Develop Bugs

[Q] Newbie questions about DHD rooting and memory

Hi,
I'd be really grateful to anyone who can answer my newbie questions.
I'm looking to follow the guide to downgrade my non-network-branded (i.e. sim-free) Desire HD, so I can permanently root it. Then I intend to follow the other guide so I can still update to the latest official release. My primary requirement for rooting is just so I can make complete backups of my phone's state in future. Though I'll probably play about with other community ROMs too!
Sorry if answers to my questions are elsewhere, and feel free just to point if that's the case. I've searched but haven't found definitive answers. Knowing these things will increase my understanding. Although I'm used to tinkering with things a little am in no way a programmer and my last phone was a Nokia E65!
1) Please can someone list the different parts of the phone's memories, including which are impossible to write over and which are. E.g. my understanding is:
--One flash chip with:
- 'bootloader', which to me sounds like a PC's BIOS or the kind of app you can boot into on a standard desktop PC when choosing which OS to boot into;
- factory image partition;
- separate partition for over the air updates;
- 1GB partition for user-writeable memory for things like apps installed on the phone, contacts, etc.
--Physically separate 'radio' chip that can be overwritten (I don't understand the difference between this and the OS though)
--RAM;
--microSD card.
2) After following the two guides mentioned above, will I still be able to receive over the air HTC updates in future? And if not, does that mean I'd be relying on the community to make available any official updates? I bought my DHD through an official UK retailer.
3) After following the two guides mentioned above, will it still be possible to restore my phone to its factory state in future, e.g. for resale or sending back to HTC, so everything that we unlock ('eng s-off', 'radio s-off', etc., which fries my brain right now) is locked again? If so, can a guide to this process be linked to?
4) I understand it's possible to switch between custom ROMs easily. When this is done, does that mean all system settings, such as phone contacts and app settings are also switched, or are these settings written to a different part of the phone memory?
I'll be sure to thank (and donate) for your time. Many thanks in advance as well!

Hi, I just bought the DHD 3 weeks ago and it is still difficult to understand to understand all this android stuff sometimes
1) I was a little lost at the beginning too, I don't know if this is what you are looking for but this is what I understood.
There are 4 flashable "things" :
- ROM OS (android OS)
- Linux Kernel (linux kernel)
- ROM radio (another ROM that manage ONLY the hardware stuff like 3G, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS...)
- bootloader (exactly like a bios) and contains a recovery menu (that can be flashed by clockworkmod for example)
The ROM radio seems independant and you can flashed it separatly from the other it doesn't bother. The last versions improve battery life or GPS startup etc...
The ROM OS (android) need to be flashed with the kernel otherwise you can have some problem (wi-fi or data network that doesn't work anymore...).
S-Off means security off and it is necessary to do it if you want to write a new recovery on the bootloader or flash a new radio ROM...
Ther is two kind of S-Off but I'm not sure of the meaning so I let you watch about it.
When you install through the official ways :
1 OTA : You need to have the official recovery from the bootloader otherwise it will NOT work (no OTA with clockworkmod)
If your phone is network-branded you need a goldcard here and/or superCID (I don't really understand here lol)
After the installation I think you keep the S-Off but you're not root anymore.
2 RUU : It will install/reinstall everything (ROM OS, kernel, ROM radio and bootloader).
It is even capable of reseting your CID (your not concerned here because your phone is non-network-branded)
If think you loose the S-Off (or ENG S-Off -> SHIPS S-Off), you're not root anymore...
If you want to keep S-OFF, SuperCID and ClockWorkMod you need to :
1 flash the ROM OS through the ClockWorkMod recovery -> update.zip (you can give it the OTA file .zip, it will only flash the ROM OS)
2 flash the kernel manualy with fastboot (you can also use the boot.img contain in your OTA file)
3 flash the ROM radio (there is the excellent tuto here on XDA about this)
2) OTA will not be possible if you want to use clockworkmod. I was a little anxious about that too at the beginning! But you can find the official
ROMS REALLY easily on XDA probably before your provider send it to you. And when you do everything manually, you can CHOOSE wich radio ROM you want,
you can do backup REALLY quickly with clockworkmod and you can come back (things you can't do if you use OTA)... The last point that confort me
in doing all of this is that you can download OTA but not install it to pick up the ROMs inside and the kernel ! I did it last week and my phone
is now running the two ROMS that was contained in the OTA file AND the kernel. This is why I'm not worried anymore.
3) I never tried to restore my phone to its exact factory settings but I think you can...
4) I don't really now. In my case, I decided to use Google for my contact too, so when I flash, a few minutes later I have all my contacts
I hope my english is not too bad for explainations like this

