I see a lot of people repeatedly asking the same questions regarding 2.1/root/etc, so I made an FAQ for them to be referred to. It is located here:
lostsync.net/erisfaq.html
It's perfectly ok with me if it is reproduced in any way. I'm also happy to make changes and corrections.
Following jcase's advice, the full text is also posted below:
__________________________________________________
What is root and why do I want it?
On UNIX-like systems, root is generally the only account that can do anything it wants without restriction. The root account is often disabled or access is not given to the end user for security reasons. Rooting a phone (or anything else, really) refers to obtaining root access through whatever means available. A person would want to root their phone because it allows for capabilities beyond those provided in the original software and gives third-party apps new possibilities (like wireless tethering, for example). It also allows the user to flash custom ROMs, boot images, and otherwise tinker with their phone in ways that it was not designed to let you do. If you are familiar with iPhone/iPod Touch jailbreaking or softmodding a game console, you can consider rooting analogous for all intents and purposes.
Can I root my phone?
Yes, Whether your phone is running 2.1 or 1.5 you can root it using this method
If I have 2.1 leak on my phone, can I root it?
Yes
What versions of 2.1 exist?
There are three 'official' versions of 2.1. These are generally referred to as 2.1 root, 2.1 leak, and 2.1 ota (or new 2.1 leak).
What version of 2.1 do I have?
The easiest way to determine this is to go back to where you got 2.1 and re-read. Barring that, use the following steps:
From the home screen, press the menu key
Select "Settings"
Select "About Phone"
Select "Software Information"
If you see "release-keys" under the "Build Number" heading, you have some version of 2.1leak. If you see "test-keys," you have 2.1root or some derivative of it (i.e. a custom ROM)
Is it possible to downgrade from 2.1 to 1.5?
Only if your phone is already rooted.
Is it possible to upgrade from 1.5 (rooted) to 2.1 and keep root?
Yes.
If I install 2.1leak (or any version of 2.1 currently available), will I be able to receive the OTA update from Verizon when it comes?
Nope
I have installed some version of 2.1. Some apps don't appear in the Market. What gives?
Use this tool made by Jcase
Can I install a custom ROM without root?
No.
I have root. How do I install a custom ROM?
Read Here and Here
Does <some custom ROM> contain <some feature I want>?
Check with the person or people responsible for the custom ROM in question.
Can you explain all this talk about signed ROMs?
It goes something like this: When HTC is ready to release a firmware version, they sign it. They do this by first creating something like an MD5 checksum based on the original contents of the file. That checksum is then encrypted with a key pair belonging to HTC. When the phone tries to flash firmware, it first decrypts the checksum using keys installed on the device. That checksum is compared against the firmware package you are trying to flash. If it matches, firmware installation can proceed. If not, the firmware is assumed to be broken, corrupt, or hacked and is rejected. Nobody outside of HTC knows exactly how they sign their ROMs and the above is really just an educated guess. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to reverse engineer the signing process as a way of obtaining root. Even if we did know the exact procedure, it would be very difficult to pull off.
I installed 2.1 leak. When will I be able to root my phone?
Yes, Use this method
How did they get root in 2.1 root?
2.1 root was leaked from HTC and was already rooted. Since no procedure was developed by the devs to root it, it's impossible to apply that procedure to other versions of 2.1 that have been leaked from HTC.
What is a 'gold card'?
A gold card is a memory card that has been converted to unlock your device's CID while it is in bootloader mode. It allows you to essentially turn your production phone (meaning one sold in stores) into a development phone (meaning one used internally at HTC for the development of ROMs), which will let you flash any ROM you like. No one has succeeded in creating a gold card for the Droid Eris.
It would be great if you included the whole FAQ in the post. Good write up.
jcase said:
It would be great if you included the whole FAQ in the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point.
Nice job lostsync. Will definitely be pointing to this thread to help guide the
lost sheep and/or the"too damn lazy".
+1
this is defiantly a very good write-up FAQ. It answers almost all of the common questions new members are asking. i will be pointing to this often!
Sticky!
Great info
Stickying this, and unstickying the other thread. You should add a link to the rooting process, though.
