Yes, we're all noobs!!!
I have a brand new Excalibur (I bricked my first one five mins. out of the box) and I attempt to upgrade following instructions on the tutorial posted on these forums.
What's not stated on said tutorial (and no one tells you, only after you bricked your phone) is that YOU MUST BACK UP YOUR ORIGINAL ROM before the upgrade, because if anything goes wrong, that is the only ROM you can flash to your phone to restore it, otherwise IT IS BRICKED. (Believe me, it happened to me).
So, to all you experts reading these, please, help us noobs and post here a complete guide on how to back up your original ROM.
We will thank and worship you forever!!!
These days, there is no need to backup your own Rom.
We have a collection of ROMs on this site alone. Or in my signature.
I do suggest to download one prior to updating your ROM.
This forum uses most of a collection of ROM i have uploaded for everyone.
Click here for the forum of original ROMS
Mikey1022 said:
These days, there is no need to backup your own Rom.
We have a collection of ROMs on this site alone. Or in my signature.
I do suggest to download one prior to updating your ROM.
This forum uses most of a collection of ROM i have uploaded for everyone.
Click here for the forum of original ROMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two questions: Firstly, there is no official O2 Xda Cosmo ROM or? Secondly, if you back up the ROM first, how can you flash it back to the device? Is there a tutorial for this?
Thanks
READ this thread
uccellino said:
I have two questions: Firstly, there is no official O2 Xda Cosmo ROM or? Secondly, if you back up the ROM first, how can you flash it back to the device? Is there a tutorial for this?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i'm waiting for the official O2 Xda cosmo ROM. i need it badly because my camera doesn't work anymore with new ROM. and i am totally agree to write a clear reminder to backup your original ROM first before upgrading in the upgrading ROM thread. just in case for noob like me....
Mikey1022 said:
READ this thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After rereading, I still have the questions:
1. How is it possible to flash back a saved backup ROM image?
2. If I use a USPL and then something goes wrong while flashing a cooked ROM, can I only re-flash my original ROM (i.e. for XDA Cosmo which doesn't exist)?
Thanks
Okay - maybe I just figured out the answer to my own question: if I flash the USPL-RUU first before flashing a ROM update, maybe this means I can reflash if something goes wrong? Is this correct, or is there a chance that the SPL get overwritten before the error and I still get stuck?
Well, in fact, it is necessary...
Mikey1022 said:
These days, there is no need to backup your own Rom.
We have a collection of ROMs on this site alone. Or in my signature.
I do suggest to download one prior to updating your ROM.
This forum uses most of a collection of ROM i have uploaded for everyone.
Click here for the forum of original ROMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...When I mean original ROM, I mean the ROM that could only work on a CID-Locked-by-a-carrier Excalibur, not the HTC WW ROM release.
Also, many of us noobs are international, I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
velascoperroni said:
...When I mean original ROM, I mean the ROM that could only work on a CID-Locked-by-a-carrier Excalibur, not the HTC WW ROM release.
Also, many of us noobs are international, I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it's quite easy to CID unlock your phone to load whatever ROM you want. Much easier in fact, than dumping your current ROM and restoring it. I was able to flash my first ROM within about 30 minutes of reading on this forum, and had no problems at all.
velascoperroni said:
...When I mean original ROM, I mean the ROM that could only work on a CID-Locked-by-a-carrier Excalibur, not the HTC WW ROM release.
Also, many of us noobs are international, I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree with you
I just have no idea how to restore a backed-up ROM and I haven't read anything saying how to do it either. As you say, many of us a stuck with devices CID locked to some international ROM that is impossible to get.
So once again the question: Does anyone know how to re-flash a backed-up ROM?
I'm no expert but all I'm going to say is this. If you have a Rom from a different carrier that has not leaked to the public, then you are probably out of luck. You take the risk of hoping your phone will not have serious problems down the line of your contract or usage. You should pick up insurance on your phone depending on the stipulations your carrier has about lost or stolen or even broken phones. In that case you could return/replace your phone if need be after modifying it to your liking. I also would suggest that the entire reason we are here is that we don't want to be like the norm. We want what we paid for and don't want to be restricted. It's a risk. You must make that choice and succeed or fail that's not anyone's problem but your own. With all the Roms out there you should find one to your liking. If you brick your phone which seems so much more difficult than my razr modding days, than sell it for parts and lesson learned.