Hi poumpoum,
Firstly, thanks so much for taking the time to help. Your English is ten times better than my Française! If you've a PayPal account you'd like to Personal Message me, or just the name of your preferred charity, I'd like to say a little thanks that way too.
Okay: so I understand that doing these cool things to my phone means I won't be able to update it over the air. You've convinced me this isn't a problem because any updates find their way to the community.
I'm also convinced I can restore my phone completely to factory defaults due to this thread (the thread's for a different region but the principle still stands).
Thanks for clarifying the radio ROM shares the same physical chip as all the other memory (including the RAM actually, I found this out).
This thread also explained some of the jargon to me.

You're welcome

Bunch of questions, terrible newbie

Okay. Here to learn as much as I can, if you can number your responses with the questions and add whatever you believe is best. Thanks. ^^
Bootloader:
1. Do you unlock a bootloader JUST so you can load custom roms?
2. Is the method of unlocking the bootloader on SE's website the best way?
3. Do I need to have the SIM unlocked before unlocking the bootloader?
4. What is the point of custom roms?
Rooting:
5. Can I remove the apps here; http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1046699 just by having root access? No special tools needed?
6. Are there other good methods of optimizing things like battery life specific to the xperia play?
Sim Unlocking:
7. Is there any method of doing this without a cost?

I'm on an R800x, which doesn't have sim card anything, so I'll just answer the questions I know.
1. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install 3rd party software that overwrites the stuff that is part of the boot process. This pretty much refers to the kernel, for the Play. Certain roms, such as MIUI and CM7 require you to use a kernel different from stock, and since you need a different kernel, you must have an unlocked bootloader. As far as I know, that's the only real benefit for an unlocked bootloader, from a user standpoint.
4. There are many things that custom roms offer, as opposed to the stock your phone came with. This can range from a new UI, new apps, tweaks to system files, etc. Generally speaking, developers strive to make their custom roms operate better than stock. For more information on this point, I would suggest you check out some of the custom rom threads, just to see what they've changed from the stock rom.
5. You will need root, but you will need something with which to remove the apps. The best app to use, in my opinion, is Titanium Backup. Not only will it allow you to remove system apps, but it will also back up those and user apps, all for free. Unless you buy the pro key, that is.
6. As far as specific tips for the Play, I would recommend rooting so that you can disable the auto brightness. While auto brightness is desirable in most phones, the Xperia Play (And other Xperia devices, I think) are almost constantly shifting the brightness, to where a slight tilt of the hand can make the screen dim or brighten. I'm sure that can't be good on the battery. Generally speaking, though, apps such as Juice Defender and Battery Defender have profiles or just general settings to adjust data flow and many other options that can significantly increase battery life.

To the best of my knowledge
2. Is the method of unlocking the bootloader on SE's website the best way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, IMO.
3. Do I need to have the SIM unlocked before unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but you can check if you can unlock following the instruction on SE's site:
1. First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your phone by checking the service menu. In your phone, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu.
2. In your phone, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked.
Note that unlocking void your warranty.
7. Is there any method of doing this without a cost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I know of.

Awesome guys, Thanks a bunch.

Unless you're really tight on space (which shouldn't normally happen if you've done the adb setinstalllocation trick and moving apps to sdcard), i would suggest freezing the apps instead of removing them especially if you're sticking with stock. This would make it a lot easier to move to the next official OS upgrade instead of a mad scramble to find the stock apps and reinstall them. The pro version of Titanium backup and SystemCleanup has the freeze function. I've freezed a lot of crap on my phone and it makes a world of difference wrt. boot time and general performance.