And, of course, thanks for the write up .
Related
I tried searching for a how-to on this but apparently I'm searching inclined.
From what I can gather is it as simple as just dumping the zip onto the root of your SD card and doing:
3. Make sure phone is off then hold Power button and Call Button.
4. The menu opens quickly press the power key over the hboot option.
5. Follow onscreen instructions to install the update. the phone will reboot a few times.
you dont even need to search. go to the development section and then look at the top few, it will have very detailed instructions.
I guess I should have elaborated more and said I don't have my phone rooted and really don't want to go that route. I was just getting confused because everything i was finding on here was people running root but I came across a few things where people said the 2.1OTA Leak was just a straight upgrade, so that is my confusion.
Are you asking how to install the 2.1ota leak? Just flash it onto your phone?
Curious, why do you not want to root your phone?
Root is much more flexible, and there are roms that are based off that leak. If you're worried about your warranty, it's going to void it either way, lol.
Good luck !
rheally said:
Are you asking how to install the 2.1ota leak? Just flash it onto your phone?
Curious, why do you not want to root your phone?
Root is much more flexible, and there are roms that are based off that leak. If you're worried about your warranty, it's going to void it either way, lol.
Good luck !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but if you have root you can do the downgrade back to 1.5
Android22 said:
but if you have root you can do the downgrade back to 1.5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh right, I forgot about that, duh It just seems like root would be a better choice.
But to each his own.
rheally said:
Are you asking how to install the 2.1ota leak? Just flash it onto your phone?
Curious, why do you not want to root your phone?
Root is much more flexible, and there are roms that are based off that leak. If you're worried about your warranty, it's going to void it either way, lol.
Good luck !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah that is my question, can 2.1OTA just be flashed or does your phone need to be rooted?
I just feel like with root I'll be more likely to kill the phone but I'm going to check into it more again.
If you flash the 2.1 OTA leak onto your phone you CANNOT root your phone. It hasn't been figured out yet.
Root really isn't that hard to do. There are several threads over in the development forum.
rheally said:
If you flash the 2.1 OTA leak onto your phone you CANNOT root your phone. It hasn't been figured out yet.
Root really isn't that hard to do. There are several threads over in the development forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I was just reading the thread on going from stock 1.5 to rooted 2.1. Can you give me some of the major benefits of rooting? I'm trying to find really practical stuff, not just the "Well it's cool cause it's like being root in Linux".
And just to clarify you can just flash to 2.1OTA? I'm skeptical of doing that now because I was reading some people think 2.1OTA has a time sensitive date on it.
Future developments will likely be easier to impliment if you root. The ability to run different (and potentially more stable) ROMs. Support for future software not designed for the Eris. Post rooting you can also make Nandroid backups and as long as you don't somehow screw your bootloader you can actually fix your phone.
Also, and this is pure speculation, should Verison decide to discontinue support for the Eris entirely, non-rooters may have issue getting new Android versions since they're limited to signed code.
EDIT: there is also little reason NOT to root. It does everything that you can do unrooted and more. All this plus the fact that you may never be able to root again but could always unroot at your leisure.
Marisa said:
Future developments will likely be easier to impliment if you root. The ability to run different (and potentially more stable) ROMs. Support for future software not designed for the Eris. Post rooting you can also make Nandroid backups and as long as you don't somehow screw your bootloader you can actually fix your phone.
Also, and this is pure speculation, should Verison decide to discontinue support for the Eris entirely, non-rooters may have issue getting new Android versions since they're limited to signed code.
EDIT: there is also little reason NOT to root. It does everything that you can do unrooted and more. All this plus the fact that you may never be able to root again but could always unroot at your leisure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you point me to a good nandroid tutorial? tried searching for one but if you know of a good one I'd appreciate it.
I was trying to find a nandroid guide when I did it the first time, but once I discovered that Amon_RA's recovery has it built-in, I decided to wing it and see what happened. It was a lot easier than I expected to be honest.
