Develop Bugs

To root or not to root, that is the question

Please feel free to move this in another section if a mod feels like it's out of place.
I'm new to Android, but not new to HTC devices. I used to have a WM6.1 (later 6.5) HTC Fuze/Touch Pro. Part of the reason I preferred an HTC phone over a Samsung or other manufacturer is the XDA community.
That being said, I understand that rooting seems to be the equivalent of doing the hard SPL on WM which enables you to flash a custom ROM.
I also understand there was an OTA patch on the launch day that addressed the microSD card issue and the root vulnerability.
So I guess this is really a two part question - the only thing I'm interested in rooting for is free tethering (I don't really care if it's over wi-fi or USB cable, either is fine but I suppose I'd prefer wi-fi). As far as programs and all that, I'm happy with everything that is already on the phone.
I've also read that cooked ROMs "degrade" over time - is this true? And is it true for stock ROMs as well?
1. Is there a root that gets by the latest OTA update?
2. Other than wi-fi tethering and some other apps, what advantages does rooting have? I'd rather not totally **** my phone up... but if it's just as easy if not easier to root than it is to do a hard SPL, then PLEASE let me know. I feel dumb reading some of these "easy guides" for rooting and they don't answer all of my questions. For example, if any of the root methods bypasses the most recent OTA.
Perhaps there are more answers in the comments, but I don't want read that much while I'm at work. Yes, call me lazy if you want.
Many, many thanks in advance, and if someone wanted to write a pre-school level rooting guide with pics, that would be AWESOME and I'd be eternally indebted to you... that is if rooting gives me more hookups then just wi-fi tethering.

pekosROB said:
I've also read that cooked ROMs "degrade" over time - is this true? And is it true for stock ROMs as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know what you mean by the "degrade"... but if you're talking about ROM's not being maintained for their entire life cycle, that happens rarely here. Alll the Dev's here seem to maintain there ROM's very well, users send feedback in a variety of ways so that the ROM's are always up to date and customized with each new version. Stock ROM's are just that, stock. They don't usually get much customization and aren't maintained, because of the newer more customized ROM's that are put out by the Dev's.
pekosROB said:
1. Is there a root that gets by the latest OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
pekosROB said:
2. Other than wi-fi tethering and some other apps, what advantages does rooting have? I'd rather not totally **** my phone up... but if it's just as easy if not easier to root than it is to do a hard SPL, then PLEASE let me know. I feel dumb reading some of these "easy guides" for rooting and they don't answer all of my questions. For example, if any of the root methods bypasses the most recent OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're someone that likes to overclock your phone, you now have that ability; on top of the other things you mentioned (tethering, customizable ROM's, etc). Also, rooting isn't very hard at all, just follow the directions as stated and you'll be good to go. If you really want a seamlessly (but limited) root hack -- you can use the UnRevoked method, which is a simple application that basically toggles root access for you on your phone. Toast's method is a bit more in depth, but if you have experience with hacking your phone, you'll be fine.
And yes, these root methods BYPASS! the most recent OTA.
pekosROB said:
Perhaps there are more answers in the comments, but I don't want read that much while I'm at work. Yes, call me lazy if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed you are.
pekosROB said:
Many, many thanks in advance, and if someone wanted to write a pre-school level rooting guide with pics, that would be AWESOME and I'd be eternally indebted to you... that is if rooting gives me more hookups then just wi-fi tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a couple of threads already featuring "How-To" root with pictures. Please look in the Android Development thread.

I did a root. The only real positive thing is the free wifi tethering. But you can do that w/ the unrevoked root which is mind numbingly easy.
The different ROMs aren't dramatically shocking exactly. When 2.2 is final and error free I will flash to that. Otherwise my phone works just fine.

pseudoremora said:
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
rutter9 said:
I did a root. The only real positive thing is the free wifi tethering. But you can do that w/ the unrevoked root which is mind numbingly easy.
The different ROMs aren't dramatically shocking exactly. When 2.2 is final and error free I will flash to that. Otherwise my phone works just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like I just need to look for the UnRevoked method since all I really care about is wifi tethering.
Has this been working with full 4G access as well? Not that it matters right now since I'm not in a 4G market, but soon hope to be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

pseudoremora said:
Yes, you can use either the UnRevoked method or Toast's method -- I recommend using Toast's method as it will give you full root access.
Oh yeah, and anything that backs up all the apps and settings and **** on my phone? Otherwise I'd have to write it all down the old fashion way... that's the main reason I don't wanna fully root, because I'm lazy and I doubt I'll use all the benefits... but then again... if i Could find something that backed everything up and my info, I'd be in heaven.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

pekosROB said:
Oh yeah, and anything that backs up all the apps and settings and **** on my phone? Otherwise I'd have to write it all down the old fashion way... that's the main reason I don't wanna fully root, because I'm lazy and I doubt I'll use all the benefits... but then again... if i Could find something that backed everything up and my info, I'd be in heaven.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to have the ability to backup everything on your phone, you can use Titanium Backup (it's in the Market; and you mighr need root -- use UnRevoked) or use Toast's method and be able to do Nandroid back ups, which would image your phone and save it, so you can restore it at a later date.