In the U.S. the Open Headset Alliance is our future so what we do to our phones in the future will be our choice.
Good Modding
Pfunk
C'mon guys...
Wy all the negativity?
I'm I conspiring against copyright laws if I want to have a backup of the ROM I paid for?
Is backing up a ROM frowned upon on this community? or is it so easy (from what I can gather it requires "dumping" and "restoring") that it is even insulting for me to ask you how to do it?
Yes, we are all here because we don't conform to the norm, but we are all HERE to help each other out. Why the closure? Why the elitism?
Like all of you, I want to take full advantage of the piece of technology I acquired without the restrictions installed on them by the phone corps. Yes, I would like to have the minimum risks while doing so, and yes, I would like to do it as cost effective as I can, just as anyone of you would.
It is a risk to upgrade a Cid.Locked phone with the bypass provided on this website, It happened to me and to many: USB cord unplugs and voila, bricked phone.
One alternative is to pay $40 bucks for a permanent Cid.Unlock, which will allow you to flash and flash and flash, even if you get stuck in the middle of one process.
The other, used by many here who wont pay, is to use the Cid bypass, while having a backup original rom "just in case".
What I only ask (for myself and my peer noobs) is to have this same other alternative as many, many of you.
Really, is it to hard to post the following?
1. Downoad these softwares;
2. Do this to "dump";
3. Do that to "restore";
4. To re-flash, do this.
C'mon, all for one and one for all right?
p.s. For my friend asking how to re-flash a backed up ROM, from what I've gathered, it goes something like this: your backed up ROM must be in a *.bn format (I still don't know how to even achieve this); then you must get a hold of any HTC RUU Software, extract it (Winrar) and replace the *.bn file inside the extracted folder with your *.bn file; with the HTC connected in bootloader mode, run the exe file in the extracted folder.
velascoperroni said:
...I doubt that on the ROM database on this website we'll be able to find, say, the Movistar Mexico HTC Excalibur WM5 1.15.0000 ROM, which in my case, is the only one I would be able to flash in case anything goes wrong on the upgrade attempt. (I dedicated a week searching this ROM for the first Excalibur I bricked, no results)
Therefore - and I really hate to contradict -, for many of us, a ROM backup IS necessary and a tutorial from you experts on how to do it would be a great, great contribution to this community. (And also to the database, 'cause I'll definitively upload my ROM once I back it up)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Official ROMs collection is as full as I can make it. To have more images, we need everyone to upload ones that are missing to something like rapidshare, mediafire, or one of a few dozen other hosting sites, then tell up here on xda dev. Or upload it to several yourself. Spreading things on the net is much easier than ripping the ROM out anyway, and you benefit from the online backups, too.
So, yes, if you aren't going to back up your ROM, hope that someone else already has. Or, even better, be that first guy who does it, to make things easier for the rest of us. Besides, we might want to see what kinda goodies are tucked in the Movistar version
Indeed!
Profezza said:
...Or, even better, be that first guy who does it, to make things easier for the rest of us. Besides, we might want to see what kinda goodies are tucked in the Movistar version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the support Profezza, indeed I intend to be the first, but in order to do that, I need to know how to do it.
I'll keep my hopes up for someone to post here the procedure for backing up my own ROM.
Also, the Movistar version is pretty lame, at least it would be a language addition to the database since it is originally in Spanish.
velascoperroni said:
Thanks for the support Profezza, indeed I intend to be the first, but in order to do that, I need to know how to do it.