Reboot your phone into recovery (VOL UP + Power), you should have a short list of options, one of which should be Backup/Restore. Trackball into it and select to make a backup. Let it do it's thing, should take a few minutes. Congratulations, you've made a backup of your phone. You can make as many as you like, they're given names based on the date and time they're created, but you can rename without harm (barring a few characters keep it A-Z a-z 0-9 and you should be good)
Restoring to that backup is as easy as entering the same menu but picking restore instead. You need to have made a backup first in order to restore something.
NOTE: I've written all this by memory, and while it should be fairly accurate, I can't turn my phone off currently to double check that the wording is all correct.
I'm a bit confused on the Amon thing. I found the the link here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=648025
Do I just dump that IMG file onto the root of my SD card and that's it? Will it know to always use his recovery or do I need to do more?
I have an application that I write to make going from 1.5 to root a lot easier with a gui application. It will be released very soon for everyone to use. Take a look at my thread for more info. Link is at the top of my signature.
Sent from my Eris using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
frankspin said:
I'm a bit confused on the Amon thing. I found the the link here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=648025
Do I just dump that IMG file onto the root of my SD card and that's it? Will it know to always use his recovery or do I need to do more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you followed Ivan's guide to the very end, you already flashed Amon_RA's recovery to your phone. To enter it, shutdown your phone and then hold volume up and the call end button (power), you should boot into the recovery.
Marisa said:
If you followed Ivan's guide to the very end, you already flashed Amon_RA's recovery to your phone. To enter it, shutdown your phone and then hold volume up and the call end button (power), you should boot into the recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AWESOME! Thank you I am doing it right now.
NM: got it
Well I got 2.1 on but I did something wrong and can't load rooted 2.1. I get "signature verification failed" message when I load the zip file.
she dropped her phone in the pool, i'm giving her my eris but i can't get it to program. i have cyanogen's rom on there, i can't get into manual programming and when i try to go into OTA programming, it gives me the android setup screen, with no keyboard to use the key prompts (1 to program, 2 to upgrade). where would i find just the stock OS, that way she doesn't have to learn all of the fancy shmancy root tricks?
TIA
you can click http://shipped-roms.com/shipped/Desire/RUU_Desire_C_Verizon_WWE_2.36.605.1_release_signed_with_driver.exe that should work. worked for me.
If the RUU gives you crap because you have non-stock bootloader, there's a tip in the "Android Development" Forum under "Roll Up Thread" called "How to flash any RUU". You have to push over a couple patched files, and then you will be able to flash that RUU. After it fully installs and the phone restarts, you should get a prompt to download and install the latest OTA update. Your phone should be fully back to stock!
(Sorry, I would link directly to the thread, but I don't have linking privileges yet)
just curious why some of the roms won't OTA or manual program, especially froyo vanilla roms...
patches152 said:
just curious why some of the roms won't OTA or manual program, especially froyo vanilla roms...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VZW OTA update process relies on the stock recovery boot. Amon_RA/Clockwork are incompatible with the methods HTC/VZW use for OTAs, and in any event, the OTAs perform patching: they can not be used to replace "just any old ROM".
I don't know what you mean by "manual" - if you mean HBOOT+PB00IMG.ZIP, there are version checks performed which depend on both the bootloader involved and the contents of the /misc partition, so the results you get with that method depend on the bootloader which is installed and the prior history of the phone.
That's the explanation - even if it is clear as mud.
Bottom line? YMMV
bftb0
bftb0 said:
The VZW OTA update process relies on the stock recovery boot. Amon_RA/Clockwork are incompatible with the methods HTC/VZW use for OTAs, and in any event, the OTAs perform patching: they can not be used to replace "just any old ROM".
I don't know what you mean by "manual" - if you mean HBOOT+PB00IMG.ZIP, there are version checks performed which depend on both the bootloader involved and the contents of the /misc partition, so the results you get with that method depend on the bootloader which is installed and the prior history of the phone.
That's the explanation - even if it is clear as mud.
Bottom line? YMMV
bftb0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm talking about NAM programming, in this example I did an esn swap and couldn't program the phone via *228, or by the "manual" programming on board the phone, ##778 I believe. So I kept swapping roms until it worked.
Hold down the menu button when she starts talking. That will bring up your keyboard. Switch to numbers. Hit the numbers you need.