Unlock boot loader is very good allows you to flash custom kernel and overclock

@JulianPaul/Vabene2002: Not sure if im sticking with stock, My model is R800AT. So not sure of my options yet. Im still trying to absorb as much as I can.
Wonder if I asked some more questions if they'd be answered.
8. Is there any recovery utility WITHOUT unlocking the bootloader? Say I mess something up with my root, Can I recover back to an original ROM?
9. Can I back up my current running ROM as soon as I get my phone so that I may return it to that state?
10. If you need to change your kernel to match a modified ROM; Your current ROM wont support it, so you need to change kernel AND ROM at the same time? Otherwise your phone wont boot?
11. Any decent links for rooting an r800at?
12. Is gingerbread the latest version of android an xperia play can run and have jailbroken?

Would having root access void the warranty? I want to remove some pre installed apps so is there a way to do this without voiding the warranty?
Thanks
Sent from my R800i using XDA App

Yes, it will.
But if you just recover to a stock ROM, then its like you never rooted.
Thus, warranty reinstated.

Nah, don't want to risk it yet. May never root this phone actually...
Sent from my R800i using XDA App

Im going to root mine as soon as it arrives. Lol.
Not to diminish your opinion, If you dont know exactly what you're doing, it could get ugly.

I rooted my old ZTE blade but this phone is just... different. I mean it's probably gonna Get ICS anyways and if I were to root I'd probably need a very simple guide.
Sent from my R800i using XDA App

SuperOneClick is about as simple as one could imagine.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium

Trygon said:
SuperOneClick is about as simple as one could imagine.
Sent from my R800x using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know the latest version of android this works on? Looks like 2.2.2 to me.

SirRudolph said:
Do you know the latest version of android this works on? Looks like 2.2.2 to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
like 4.0 it uses different exploits for different versions. gibgerbreak and zergrush are 2 of them
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
Want to make me a banner? PM me

8. Is there any recovery utility WITHOUT unlocking the bootloader? Say I mess something up with my root, Can I recover back to an original ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can install Clockworkmod recovery from the market, there is an auto installer for xperia. That can be done without unlocking the bootloader but you must be rooted.
9. Can I back up my current running ROM as soon as I get my phone so that I may return it to that state?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe a nandroid backup on CWM would do the trick, but I am not sure. I simply made backups of everything I uninstalled so I could revert it.
10. If you need to change your kernel to match a modified ROM; Your current ROM wont support it, so you need to change kernel AND ROM at the same time? Otherwise your phone wont boot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. kernel flashing on locked bootloaders brick your phone. and AFAIK, no custom rom except those based on stock have touchpad support.
11. Any decent links for rooting an r800at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an r800a, not sure about the differences regarding r800at, check this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1294129
12. Is gingerbread the latest version of android an xperia play can run and have jailbroken?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you keep it stock, yes, 2.3.4. There is FreeXperia rom that is 2.3.7 as well.
On the forum you will find links to ICS based roms, SE leaked and AOSP. Both are WIP, I believe.
I've read somewhere that Sony will release ICS for the xperia 2011 line around April.

pretty sure flashing kernels on locked bootloaders doesn't BRICK your phone. It won't allow the kernel to be flashed as you can't use Fastboot only flashmode (official signed Roms only )
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk

fma965 said:
pretty sure flashing kernels on locked bootloaders doesn't BRICK your phone. It won't allow the kernel to be flashed as you can't use Fastboot only flashmode (official signed Roms only )
Fma965 - Forgottencoders.co.uk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't brick as in "turns your phone into a very expensive paper weight", but your phone will not boot anymore and you will have to flash a stock rom with flashtool to recover.

A link or an explanation please - ROOT question again!