pseudoremora said:
In order to have the ability to backup everything on your phone, you can use Titanium Backup (it's in the Market; and you mighr need root -- use UnRevoked) or use Toast's method and be able to do Nandroid back ups, which would image your phone and save it, so you can restore it at a later date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.

pekosROB said:
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Skip this ^ part, it's redundant with the next part.
use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: nevermind, forgot you wanted to back it all up prior to full root.

pekosROB said:
So it sounds like my best option is to use unrevoked in order to use Titanium Backup and then after that save the backup on the SD card and use toast's method to get full access, use titanium backup to recall info, and then use nandroid from there on out? Sounds like a lot of work - but at least I don't have to redownload and enter all my info in everything again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No No No.
You don't even have to worry about backing up your phone before rooting; there is a stock RUU image that will allow you to bring your phone back to factory default settings if you happen to screw up anything during rooting your phone or if you just want to go back to Stock period.
I would just root your phone using Toast's method, its really not that hard. If you want to tether and be able to backup your phone; having a full root access hack is preferred, plus then you have the ability to customize your phone with new themes, kernels, etc... and you may say you don't want to do that; but believe me you will.
Also, in regards to "recalling info" -- what do you mean? Since you're new to Android, i'll tell you that Google manages all your information for you. Your contacts, you Email, your apps, etc. If you move to another phone, your contacts and your Email will come with you. When you first get your phone, you have to sign in with a Gmail account, that account houses all your information for the phone and as such also keeps tracks of all your contacts and what not. Titanium Backup isn't really needed, if you're worried about losing information or whatever initially before rooting, then sure -- use it. Otherwise, if you already have all your information associated with your Gmail account that's being used by the phone, then I'd just root and after you've rooted, then do a Nandroid backup.

Jye75 said:
Skip this ^ part, it's redundant with the next part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I thought doing a full root wipes your device clean? I'm trying to back it up before doing Toast's root in order to not have to configure everything again (Besides phone settings).

pekosROB said:
But I thought doing a full root wipes your device clean? I'm trying to back it up before doing Toast's root in order to not have to configure everything again (Besides phone settings).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited my post... forgot about that.

pseudoremora said:
Also, in regards to "recalling info" -- what do you mean? Since you're new to Android, i'll tell you that Google manages all your information for you. Your contacts, you Email, your apps, etc. If you move to another phone, your contacts and your Email will come with you. When you first get your phone, you have to sign in with a Gmail account, that account houses all your information for the phone and as such also keeps tracks of all your contacts and what not. Titanium Backup isn't really needed, if you're worried about losing information or whatever initially before rooting, then sure -- use it. Otherwise, if you already have all your information associated with your Gmail account that's being used by the phone, then I'd just root and after you've rooted, then do a Nandroid backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Recalling info" means website logins, eBuddy accounts, settings for particular programs, my checkbook program with all the info in it.
I understand a lot of programs put **** on the SDcard, but will the actual programs that I've downloaded to the phone still be there? Rooting doesn't require a hard reset unless you mess up the process?
I understand the contacts and email - I'm not worried about that. Since I'm such a dedicated Gmail user I wanted to get into Android.

pekosROB said:
"Recalling info" means website logins, eBuddy accounts, settings for particular programs, my checkbook program with all the info in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't do any of that, I wipe my cache and history, just because. But I would presume Titanium backup would take care of this, I've never needed to use Titanium, so I don't know.
pekosROB said:
I understand a lot of programs put **** on the SDcard, but will the actual programs that I've downloaded to the phone still be there? Rooting doesn't require a hard reset unless you mess up the process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the programs will not be there. Froyo 2.2 should allow for this to happen though. Our phones are currently running Android 2.1 and Toast's method will wipe everything on the phone when you begin the rooting process (so yes, its a "hard reset").