I'll keep my hopes up for someone to post here the procedure for backing up my own ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My post kinda ignored that point, as... I don't actually know how it is done.
velascoperroni said:
Also, the Movistar version is pretty lame, at least it would be a language addition to the database since it is originally in Spanish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the version # system is controlled by HTC and fairly consistent across brandings, so it looks like it is a rather old one, but yeah, it could handy just for the Spanish. And ya never know, maybe a better graphic or two in some odd corner. I'll come back and bump this if it looks like it is fading away.
velascoperroni said:
p.s. For my friend asking how to re-flash a backed up ROM, from what I've gathered, it goes something like this: your backed up ROM must be in a *.bn format (I still don't know how to even achieve this); then you must get a hold of any HTC RUU Software, extract it (Winrar) and replace the *.bn file inside the extracted folder with your *.bn file; with the HTC connected in bootloader mode, run the exe file in the extracted folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi velascoperroni!
Thank you for your help - this is helping me to get closer to understanding
Basically I have my old ROM image as .img files (actually 5 of them) produced by bkondisk, together with a log file saying what goes where. So now all we need to figure out is how to turn these back into a .bn file and we'll be in business. For info on bkondisk, which lets you save your ROM (as .img files), see this wiki http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=bkondisk
Could anyone point me to some resources on these two file formats? Then maybe we could come up with a conversion program when one doesnt exist
Getting closer!
Great, it seems we are getting closer to our goal!!!
But still surprises me that no one has posted a complete how to... perhaps the only few who know the deal haven't read this thread yet.
Now we know the following:
1. Bkondisk: software that allows to backup ROM in *.img format.
2. The original format of the ROM is *.bn
We don't know if the *.img file needs to be converted to *.bn or if they are compatible.
I also found out about an easier method to re-flash the ROM:
1. Format your SD Card in FAT32;
2. Copy your *.bn file to your SD Card;
3. Turn off phone, insert SD Card, Turn on phone in bootloader mode;
4. The phone should automatically recognize the ROM and start the flashing process.
Uccelino: Try placing the *.img file in the SD Card instead of the *.bn file. Maybe, just maybe the phone also recognizes *img files!
Getting closer!
Great, it seems we are getting closer to our goal!!!
But still surprises me that no one has posted a complete how to... perhaps the only few who know the deal haven't read this thread yet.
Now we know the following:
1. Bkondisk: software that allows to backup ROM in *.img format.
2. The original format of the ROM is *.bn
We don't know if the *.img file needs to be converted to *.bn or if they are compatible.
I also found out about an easier method to re-flash the ROM:
1. Format your SD Card in FAT32;
2. Copy your *.bin file to your SD Card;
3. Turn off phone, insert SD Card, Turn on phone in bootloader mode.
4. The phone should automatically recognize the ROM and start the flashing process.
Uccelino: Try placing the *.img file in the SD Card instead of the *.bin file. Maybe, just maybe the phone also recognizes *img files!
Also...
Sorry for the double post back there!!
Also check out this thread I started when I bricked my first Excalibur:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=378050
I never got a feasible response to wether sprite backup would work or not, and I did not want to spend $30 bucks to find out.
velascoperroni said:
Great, it seems we are getting closer to our goal!!!
But still surprises me that no one has posted a complete how to... perhaps the only few who know the deal haven't read this thread yet.
Now we know the following:
1. Bkondisk: software that allows to backup ROM in *.img format.
2. The original format of the ROM is *.bn
We don't know if the *.img file needs to be converted to *.bn or if they are compatible.
I also found out about an easier method to re-flash the ROM:
1. Format your SD Card in FAT32;
2. Copy your *.bin file to your SD Card;
3. Turn off phone, insert SD Card, Turn on phone in bootloader mode.
4. The phone should automatically recognize the ROM and start the flashing process.
Uccelino: Try placing the *.img file in the SD Card instead of the *.bin file. Maybe, just maybe the phone also recognizes *img files!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just had an idea: I will flash a ROM, back it up, and compare the *.bn files to the *.img files I get from backing up - maybe they are or are almost the same, and we can convert them
I will try. Thanks
Is it possible to edit and copy over image files contained in the ROM without destabilizing it? I am rather adept at photoshop...but my ROM is running so clean...I'd rather not cause it to go wonky
htc rom 6.0 standard...