OK I'm really sorry but I've been searching for days (weeks actually) so forgive me if there is a thread that I can't find - and/or link to it for me if you wouldn't mind. (I get frustrated by people asking the same question over and over, as I'm sure you do too, I really am stuck as I am completely new to android and am still a little stuck in iOS mindset - i.e. can't seem to work thing out for myself lol)
This relates specifically to the SGNII hence it's post here and not in general android forum (where I've also searched)
I'm loosing patience waiting for a 32GB so I'm "considering" getting a 16 and 64GB card and rooting. I know I will have more than 16GB of apps (added up all the once I want/need) and really need a backup facility so......
When you root the SGNII - only to gain root access for modifying the external SD to take apps and, possibly, to use titanium backup:
1) Do you loose any stock functions/apps other than warranty, OTA updates, and automatic app updates?
2) Do ALL apps run ok from the external SD (eg top of the line games, Polaris office etc) - is there any slow down?
3) If, at a later point, I flash a later stock ROM (what would normally be an OTA update) release will it still find all the apps and their data on the SD card?
4) If an app is updated in the store is it easy to update it onto the SD when you know the update is available
I'm sorry if I'm asking the same question that others have asked but I've been searching for days. Many thanks for links or direct answers to these questions. I'd really love a 32GB or above and I'm giving it until the upcoming US release to see if this is a trigger for global release but there are already some pretty tasty deals in the 16GB format on contract here in the UK
Many thanks in advance for your help
Ben

EmergencyMedic said:
OK I'm really sorry but I've been searching for days (weeks actually) so forgive me if there is a thread that I can't find - and/or link to it for me if you wouldn't mind. (I get frustrated by people asking the same question over and over, as I'm sure you do too, I really am stuck as I am completely new to android and am still a little stuck in iOS mindset - i.e. can't seem to work thing out for myself lol)
This relates specifically to the SGNII hence it's post here and not in general android forum (where I've also searched)
I'm loosing patience waiting for a 32GB so I'm "considering" getting a 16 and 64GB card and rooting. I know I will have more than 16GB of apps (added up all the once I want/need) and really need a backup facility so......
When you root the SGNII - only to gain root access for modifying the external SD to take apps and, possibly, to use titanium backup:
1) Do you loose any stock functions/apps other than warranty, OTA updates, and automatic app updates?
2) Do ALL apps run ok from the external SD (eg top of the line games, Polaris office etc) - is there any slow down?
3) If, at a later point, I flash a later stock ROM (what would normally be an OTA update) release will it still find all the apps and their data on the SD card?
4) If an app is updated in the store is it easy to update it onto the SD when you know the update is available
I'm sorry if I'm asking the same question that others have asked but I've been searching for days. Many thanks for links or direct answers to these questions. I'd really love a 32GB or above and I'm giving it until the upcoming US release to see if this is a trigger for global release but there are already some pretty tasty deals in the 16GB format on contract here in the UK
Many thanks in advance for your help
Ben
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) u will never lose anything even the warranty & ota by using triangle away
2)using special directory binding tools with a class 10 micro sd HC u will got no problem at all running from Ext SD
3)resetting the counter then wipe then flash stock rom ur device will return brand new official
4)yes.
↖(^▽^)↗ Sent From Rego Galaxy Note!! ↖(^▽^)↗

Thank you so much for the reply, sorry if it was a simple question, pushing me more toward the 16gb now (I'd be saving a lot of money on my contract if I upgrade!). - I actually went into the store today to buy one, fate must have stopped me because they only had white in stock (I want grey) lol.
So if I root and use triangle away to reset counter I can still get OTA updates? - that's cool (I'm sure ill be flashing new roms before long anyway - used to love messing with the OS on my XDA exec back in the day - so this isn't too important, but nice to know)
Thank you for confirming apps will have no significant problems running form the SD (I know that things like widget apps need to be in the on-board memory)
I think I've understood correctly from reading around that SD mounted apps will not "automatically" update, again that doesn't bother me - I'm sure there are apps out there that can "watch" for new releases - time to do another search.
I'm not to scared about getting back from root should I have a problem now (I.e. factory reset) - thank you
One more question, if you don't mind:
I've been reading about directory bind quiet a lot over the past few weeks (trying to answer the above questions you answered in 2mins!) - is there a good app that you would recommend for directory binding? There's several on the store and, TBH, the reviews don't really help me make a decision. I did catch somewhere that there was a method to trick the phone into thinking the external SD was the Internal SD and vice versa - what's your views on that?
I think it's funny that rooting invalidates your warranty when even the samsung App Store has program's that require root!
Once again, thanks for the reply