Here is an awesome question and answer blog to root or not to root. Good read for the noobs!
http://www.androidcentral.com/rooting-it-me-some-qa

I come from a similar background as you, WinMo to Android. I will say the current options after rooting are limited. I went ahead and did it, and honestly the only thing I feel happened was I spent hours reconfiguring my home screens and settings/apps. The phone doesn't feel any faster and it doesn't have any new capabilities.
I appreciate the time the people put into ROMs and rooting and I know its hard work, its just too early to get a lot of tangible benefits.
If I could I would go back, I would just use UnrEVOked (I did for a few days). It's your stock ROM with the ability to tether. That's all most people would really want right now anyways.

Breakthecycle2 said:
Here is an awesome question and answer blog to root or not to root. Good read for the noobs!
http://www.androidcentral.com/rooting-it-me-some-qa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks!
Pops_G said:
I come from a similar background as you, WinMo to Android. I will say the current options after rooting are limited. I went ahead and did it, and honestly the only thing I feel happened was I spent hours reconfiguring my home screens and settings/apps. The phone doesn't feel any faster and it doesn't have any new capabilities.
I appreciate the time the people put into ROMs and rooting and I know its hard work, its just too early to get a lot of tangible benefits.
If I could I would go back, I would just use UnrEVOked (I did for a few days). It's your stock ROM with the ability to tether. That's all most people would really want right now anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I might just stick with UnrEVOked then. Do I just search for a tether app on the marketplace that says "root required"?
pseudoremora said:
I don't do any of that, I wipe my cache and history, just because. But I would presume Titanium backup would take care of this, I've never needed to use Titanium, so I don't know.
Currently the programs will not be there. Froyo 2.2 should allow for this to happen though. Our phones are currently running Android 2.1 and Toast's method will wipe everything on the phone when you begin the rooting process (so yes, its a "hard reset").
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so will the Sprint TV program and that kinda stuff be back? Because it sounds like it'll wipe it back to factory settings, allow for root access, but it'll still have the default programs when I'm done rooting that came with the phone out of the box?
Sorry, I am a total noob at Android Rooting. But I can hard SPL and flash cooked ROMs on WM all day long... haha pathetic.
XDA members ARE THE ****! :-D

pekosROB said:
OK, so will the Sprint TV program and that kinda stuff be back? Because it sounds like it'll wipe it back to factory settings, allow for root access, but it'll still have the default programs when I'm done rooting that came with the phone out of the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That's exactly what will happen. You'll have a stock, rooted phone, which you can now install a custom recovery image onto (The recovery image is how you would make backups of your phone, install custom themes, ROM's, wipe your phone, etc).
pekosROB said:
Sorry, I am a total noob at Android Rooting. But I can hard SPL and flash cooked ROMs on WM all day long... haha pathetic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's understandable, everyone here at some point or another was a "noob", but that changes quickly!

pseudoremora said:
Yes. That's exactly what will happen. You'll have a stock, rooted phone, which you can now install a custom recovery image onto (The recovery image is how you would make backups of your phone, install custom themes, ROM's, wipe your phone, etc).
It's understandable, everyone here at some point or another was a "noob", but that changes quickly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing this at work and want to make it as stress free as possible...
I'm looking at the Rooting instructions by Toast, and I've noticed it says to not accept any OTAs once you root. So is there a chance my microSD card will not work? Or has this issue been resolved/updated?
Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690762
or this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=685835
Once I root with the PC36IMG, do I then immediately have to install a ROM like this to get it back to stock?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=693980
But only after doing the Recovery? I think I got this figured out about 75%... heh

pekosROB said:
I'm doing this at work and want to make it as stress free as possible...
I'm looking at the Rooting instructions by Toast, and I've noticed it says to not accept any OTAs once you root. So is there a chance my microSD card will not work? Or has this issue been resolved/updated?
Here is the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690762
or this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=685835
Once I root with the PC36IMG, do I then immediately have to install a ROM like this to get it back to stock?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=693980
But only after doing the Recovery? I think I got this figured out about 75%... heh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright,
You need to follow the steps in THIS thread first. This is the first part of rooting your Evo using Toast's method. The first part will allow you to gain only about 50% root access and you'll also be able to use Amon_RA's recovery to make a Nandroid backup and flash a custom ROM; but hold off on that until you've completed the next step, continue reading...
Then you need to follow Toast's SECOND part of the rooting process, this process will complete the root hack altogether. This second part will give you full root access on every partition on the phone (which was missing in part 1). After you complete this second part, you can NOW install a custom ROM, recovery, etc.
So, basically, do the first part -- after you've completed it, do the second part... the second part will look similar to the first, but download all the new files and follow the directions as written! You'll see that the last step in the second part will instruct you to install Amon_RA's recovery image, do that. After that's done, you now have:
1. Full root access
2. A Custom recovery image (Amon_RA's)
3. You can make a Nandroid back up
4. Can install/flash custom ROM's
5. Tether
6. Etc.
To boot into recovery mode, do as follows:
1. Turn of your phone -- hold the power button, choose power off.
2. Press Volume Down + Power, until you see a white bootloading screen, using your Volume rocker keys (up and down), choose recovery.. then to select "recovery", click the Power button. Your phone will reboot, and go into recovery. This is where you can make a Nandroid backup and flash custom ROM's. Follow the instructions in recovery to navigate around it.
Also, as far as flashing custom ROM's goes, please look at this link
This is the Wiki page for all the current ROM's that have been made for the Evo.
If you get stuck or need anymore help -- continue asking questions; but please also look at this before doing so.