Not really sure what images you're trying to change, but this might help....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=341753
Read the whole thread. Helpful stuff.
skyline247 said:
Not really sure what images you're trying to change, but this might help....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=341753
Read the whole thread. Helpful stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that thread will help him/her 'cause would need to flash for that, and he's trying to keep the rom the way it is, from what he said.
roloracer said:
I don't think that thread will help him/her 'cause would need to flash for that, and he's trying to keep the rom the way it is, from what he said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true. That would change his ROM. He/she didn't post what images he/she wanted to change, so not sure what they would like to do. I know that on other ROM's I have changed the boot and splash screens by overwriting the .PNG files, but I cannot find said files on this ROM, so it will probably involve flashing.
cont...
hewhoisnotasothers said:
Is it possible to edit and copy over image files contained in the ROM without destabilizing it? I am rather adept at photoshop...but my ROM is running so clean...I'd rather not cause it to go wonky
htc rom 6.0 standard...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found that using the htc unlock in this thread that you could then use a good explorer program, and copy over any images needed....I am trying to figure out what file to overwrite to change the startup splash screen, but otherwise this method works well....i now have personalized the images...such as the htc banner in contacts, and the in-call bg.
p.s.- this is a better alternative than alphanuma....at least on the rom i am running....
i am a newb at everything. i have no idea how to edit rgb565 files, but i want a custom splash screen. could somebody either tell me how to do it, or add DK MODS in the top gray section of this splash? thanks in advance.
sorry, change of plans
i changed my boot animation to dancedroid, so i changed my boot screen to match. instructions would still be appreciated, but instead of adding DK MODS to the other one, please add it to the attached one. thanks again for all your experience.
dkdude36 said:
i changed my boot animation to dancedroid, so i changed my boot screen to match. instructions would still be appreciated, but instead of adding DK MODS to the other one, please add it to the attached one. thanks again for all your experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=726710
(below is the rbg converter tool)
or, if you have s-off you need to do this (unrevoked forever)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=753788
and this (with evo specific instructions)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=771179
wow thanks, but isnt working.
hi nicolaaas. thanks for helping me out. does this tool work on a mac? if so, how? thanks again in advandce.
not on a mac
thanks again for your help, but i forgot to mention i have a mac. i can't open exe files. or if i can, i dont know how. if you have these files on a mac, that would be great. thanks
dkdude36 said:
thanks again for your help, but i forgot to mention i have a mac. i can't open exe files. or if i can, i dont know how. if you have these files on a mac, that would be great. thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no i do not. i seems alot of stuff for android is just for windows use. i would suggest getting vmwares virtual machine and running windows in there. it will take a while to set all the networking up on there but in the end should be worth it
thanks, and another problem
i think i might get vmwares in the future, but the price of windows 7 sickens me. i am running on a friends windows laptop right now, and have the convertor program open, but it won't let me put any rgb565 files in to be converted. thanks for all your help so far. also, do you know if vmwares costs any money itself? i'll google it...
don't have an image to customize
okey, i have read both of the links you have given me very thouroghly, but niether one tells me how to convert an rgb565 to an img or a jpg in order to customize it. is it as simple as doing all the command prompts in reverse? thanks once again
hey guys,
i was wondering if there was a way like there is to change the banner name from sprint using CDMA, but to change the software name of the rom itself?
i''ve customized my rom so much and still plan on making many other changes, and i would like to reflect that on the rom name as well but can't seem to turn up anything with search...
thanks a ton
The name is in the buildprop
i know when you typed that up it was extremely clear in your mind...
but, where is buildprop? only tools i've used so far are QPST, CDMA, adb, and xUltimate....any of those have access to buildprop or is that through one of the "kitchens"?
lol. Sorry
The build.prop is in the system folder. There are many different ways to access it but the easiest way is probably with the phone itself.
You can use root explorer to mount r/w and edit it with the phone. Once you finish, remount r/o.....reboot and done.
Why is it that important to change the name of the Rom? The only place I can think that it really shows that is in about software. So unless you are trying to take credit for someone elses rom and show it off what would be the advantage ?
Most roms are built off others. Just give credit where credit is due.
this is not going to be shown to anyone else. and yeah a rom is built off another rom, but then the rom i'm downloading, which was built off another, should have that original rom's name, not the new one...so?
this is a change for me, and only for me.
thanks for the help bluebeast, made the change already