KaosFroYo on Eris with Ming font.
richiea19 said:
Hold down the menu button when she starts talking. That will bring up your keyboard. Switch to numbers. Hit the numbers you need.
KaosFroYo on Eris with Ming font.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
outstanding info. where did you find this? how come this wasn't in the rom info? you'd think something like how to program the flippin phone would be a priority...
Same thing happened to me. Thought about it. Tried it. It worked.
Trial and error, is all.
KaosFroYo on Eris with Ming font.
Hello all. My name is Brian, I'm from Florida, receiving my first Android Device (Atrix 4g) in the mail hopefully tomorrow! My phone history is: Samsung A737 (few months), Blackberry 9000 (2.5 Years).
My plan is to get knowledgeable on how to use the android software on a very basic level over this week, and I plan to flash / customize my Atrix this weekend. This is where I have some questions / seek advice:
The first step being a flash to 1.2.6 This is the step I'm the most "worried" or "unsure" about due to the fact that I've seen youtube videos performing the other steps. But I'll just download the 1.2.6 files, and follow this guide.
Once successfully flashed back to 1.2.6, I'll use GladRoot to root my phone to 1.5.7.
I'm not yet familiar with android and the capabilities, but from what I understand, once rooted, my device can load an .APK from a SD card. This is for the next step when I place Tenfar's CWM onto my SD card as a .apk and load it? Once this is done I will have an application, according to this guide, which I will run, use Install Recovery (2 times), then Recovery Boot. This will put me in some mode from which I will install the .zip file (Gingerblur / Greyblur) that I put on my SD card in the first place. "Congratulations! You’ve installed your very own Atrix 4G custom ROM!" being the desired outcome .
My questions are: Does my Atrix come on 1.2.6, so I don't even need to do the first step at all? Is rooting as simple as it seems? What is a CWM, in simple terms ? Is my phone's insurance ($5/month through at&t) voided by flashing / customizing?
I know I'm rather redundant with the guides that have been provided, its just that I want to be sure I'm not making any mistakes because I'm so naïve with the android software (lol I'm -1 days experienced right now, assuming it comes tomorrow). These guides are wonderfully created and I will surely thank some of the great developers (in a monetary manner ) at the end of my android customization. Your help is greatly appreciated in advance!
Foraker said:
Hello all. My name is Brian, I'm from Florida, receiving my first Android Device (Atrix 4g) in the mail hopefully tomorrow! My phone history is: Samsung A737 (few months), Blackberry 9000 (2.5 Years).
My plan is to get knowledgeable on how to use the android software on a very basic level over this week, and I plan to flash / customize my Atrix this weekend. This is where I have some questions / seek advice:
The first step being a flash to 1.2.6 This is the step I'm the most "worried" or "unsure" about due to the fact that I've seen youtube videos performing the other steps. But I'll just download the 1.2.6 files, and follow this guide.
Once successfully flashed back to 1.2.6, I'll use GladRoot to root my phone to 1.5.7.
I'm not yet familiar with android and the capabilities, but from what I understand, once rooted, my device can load an .APK from a SD card. This is for the next step when I place Tenfar's CWM onto my SD card as a .apk and load it? Once this is done I will have an application, according to this guide, which I will run, use Install Recovery (2 times), then Recovery Boot. This will put me in some mode from which I will install the .zip file (Gingerblur / Greyblur) that I put on my SD card in the first place. "Congratulations! You’ve installed your very own Atrix 4G custom ROM!" being the desired outcome .
My questions are: Does my Atrix come on 1.2.6, so I don't even need to do the first step at all? Is rooting as simple as it seems? What is a CWM, in simple terms ? Is my phone's insurance ($5/month through at&t) voided by flashing / customizing?