pseudoremora said:
Alright,
You need to follow the steps in THIS thread first. This is the first part of rooting your Evo using Toast's method. The first part will allow you to gain only about 50% root access and you'll also be able to use Amon_RA's recovery to make a Nandroid backup and flash a custom ROM; but hold off on that until you've completed the next step, continue reading...
Then you need to follow Toast's SECOND part of the rooting process, this process will complete the root hack altogether. This second part will give you full root access on every partition on the phone (which was missing in part 1). After you complete this second part, you can NOW install a custom ROM, recovery, etc.
So, basically, do the first part -- after you've completed it, do the second part... the second part will look similar to the first, but download all the new files and follow the directions as written! You'll see that the last step in the second part will instruct you to install Amon_RA's recovery image, do that. After that's done, you now have:
1. Full root access
2. A Custom recovery image (Amon_RA's)
3. You can make a Nandroid back up
4. Can install/flash custom ROM's
5. Tether
6. Etc.
To boot into recovery mode, do as follows:
1. Turn of your phone -- hold the power button, choose power off.
2. Press Volume Down + Power, until you see a white bootloading screen, using your Volume rocker keys (up and down), choose recovery.. then to select "recovery", click the Power button. Your phone will reboot, and go into recovery. This is where you can make a Nandroid backup and flash custom ROM's. Follow the instructions in recovery to navigate around it.
Also, as far as flashing custom ROM's goes, please look at this link
This is the Wiki page for all the current ROM's that have been made for the Evo.
If you get stuck or need anymore help -- continue asking questions; but please also look at this before doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet, thanks. I've already gotten the first part of the root access done, I'm just on that part where I have rename the file on the card.

[Q] Root Time!

Well my G2 is still very fast but now I think its time for it to follow my G1s "root"s. I am going to root this phone after I find out whether or not if:
My G2's current apps and info will still be on my phone after I root?
What app is a good enough to back up my phone completely?
What information will I lose if I do root?
Seems a little bit different rooting than the G1, I see many parts where some may get confused...

Blackman778g said:
Well my G2 is still very fast but now I think its time for it to follow my G1s "root"s. I am going to root this phone after I find out whether or not if:
My G2's current apps and info will still be on my phone after I root?
What app is a good enough to back up my phone completely?
What information will I lose if I do root?
Seems a little bit different rooting than the G1, I see many parts where some may get confused...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're going to simply root, all you're doing is adding the Superuser Whitelist and modifying the /system folder a bit. No wipe required unless you flash a custom ROM, in which case you can use Titanium Backup.

blackknightavalon said:
If you're going to simply root, all you're doing is adding the Superuser Whitelist and modifying the /system folder a bit. No wipe required unless you flash a custom ROM, in which case you can use Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright now it sounds clear to me, thanks for the help.

[Q] Newb questions about rooting/roms

So i have an HTC Evo with the latest OTA update 3.70.651.1. Completely stock, non rooted. I know very little about both rooting and roms other then what i quickly went over in a few Q&A's here.
Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom? if so what does this accomplish?
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Thanks

Im not sure what to do, if anything, so i thought id ask here. Primarily id like to be able to delete unwanted stock apps/bloatware and backup the entire phone (like making a recovery image). Itd be nice to be able to wirelessly tether but this isnt necessary. Other then that id like to keep it the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to root to do this.
Is it possible to root but use the stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. Thats what I do. The only reason I rooted was for wireless tether, and titanium backup. Other than that, I didnt want another rom, I love the stock one.
if so what does this accomplish?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what you just asked for in the previous paragraph.
Is there a risk free way to accomplish my goals?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. There is ALWAYS a risk when doing anything in life, and rooting your phone in no different. However, it is actually quite difficult to completely brick your phone. Most of the time, if you follow the directions, you will be fine. But if you do screw up, you can usually just flash a stock ruu and redo it.