[Q] Is my i927 partly-unlocked? (wanna update to ICS, hence asking)

Well, first things first...
I am a noob, and this is the first time I am using an android phone (moving from the Nokia N97 and Nokia C6). So please be patient (and tolerant).
The dealer I got this phone from wasnt sure if it was soft-unlocked (the ones which get locked if you update OS) or otherwise, and he most certainly didnt have (or give me) the unlock code.
The phone has been a delight for the past 3 months, and I love the the stunned look on the faces of everyone around, when I slide open the keyboard!! However, after doing a google search I discovered that there's an ICS update for the i927. And that has resulted in me googling to find out the likelyhood that my phone will re-lock to ATT.
To my surprise (or inability), I couldnt find a definite answer/guide as to what users of unlocked i927s, who do not have the unlock code, should do exactly, to "safely" update to ICS.
I have downloaded most of the tools (Odin 3.07, EFS 2.0.7 and the "I927UCLJ3_I927ATTLJ3_ATT" stock from samfirmware). And I had KIES and the drivers installed from day 1.
But the problem is that I dont have a road-map. Or a troubleshooting guide, in case I encounter unanticipated errors/crashes.
The other thing is uncertainty about the phone getting "re-locked". Some mobile repair guys say I should flash the update with my eyes closed (it wont re-lock to ATT, they say). However, the other side disuades me, and I have yet to find an across-the-counter shop which will give me an unlock code.
Of course, I think I can live without the update if I have to. But, I was hoping for a bit of help (or a step-by-step or link-by-link guide).
The other thing I want to know is whether flashing the ATT ICS update can also corrupt my IMEI details (and hence the need to back up with EFS)??
Finally, I would like mention that my phone is an un-rooted i927 (ATT) running Android 2.3.6.
Any help would be really be appreciated.

Not sure what to make of this..
The lack of replies has made me (even more) doubtful if a noob like me would be able to update my i927. I hope someone can tell me if my i927 is "updateable" or is the ICS update preferably for only the "authentic" i927 handsets??

sachnadkarni said:
The lack of replies has made me (even more) doubtful if a noob like me would be able to update my i927. I hope someone can tell me if my i927 is "updateable" or is the ICS update preferably for only the "authentic" i927 handsets??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a SIM card from something not using the AT&T network, put it in. That will tell you if your phone is SIM unlocked or not (I think that's what you're asking).
In theory, applying the ICS update may re-lock your phone; it depends on how it was SIM unlocked in the first place.
My recommendation is:
1) Update to ICS (it's worlds better than GB)
2) If the phone re-locks to AT&T, then just buy and unlock code for a few dollars

phone's current status
scotte9999 said:
If you have a SIM card from something not using the AT&T network, put it in. That will tell you if your phone is SIM unlocked or not (I think that's what you're asking).
In theory, applying the ICS update may re-lock your phone; it depends on how it was SIM unlocked in the first place.
My recommendation is:
1) Update to ICS (it's worlds better than GB)
2) If the phone re-locks to AT&T, then just buy and unlock code for a few dollars
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am already using a local SIM card on the phone (Airtel) since the day I bought the phone. All the features are working on the phone, except the WiFi tethering, which is also the biggest reason for my doubts (and reluctance) about flashing the ICS update. The WiFi tethering feature does not recognise my Airtel data connection (2G), making me to believe some features are still AT&T specific (like the ringtones feature).
The other thing is, re-locking is a significant concern, but its not the biggest concern (for me). Since I first visited the "Captivate Glide" section on this forum, I have read about problems like the IMEI number (or other important phone data) corrupting, bricking my phone (which I know no one in the world can guarantee against), or the phone getting stuck in the start up mode (read it somewhere here, although I dont know if it was an OS update related failure).
Anyways, I hope that clears up the current status of my i927, and thanks for replying.