I know I'm rather redundant with the guides that have been provided, its just that I want to be sure I'm not making any mistakes because I'm so naïve with the android software (lol I'm -1 days experienced right now, assuming it comes tomorrow). These guides are wonderfully created and I will surely thank some of the great developers (in a monetary manner ) at the end of my android customization. Your help is greatly appreciated in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone should come loaded 1.2.6 so no flash is required. After you get use to it run the gladroot very simple process to do. after that update to the newest 4.1.5.7 then run the after update so then you will be rooted on the newest 4.1.5.7 after your done with that do whatever you want. I am by far no expert. I too also recently got my atrix and was scared to death to do this on my own. Just read alot and ask alot of questions. Today i finally flashed gingerblur on my phone and love it along with the webtop mod. Rooting is simple the whole process on everything is simple now with that said i havent had to flash back stop through RSD yet so i dont know about that. Flashing will void your insurance unless if you can flash it back stock. Just go in the android development section on the atrix forums and everything is usually on page 1. Best thing you can do make a folder on your desktop with all the phones drivers and any files you download and also the rsd, in my folder i also copy and pasted instructions in each folder for each process so i wouldnt have to dig in the threads to find it. Hope this helps and like i said im not expert at this.
Seems like you're on the right track don't be too scared everything you want to do has very good instructions to go with so im sure you'll do fine. One thing though that will help you and also provide more of live help is get an irc cliet and go to the #moto-atrix channel alot of the devs and knowledgeable people hang out there and are very helpful, a lot of people on there were also on the same boat you're in not too long ago so they'll help a lot
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Thanks guys! Got my atrix in the mail, loving every minute of it compared to that garbage Blackberry. As far as an IRC client goes, I just downloaded mIRC, thanks for the advice!
I have had my new at&t atrix a few weeks now after replacing my htc aria that I modded with cm7 thanks to these forums. I have been reading like crazy and have only gotten more and more unsure of my best course of action. If someone could nudge me in the right direction, I sure would appreciate it.
My atrix came with 4.1.57 on it and I have been getting a notice for the 4.1.83 ota update which I have postponed until I understand how to keep my device hackable and unbricked. I ultimately want to accomplish the following:
I want to root the atrix.
I want to have the ability to backup/restore my phone with a recovery option like cwm.
I want the webtop/hdmi hack.
I want sideloading ability.
I want the the wifi hotspot hack.
I want the option to install other roms as they become available (so I guess that means I want the option to unlock the bootloader as needed for this purpose)
I also would like to get to Gingerbread at some point.
My major questions are:
Should I install any OTA updates?
Should I accomplish a backup/recovery capability as a first step?
Should I root or bl unlock before or after I upgrade the android version?
Do I need to do the webtop, hotspot, sideload mods before or after the android upgrades?
I'm not asking for a hand holding here. If someone could just give me the order I should do things in, I can research how to do the steps (links would be especially kind however). Now that there is an official OTA of Gingerbread available (which I think unlocks the BL), I am unsure what I need to do....in what order.....to accomplish the stated goals while also preserving my options for the future goodies that might come along. I feel bad asking but I really have tried to figure it out on my own and just need the advice of someone who has the big picture...please! Thanks in advance
OTA to 1.8.3 It's a good place to start. Will also fix a few issues people had with 1.5.7. Easy to root and enable sideloading with Gingerbreak and gladenable (I think was the sideloading one...someone correct me if I'm wrong). The webtop hack, hotspot mod, and (older style)CWM from Tenfar work great. Can flash back and for between and 1.x.x build as much as you want. It's when you get to the GingerBread build that you can't flash back to older versions...(unless special exceptions are made and I'm not going into that here...search is your friend)
I'd OTA to 1.8.3 and then start playing...but that's just me.
Sorry no links to give...search for gingerbreak and (I think) gladenable.
Hi, this is the first time i try to help someone here so i hope this is what you want.
I Search a lot here and they send me to a page and also to a youtube video of how
Can you do it. I don't know if i can put the link here but very easy just do
A google search for "atrix4ghacks" and go to that page over there you find how to do it
It works very great for me, know i'm looking the best way to get the gingerbread 2.3.4
The first step it to OTA to 1.83 then unlock the bootloader
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1136261
- use the unlocker sbf
The second step it to install CWM Recovery Mod
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138541
Now that you have the bootloader unlocked you have support for installing custom roms later just make sure you DONT DO THE OTA UPDATE TO GB it will hard brick your device with boot error.
now that you have CWM you can backup all your data and system files the next step is to ROOT and enable sideloading you can do that using GladiAtrix
Then you can install Webtop mod from here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1015630 webtop
i dont know how to do the Wifi Hotspot hack but im pretty sure you have to edit the build.prop in sys and you have to be rooted in order to acces those files, so that's it that should leave you with a rooted unlocked phone and with all the other features you want if you want to move to GB later you can flash a GB sfb with the unlocked bootloader integrated in the sbf from here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182526
Just remember if you are on 1.83 with unlocked bootloader dont OTA to GB it will hard brick your device.