Thanks for the information. Is there anything the free version of titanium backup doesnt backup? What does a nandroid backup save?
Also will rooting alone allow me to delete any app on the phone?
Lastly what would be the recommended way for someone new like me to root my phone (or resources i can use to pick a method)? Is there a way to restore my phone back to stock if i need to?
Thanks again. As i ask these questions im also digging into the forums looking for specific answers

Hey welcome to XDA.
I don't know when you received your phone, but it seems very brand new to me, I would say your best luck is to try to look for the details of your main specs in your phone, when you start to root your phone, you look for instructions here to setup properly on How to do the root process with the same exact phone detail specs of it.
I was rooted with an older OTA at first, but I see these new OTAs are up on new EVOs but It's kinda fishy to think of how to root it with the latest OTA on the old leet legit methods that toastcfh had...you know...The Manual Professional way, without the risk of bricking your phone completely, if you had the chance to root successfully with idiot proof instructions, I say that was quite a day for me then.

Actually ive had my Evo since release, ive just been too scared to risk bricking it til now lol.
i currently have:
hboot 2.10
software 3.70.651.1
hardware 0002
i took down some other info but idk if it matters for rooting directions.
So far from my searches it appears the only option for hboot 2.10 + 3.70.651.1 is a pretty lengthy/difficult for beginners method. Is that accurate?
Also my primary concern is deleting bloatware/included apps, does rooting alone allow me to delete these?
Also none of the guides ive seen detail how to backup your phone before the root, is there an easy way to make like a backup image of the stock stuff + data,sms,phone log, etc?
Thanks again everyone, still digging but your help will make it go much more smoothly

So ive pretty much discovered that my 2 options are do it the "hard" way or wait for unrevoked to update their stuff for the newest evo software/hboot. Im probably going to wait.
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Does the stock rom support netfilter?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Thanks again

ctbenk said:
In the meantime i want to make sure of a few things, deleteing apps, backup, wireless tether. How would i approach each of these; can i use the built in app manager to delete apps? the built in wireless tether to tether? what exactly does nandroid backup compared to titanium backup?
Is there any scenario in which ota updates wont break root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To delete apps, you will want to use Titanium Backup. After removing stock apps, some of them still stay indexed, so you will need to boot to recovery and wipe your cache and dalvik to clear them from the apps list.
You won't be able to use the built-in wireless tether to tether unless you flash a new rom that unlocked that feature. Once rooted, there is a an app on the market called Wireless Tether for Root Users that will accomplish what you are looking for.
Titanium Backup will also allow you to backup your apps and data so that in the event you do flash a new rom, you can restore them without losing anything.
Titanium Backup is designed to backup your apps and data, Nandroid(recovery) will backup your entire ROM, so if you do flash a new rom, you can always revert back to your stock setup exactly how you left it.
OTA updates will always break your root, but at the same time don't offer much in the terms of upgrading. Plus 90% of the time the dev's here release a rooted version of the OTA update very shortly after it goes live.

Pre rooted JB rom and remove bloatware? Recommend me a rom?

Hey!
I've had my Xperia S a year and a bit and i've flashed various roms with flashtools to get it rooted. Never tinkered manually and always used official roms just prerooted.
With JB I can't seem to find a prerooted JB rom that I can flash with flashtool. Could someone point me in the right direction or recommend me a rom here that will do that job?
I don't really want to change the Sony JB much, just have it rooted again so I can use titanium backup and restore aswell as remove a lot of the apps that come preinstalled and I can't get rid of, like wisepilot, foursquare, etc. I want things to be my choice
Thanks for your help

david_Vi said:
Hey!
I've had my Xperia S a year and a bit and i've flashed various roms with flashtools to get it rooted. Never tinkered manually and always used official roms just prerooted.
With JB I can't seem to find a prerooted JB rom that I can flash with flashtool. Could someone point me in the right direction or recommend me a rom here that will do that job?
I don't really want to change the Sony JB much, just have it rooted again so I can use titanium backup and restore aswell as remove a lot of the apps that come preinstalled and I can't get rid of, like wisepilot, foursquare, etc. I want things to be my choice
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http :// forum. xda-developers . com/ showthread. php?t=2302631

anikesh102 said:
http :// forum. xda-developers . com/ showthread. php?t=2302631
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I don't believe I can use that with flashtool. I can't appear to get into recovery mode since updating to JB.