A bit more help please...
I know I asking basic noob questions about updating, but I was hoping for a bit more guidance actually...
Like what do I do with the I927UCLJ3_I927ATTLJ3_ATT.zip file?? Do I unzip it, or just copy it the phone memory and reboot into Odin??
The other thing is I started the EFS app on my PC and connected my phone to it, but the IMEI and other numbers are just all 0s. So, I am thinking, I did something wrong there as well...
I am well aware that no one in the world can guarantee against bricking a phone. I just want to have a proper guide on how to update, so that I have the best odds possible

sachnadkarni said:
I know I asking basic noob questions about updating, but I was hoping for a bit more guidance actually...
1. Like what do I do with the I927UCLJ3_I927ATTLJ3_ATT.zip file?? Do I unzip it, or just copy it the phone memory and reboot into Odin??
2. The other thing is I started the EFS app on my PC and connected my phone to it, but the IMEI and other numbers are just all 0s. So, I am thinking, I did something wrong there as well...
I am well aware that no one in the world can guarantee against bricking a phone. I just want to have a proper guide on how to update, so that I have the best odds possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It seems you're trying to upgrade your Glide via Odin. Unzip the zip, get all the files, put them in Odin folder (NOT the SD card, Odin is a PC-based tool) in the forums to proceed.
EDIT: Google is man's best friend. This is the Odin guide I followed when just a week ago I'm still new to my Glide: http://androidromupdate.com/2012/11/10/i927uclj3-new-ics-4-0-4-for-samsung-sgh-i927-captivate-glide/
2. Your EFS may already be dead Or I don't know, never used that tool before.
Sent from Samsung Captivate Glide @ I927UCLJ3

Okay I'll still advice you use the efs tool to. Back up your efs foder,then put your phone in download mode, using Odin flash the stock ICS ROM when its through flash any of the recovery through Odin again then allow the phone to reboot. you can now flash any of the ROMs I prefer the lite ROM anyways.
Good luck.
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda premium

[Q] Easiest way to copy entire rom and contents of one Xperia Play phone to another?

My current Xperia Play (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread 2.3.4, Verizon) of 3 years is starting to fail/shutdown when I open the slider - I have to restart the phone to get it running again - it works fine as long as I don't open the slider which fails randomly). I bought another Xperia Play online (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread, 2.3.3) to replace the existing one.
There has to be a way for me to copy the entire rom contents from the existing phone to the new one since the phones are exactly the same - correct? If so, how would I do this? (I currently have ROM Toolkit and Titanium Backup paid versions with installed key on both phones). The replacement phone works fine. It may be obvious to you how to do this but your help would be VERY much appreciated since I've never done this before. ROM Toolkit doesn't make it obvious if there's a way to do that. I've also searched the forums a bit and no luck so far unless I missed something. Thanks for your time!

haskamr2 said:
My current Xperia Play (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread 2.3.4, Verizon) of 3 years is starting to fail/shutdown when I open the slider - I have to restart the phone to get it running again - it works fine as long as I don't open the slider which fails randomly). I bought another Xperia Play online (r800x, rooted, Gingerbread, 2.3.3) to replace the existing one.
There has to be a way for me to copy the entire rom contents from the existing phone to the new one since the phones are exactly the same - correct? If so, how would I do this? (I currently have ROM Toolkit and Titanium Backup paid versions with installed key on both phones). The replacement phone works fine. It may be obvious to you how to do this but your help would be VERY much appreciated since I've never done this before. ROM Toolkit doesn't make it obvious if there's a way to do that. I've also searched the forums a bit and no luck so far unless I missed something. Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As your doing a straight copy from R800x to R800x, best thing is to make a nandroid backup from Clockwork Mod then take out the memory card dferom your old PLAY and put it in the new phone. Boot into recovery and restore the nandroid. BAM.... done

