash back onto the device, again via Odin. Not sure if the KnoxTrip flag will still show up, you can trying Googling how to root without tripping Knox, I know there are methods, however I have never used them. I have soft bricked my device before, I deleted everything with TWRP, I wanted to factory reset, and I selected erase System..... scary times.
Stock Rom: SamFirm (Outdated) or Updato
Thanks for all your help and advice. I just got my tablet today. Still kinda playing around with it. I probably won't do anything for a couple of days. At least till my next day off from work (Thursday) so I can concentrate on what I'm doing. I was really scared when I first turned it on, everything was in Korean. I had to find a YouTube video showing how to go through the initial setup to change the language. All good now. Once I got it fully running, it downloaded a 350mb update and rebooted. I'm now running Lolipop 5.0.2. Is that going to cause any issues? Also, I can now confirm that it is model SM-T800.
Thanks again!
ChewVodka, once your past the learning curve rooting etc. can be done in your sleep. After some research, I rooted a 10.1 tab 4 a while back with no problem. Definitely better o have more control over the device, I think. Just got a new 10.5 also, and am looking around for the best way to administer the Android system - the Galaxy Tab S for Dummies book seems to me to be actually a good place to start. I'll check back here with any choice info I find on the 10.5.
Also, I have this case for my 10.1, and this is the best under $20 case you can get for the 10.5 - so cheap I bought two of them! Type in search: Xtra-Funky Exclusive Samsung Galaxy Tab S, 10.5 -- the black and navy blue are cool -- the others kinda garish.
Easy Way, allow installation of 3rd party apps in settings download this for android https://kingroot.net/ run it select install anyway when you get the pop up, and root device , open Playstore download flashify for root users, run it allow it access , click recovery image then download twrp choose the 3.0.2-0 release and install to your tab and reboot into recovery, at this point you can use it to make a backup of your current rom or install a custom rom (following the directions on the page for the rom that you choose), this is easier method if you aren't familiar with odin and don't have the drivers and all set up on pc. You can also change kingroot over to super user in a few different ways can download and use supersume from play store and run it or, just flash the newest superuser in twrp and remove whats leftover from kingroot manually after reboot. If you intend on doing a custom rom i suggest choosing first and having all files available before you start. However if you intend on using odin You might want to install this first http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790 so you have full communication with the device in case anything does go wrong there will be other options. This is of course if you are not already setup with this already. Also I would like to note there are a few roms here based on the stock firmware if you like it just look through the forum see what you like, and read everything.
What are the benefits to a custom ROM? I assume you're talking about things like Cyanogenmod. There are some people in another forum I visit that like it, but I don't know what it is or why I would want it. Does it allow installing pirated software or something? It's probably not allowed to be discussed here, and I'm not saying I would purposely do something like that (not that I wouldn't if possible lol). It all comes down to the fact that I'm completely new to the tablet world, other than the fact that it's a bigger and better Kindle Fire that I can get more usage out of by not being limited to Amazon's ROM and store for apps. The biggest things I'm looking to do is get rid of bloatware that came preinstalled (of which a lot was added with the update) and the ability to make backups of the entire system should something screw up.
It sounds like "rooting" is essentially giving you the administrative control access to the system (like in Windows) instead of being limited to a generic "user". That allows you to install more system accessible programs, where a generic user would get a UAC prompt and then be told and Administrator needs to preform that action. As for "recovery", it sounds like that is sort of like the CMOS/BIOS of a PC. It's the first "program" that runs when you boot up (even requiring a specific keypress to enter). This allows you to access the system before the system boots, to get you backup/restore functions, and the ability to install new OS's. It also sounds like the built in version from Samsung is what is getting changed (like updating the BIOS of the PC) to allow more functionality (like backups, etc). The only thing you don't have access to is stuff like disk drives, but things like RAM and CPU can be adjusted once you have ROOT.
The more I learn about it, the more I'm eager to do it. I really don't like feeling confined to a predetermined set of available things to do, and I really don't like having somebody decide to install software I'll never use on my system that just takes up space. I especially hate that said programs can't even be uninstalled. Looks like this is what I'm gonna have to do!
Decided not to wait and rooted it tonight. I have the freedom now to play, though I'm not sure where to start. Currently I have the CF-Autoroot thing done, and it installed SuperSU. Then I did the TWRP recovery, and made a backup of all the partitions. I was kinda hoping I could backup remotely (like on the computer) rather than stored on the same device. I have a microSD card ordered and on the way, so my next task will be to back up to that. There is a tool I use on my Kindle Fire called ES File Explorer. I'll see if I can get that on this. Then I can find the backup and transfer it over the wifi.
I'll check out your other recommended apps as I have time. Thanks again!
Now I'm having a bunch of trouble. I was able to get the Chainfire root to go through, and verified it with a Root Checker. I then installed the TWRP recovery so I could make a backup. I even have a few backups. Then I went and installed an app called TWRP Manager, that was supposed to enable me the option of making backups LIVE (without having to boot into TWRP). It wasn't working, so I went to do a "Classic Backup" which reboots into TWRP and starts the backup then reboots normally. Well, TWRP never booted. I just had a black screen. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn't power on with the power button, and I couldn't manually boot into TWRP. The only option that did anything was ODIN (Download) Mode. I'm really freaking out at this point. I found a way to connect to XDA's IRC Channel and talked with some really nice guys and was told to try re-flashing the stock. I did that, and it worked. But now I'm stuck again. Basically starting from scratch with a stock system, I went through to install the Chainfire root again. It seemed to work ok, and SuperSU showed up. Ran the Root Verifier and it confirmed it was successful. I then went to flash TWRP. ODIN says it passed, but I still can't boot into it. Here's the kicker.. even if it appears that it's not working, if I do the keypresses on my tablet correctly and wait like 2-3 minutes then try again, TWRP will actually be up but the screen locked. WTF??
So did I something wrong? I'm really lost. Like I told the guys in the chatroom, I'm going on blind faith here, not really knowing what I'm doing. I figured once I have stock installed, I'm basically back to square one and can go through the whole process again. Doesn't seem to be working. I have to go to work now but hopefully somebody has something of a suggestion I can try by the time I get home.
xLima said:
4way_multiwindow: This will allow you to have 4 apps open at a time and 3 apps "minimized", this also allows floating windows (Moveable apps running in "windowed mode" essentially.) There is an aesthetic bug when minimized, I have not found a fixed version of this yet, maybe others can provide link. Just load up TWRP manager and choose install, and select the .zip file and it will reboot into recovery and install the file for you. Or you can boot your device into recovery and install it the same way. I am attaching the .zip file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I try this myself and bootloop, would I be safe flashing the 4way multiwindow on the new stock 6.0.1 ROM? (SM-T805)