Do you have an unlocked bootloader???
If so, it's easy.
If not, then plan B.
Your answer to the above depends on the procedure to follow.

anikesh102 said:
http :// forum. xda-developers . com/ showthread. php?t=2302631
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dr Goodvibes said:
Do you have an unlocked bootloader???
If so, it's easy.
If not, then plan B.
Your answer to the above depends on the procedure to follow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not unlocked the bootloader, looked at the idea and saw the instructions and thought i'd mess it up! I've ran Sony's recovery thing on PC companion as my phone was being dodgy and I wanted it reset anyway so i'm on the latest Sony firmare.. Where do I go from here?
Cheers for your help!

david_Vi said:
Thanks but I don't believe I can use that with flashtool. I can't appear to get into recovery mode since updating to JB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http :// forum.xda-developers .com/showthread.php?t=2302569

anikesh102 said:
http :// forum.xda-developers .com/showthread.php?t=2302569
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I root from this version/guide?
Thanks

Dr Goodvibes said:
Do you have an unlocked bootloader???
If so, it's easy.
If not, then plan B.
Your answer to the above depends on the procedure to follow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I need plan B! Thanks for your help.

david_Vi said:
I guess I need plan B! Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, Plan B... You're probably not going to like it.
I believe a locked bootloader XPERIA LT26i can only be unlock in ICS and then use DooMLoRDs(or another) pre-rooted official Sony ROM to get to JB using CWM recovery.
I don't have a locked bootloader, so I'm just following a wild path that ended at the following URL.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39498268
Have a look at it and do nothing for a while.
You may get better informed information than I'm providing in the next few posts, which could lead to a more effective path to root access on JB.
Good luck with that.
[Update]
P.S.
I see in the thread I referred you to that in the latest few posts attempts are being made to gain root access on JB. So fingers crossed if no other options came up.

Dr Goodvibes said:
Ah, Plan B... You're probably not going to like it.
I believe a locked bootloader XPERIA LT26i can only be unlock in ICS and then use DooMLoRDs(or another) pre-rooted official Sony ROM to get to JB using CWM recovery.
I don't have a locked bootloader, so I'm just following a wild path that ended at the following URL.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39498268
Have a look at it and do nothing for a while.
You may get better informed information than I'm providing in the next few posts, which could lead to a more effective path to root access on JB.
Good luck with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help I appreciate your time as i'm having a crappy time with the phone haha.
Before I took at look at your link I flashed my phone a few times and remembered how I had it rooted in ICS. If I can get it rooted this way again, (I have to flash to GB then run a few .bat's and then ICS and another .bat). Is this the same as what you say? I will end up with rooted ICS then can flash the pre rooted Sony JB rom?
Thanks

david_Vi said:
Thanks for your help I appreciate your time as i'm having a crappy time with the phone haha.
Before I took at look at your link I flashed my phone a few times and remembered how I had it rooted in ICS. If I can get it rooted this way again, (I have to flash to GB then run a few .bat's and then ICS and another .bat). Is this the same as what you say? I will end up with rooted ICS then can flash the pre rooted Sony JB rom?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my understanding at this time, BUT...
Have a look at the last few post of the thread I refereed you to, as they're attempting to gain root access on JB, which if successful, may prove a faster route. Depend on time taken to get a successful root via JB though.

Ah its all getting complicated.
Would it be easier if I just unlocked my bootloader?

david_Vi said:
Ah its all getting complicated.
Would it be easier if I just unlocked my bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Complicated, to many options???? :laugh:
To be honest, I'd not unlock the bootloader at this time.
There is some indication that you'll lose your DRM keys in the TA partition and this is mooted to impact Bravia Engine and maybe something else I think.
There is ways to backup the partition and then restore it at a later date, but to me it sounds a little like it could end in tears.
I unlocked my bootloader ages ago as that's how I roll, and I tend to tinker and install anything that's bright and shiny... which mostly means an unlocked boot loader is required.
If you can just root ICS .55 it'll be quicker than the option I took of rooting .45 and then upgrading the kernel of 55 to retain root.
It all depends on how involved you get with different Kernels and ROMs as to whether you unlock the bootloader.
To be honest, to get a good JB experience, you just need a JB ROM, rooted, bloatware removed, something like SetCPU from Google Play Store to manage battery usage with screen-off profiles and etc and that's basically it. Stamina mode, if installed, is the laypersons option to battery management.
A good Kernel like 'what' @DooMLoRD provides is always going to improve the over-all experience with added features and etc which may be the tipping point to unlock the boot loader, but I'd wait until the need was there.
Sony is to release a new firmware 6.2.B.0.211 soon which may be worth waiting with a locked bootloader for.
You can always disable any unwanted applications in the app manager to better resources.
JB is probably(I have no idea really) the end of the line for official Sony firmware on the XPERIA S (snapdragon S3) and so to go beyond JB 4.1.2 at a later date will more than likely require an unloaded bootloader. That said, you never know.
Just thought I'd throw in a few more options for you.