I wish it were that simple...still no luck
ozzmanj1 said:
As your doing a straight copy from R800x to R800x, best thing is to make a nandroid backup from Clockwork Mod then take out the memory card dferom your old PLAY and put it in the new phone. Boot into recovery and restore the nandroid. BAM.... done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know for sure the phone is rooted, which I did myself. It has Superuser access, I was able to remove Verizon bloatware, etc... I downloaded/paid for ROM Manager Premium v5.5.3.2 and I already had the paid version of ROM ToolBox Pro. I have tried to create a backup of my existing rom on both apps and no luck. It restarts the phone but it comes back up just like a regular reboot. ROM Manager didn't create the folder it designated for the backup.
There is no mention to do so but am I supposed to unlock the bootloader before trrying to backup my rom? When I goto Sony's page about unlocking the bootloader(http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions) it walks me through the first steps to check if the bootloader is locked or not - it tells me this:
"First, you should confirm that it is possible to unlock the boot loader of your device by checking the service menu. In your device, open the dialler and enter *#*#7378423#*#* to access the service menu. If you have a tablet, click here to learn how access the service menu.
In your device, tap Service info > Configuration > Rooting Status. If Bootloader unlock allowed says Yes, then you can continue with the next step. If it says No, or if the status is missing, your device cannot be unlocked." - well, I enter the code, goto Service Info, Configuration, and that's it - I can't get to "Rooting Status". The page shows the MEID #, MEID Software version, Available Speech Codecs, and Working Bands.That's it - and I get the same result on the other phone I have.
So if I don't need to worry about unlocking the bootloader(because it wasn't mentioned in several how to guides online like this one: http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...nandroid-backup-and-clockworkmod-rom-manager/ , then how come I'm not able to backup my existing rom using either apps before I attempt to copy over the rom from my other phone? *sigh*
Thanks for your time once again.

Yes you need to have an unlocked bootloader. For the r800x I would recommend doomkernel. If you need more help there is a thread for it on the developement thread, I believe that tells you exactly how to do it.
Sent from my R800at using xda premium

Here is the DoomKernel:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1368636
If the download links in the thread are dead let me know and I will provide a link to my collection.

Thanks Ozzmanj1...but....
ozzmanj1 said:
Here is the DoomKernel:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1368636
If the download links in the thread are dead let me know and I will provide a link to my collection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided I don't want to go that far(messing with Kernel and Bootloader) since the phone is working great - I got all my games/apps installed with the 64gb MicroSDHC class 10 card, cleaned up all the dead files using SD Maid, deleted and restored the Dalvik Cache, cleaned out ../system/app/ folder of unneeded apks, and I'm running at optimum now(no low disk space icon showing which is a nag for this phone). This phone is "pimped out" to the max and I've decided to just use Mybackup Pro to save everything out and I'm going to make a full copy of the sd card in the next couple days so I don't lose anything again. I'm concerned that if I tinker with bootloader/kernel that something will go wrong. I have no problem rooting or doing extensive fiddling for optimal performance however. :cyclops:
Internal has 43MB free, 342MB used.
SD card has 24GB free, 35GB used.
Thanks again for your efforts & time to help out!!!

Have you tried using x-Parts? I got recovery through this way, and it doesn't require an Unlocked Bootloader, you just have to be rooted.
However, I'm unsure as to whether it would still work on yours, as yours is an R800x and mine is a R800i.
Link to the App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=en_GB

Thanks AzNTypeR!...
AzNTypeR said:
Have you tried using x-Parts? I got recovery through this way, and it doesn't require an Unlocked Bootloader, you just have to be rooted.
However, I'm unsure as to whether it would still work on yours, as yours is an R800x and mine is a R800i.
Link to the App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pvy.CWMinstaler&hl=en_GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will check it out - from the user comments in Google Play it appears that it does work on r800x's - to access installed recovery it was noted that the update says to push any button on reboot but users found that the volume down button was the only button that works(maybe this was fixed in an update?). It sure looks like the r800x is more of a pain to toy with than the r800i and other gsm phones. I love Verizon networks but I don't care for their extra headaches using cdma.

X-tools uses a portion of your system folder to store the recovery. So if you install x-parts/tools and flash a new rom you will lose the recovery an will have to re-install the software.