Thanks for your help
I think I have got it. I rooted ICS and then applied the update.zip. JB is running and Titanium backup tells me i'm rooted! Yeehaw!
So just need to remove bloatware.. Have you got any tips regarding this? I remember trying ti on ICS but broke my phone in the process, I guess I uninstalled things that were needed or something

Dr Goodvibes said:
Complicated, to many options???? :laugh:
To be honest, I'd not unlock the bootloader at this time.
There is some indication that you'll lose your DRM keys in the TA partition and this is mooted to impact Bravia Engine and maybe something else I think.
There is ways to backup the partition and then restore it at a later date, but to me it sounds a little like it could end in tears.
I unlocked my bootloader ages ago as that's how I roll, and I tend to tinker and install anything that's bright and shiny... which mostly means an unlocked boot loader is required.
If you can just root ICS .55 it'll be quicker than the option I took of rooting .45 and then upgrading the kernel of 55 to retain root.
It all depends on how involved you get with different Kernels and ROMs as to whether you unlock the bootloader.
To be honest, to get a good JB experience, you just need a JB ROM, rooted, bloatware removed, something like SetCPU from Google Play Store to manage battery usage with screen-off profiles and etc and that's basically it. Stamina mode, if installed, is the laypersons option to battery management.
A good Kernel like 'what' @DooMLoRD provides is always going to improve the over-all experience with added features and etc which may be the tipping point to unlock the boot loader, but I'd wait until the need was there.
Sony is to release a new firmware 6.2.B.0.211 soon which may be worth waiting with a locked bootloader for.
You can always disable any unwanted applications in the app manager to better resources.
JB is probably(I have no idea really) the end of the line for official Sony firmware on the XPERIA S (snapdragon S3) and so to go beyond JB 4.1.2 at a later date will more than likely require an unloaded bootloader. That said, you never know.
Just thought I'd throw in a few more options for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just one doubt, (sorry, i read the whole post.)
got the idea to root JB, but is it necessary to unlock boot loader for this to work,
because at some point we have to flash the pre-rooted kernel through CWM right? So for that the boot loader
should be unlocked also..????

bluechip850 said:
just one doubt, (sorry, i read the whole post.)
got the idea to root JB, but is it necessary to unlock boot loader for this to work,
because at some point we have to flash the pre-rooted kernel through CWM right? So for that the boot loader
should be unlocked also..????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh right. I have CWM working though, needed it for the rooted JB. I guess I can live with the apps I don't need.. unless I can still get rid of them. Titanium backup lets me uninstall such things but I guess this is dangerous?

david_Vi said:
Oh right. I have CWM working though, needed it for the rooted JB. I guess I can live with the apps I don't need.. unless I can still get rid of them. Titanium backup lets me uninstall such things but I guess this is dangerous?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, you totally rock.
You are about to install pre-rooted, JB. Do you have your install buddy? :silly:
So, when you get to the following and can tick all the boxes, you're ready to install a pre-rooted JB ROM
[ requirements ]
BOTH LOCKED & UNLOCKED bootloader!
Previously on stock .45/.50/.55 ICS ROM or roms based on that [since baseband of the official JB ROM is same as ICS ] supplied ROM
Any existing recovery!
Then progress to the following URL and install JB ROM
[ROM] Official Sony JB 6.2.B.0.200 ROM Pre-Rooted CWM
You may lose root access directly after the install, but that can easily be restored by flashing DooMLoRDs SuperSU and Busybox zip from flash recovery after the ROM install.
Titanium backup is only dangerous in the wrong hands.
I'd start with apps like WisePilot(if you're not using it) and etc by doing a Titanium backup and then uninstall the app.
You can freeze an app too, as a first stage to later removal.
There are probably lists of safe to remove apps on an XPERIA S as the system apps are not much different to ICS 4.0.4
Just remember, don't get to busy removing system apps, as Sony firmware 6.2.B.0.211 is coming soon and you'll have to start all over again.

david_Vi said:
Thanks for your help I appreciate your time as i'm having a crappy time with the phone haha.
Before I took at look at your link I flashed my phone a few times and remembered how I had it rooted in ICS. If I can get it rooted this way again, (I have to flash to GB then run a few .bat's and then ICS and another .bat). Is this the same as what you say? I will end up with rooted ICS then can flash the pre rooted Sony JB rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash this kernel http :// forum.xda-developers .com/showthread.php?t=2305591 to get recovery den to root the device
then check at d bottom of the post in the link.... there is a file under How to root device. flash that in recovery...
Edited: sorry it was for unlocked bootloader. Good U got it working.

Dr Goodvibes said:
Dude, you totally rock.
You are about to install pre-rooted, JB. Do you have your install buddy? :silly:
So, when you get to the following and can tick all the boxes, you're ready to install a pre-rooted JB ROM
[ requirements ]
BOTH LOCKED & UNLOCKED bootloader!
Previously on stock .45/.50/.55 ICS ROM or roms based on that [since baseband of the official JB ROM is same as ICS ] supplied ROM
Any existing recovery!
Then progress to the following URL and install JB ROM
[ROM] Official Sony JB 6.2.B.0.200 ROM Pre-Rooted CWM
You may lose root access directly after the install, but that can easily be restored by flashing DooMLoRDs SuperSU and Busybox zip from flash recovery after the ROM install.
Titanium backup is only dangerous in the wrong hands.
I'd start with apps like WisePilot(if you're not using it) and etc by doing a Titanium backup and then uninstall the app.
You can freeze an app too, as a first stage to later removal.
There are probably lists of safe to remove apps on an XPERIA S as the system apps are not much different to ICS 4.0.4
Just remember, don't get to busy removing system apps, as Sony firmware 6.2.B.0.211 is coming soon and you'll have to start all over again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it all running... Is that rom meant to come with games like Block Breaker and Modern Combat? I can't seem to uninstall them, they don't appear in the titanium backup list.

david_Vi said:
I got it all running... Is that rom meant to come with games like Block Breaker and Modern Combat? I can't seem to uninstall them, they don't appear in the titanium backup list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, it's a stub for the game download.
You can use a file manager such as "Root Explorer" or "ES File Manager" with root access enable (i.e r/w access to system partition)
I deleted(cut and paste to /sdcard/appbackup/jb200/app folder) the apk, and it was in either of the following two folders.
/system/etc/product/applications/
/system/etc/customization/applications/
Titanium Backup is probably not looking further than /system/app

[Q] Make a Stock Backup of Newly Purchased M9

I am very close to pulling the trigger on buying an M9. I have searched and searched both on here and with google on how to do a stock backup of a newly purchased M9, but everything posted is how to recover from a downloaded image.
Does anyone know a link or can give me a nudge as to where to find out how to make a stock nandroid backup of a newly purchased M9? Is it even possible? I would like to take an image that does not have root and will allow me to revert back to my original stock image and get OTA updates.
I am new to the android scene in the sense of flashing roms and tinkering. I usually just use stock settings, but android it getting way too bloated and way too invasive, especially with permissions. I really would like to tinker with some custom roms and some root software that strips bloat and controls network access and the like.
I have read tons on twrp and cwm and how to root this phone. I have the general gist, but I have not seen anthing on making a nandroid backup after initial purchase.
Thank you, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Galeleo said:
I am very close to pulling the trigger on buying an M9. I have searched and searched both on here and with google on how to do a stock backup of a newly purchased M9, but everything posted is how to recover from a downloaded image.
Does anyone know a link or can give me a nudge as to where to find out how to make a stock nandroid backup of a newly purchased M9? Is it even possible? I would like to take an image that does not have root and will allow me to revert back to my original stock image and get OTA updates.
I am new to the android scene in the sense of flashing roms and tinkering. I usually just use stock settings, but android it getting way too bloated and way too invasive, especially with permissions. I really would like to tinker with some custom roms and some root software that strips bloat and controls network access and the like.
I have read tons on twrp and cwm and how to root this phone. I have the general gist, but I have not seen anthing on making a nandroid backup after initial purchase.
Thank you, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
READ the TWRP thread, will tell you how to do it all, read it carefully and fully.
---------- Post added at 09:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:26 PM ----------
Galeleo said:
I am very close to pulling the trigger on buying an M9. I have searched and searched both on here and with google on how to do a stock backup of a newly purchased M9, but everything posted is how to recover from a downloaded image.
Does anyone know a link or can give me a nudge as to where to find out how to make a stock nandroid backup of a newly purchased M9? Is it even possible? I would like to take an image that does not have root and will allow me to revert back to my original stock image and get OTA updates.
I am new to the android scene in the sense of flashing roms and tinkering. I usually just use stock settings, but android it getting way too bloated and way too invasive, especially with permissions. I really would like to tinker with some custom roms and some root software that strips bloat and controls network access and the like.
I have read tons on twrp and cwm and how to root this phone. I have the general gist, but I have not seen anthing on making a nandroid backup after initial purchase.
Thank you, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
READ the TWRP thread, will tell you how to do it all, read it carefully and fully. the one by Captain_Throwback

+1, it's possible to return back to being able to take official OTAs, but you HAVE to nail it the first time The twrp thread will give you more information.
Kind Regards
TwinAdk