Hope this helps and btw i take no credit for the links, that's somebody elses job.
Thanks a ton. Thats exactly what I needed. One question....if I do the last step (sbf to gbread), will I still be able to have root, cwm, and the webtop/sideload hacks? Or is that premature?
Slightly stuck.....
solidsebazz said:
The first step it to OTA to 1.83 then unlock the bootloader
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1136261
- use the unlocker sbf
I did this and was surprised to find that all my apps and settings were wiped. I did see that /data needed to be backed up but no matter how I tried, I did not find any /data partition that had anything in it. Assuming that was my mistake, how would I have accessed and backed up that partition? Spilt milk but I am still curious.
The second step it to install CWM Recovery Mod
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1138541
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The /system/etc/install-recover.sh file is read only and so cannot be removed...I am assuming I need root to change the permissions. I was able to boot into recovery the first time but then the subsequent boots would give me the exclamation. I guess I have a backup and now I can go root.
You must root in order to be able to write over the original files, you can use Gladiatrix to root then you can use root explorer to overwrite the previous files in the system folder,
you mean you cant go into cwm?
sorry for the late reply im having a hard time keeping track of all my posts besause i changed my email adress and i can figure out how to change it from xda account if you need any more help pm me
winsall said:
Thanks a ton. Thats exactly what I needed. One question....if I do the last step (sbf to gbread), will I still be able to have root, cwm, and the webtop/sideload hacks? Or is that premature?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i actually have rooted GB on my phone and CWM flashed, you can enable sideload on GB without rooting or doing anything, thats the new policy about sideloading from at&t yada yada yada... webtom hack over hdmi is still in development we should have that in no time
Please don't be angry. I am severely confused over this whole update thing. With the bootloader, and the leaked rom, and the official ota rom.....good lord it's like my mind is trying to hump a doorknob.
Anyway... I have 2.2.2, rooted (although by which method, I cannot remember). I do not have any mods. I have side-loading enabled. I have tethering enabled.
What is the safest way, in plain english, to update to the newest version? I don't know what SBF means, I don't know what CWM means, I don't know what RSD means.
All I want as an end result is a rooted version of the latest, OTA update with an unlocked bootloader.
Please help the ignorant
Edit: I guess I should tell you that I'm in the US on an ATT atrix.
You may want to confirm with someone with more experience, but this worked for me (rooted 1.8.3, OTA 2.5.91), I'm too damn new to even post the link ... pm me I guess hah
k4zyn said:
Please don't be angry. I am severely confused over this whole update thing. With the bootloader, and the leaked rom, and the official ota rom.....good lord it's like my mind is trying to hump a doorknob.
Anyway... I have 2.2.2, rooted (although by which method, I cannot remember). I do not have any mods. I have side-loading enabled. I have tethering enabled.
What is the safest way, in plain english, to update to the newest version? I don't know what SBF means, I don't know what CWM means, I don't know what RSD means.
All I want as an end result is a rooted version of the latest, OTA update with an unlocked bootloader.
Please help the ignorant
Edit: I guess I should tell you that I'm in the US on an ATT atrix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you do the over the air update you will not have an unlocked bootloader unless you do it before there are custom roms that are just as good and stable as the official ones that will root unlock your bootloader and upgrade if you want to do all of this follow my guide here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1179506
Just to enlighten things a bit...
a SBF (i believe it stands for system binary file?) is a file that contains an official (made by the manufacturer) ROM for a cellphone. The entire operating system and kernel.
RSD (a.k.a. RSDlite) is a software designed by motorola, to use on your computer to install these SBFs on a cellphone via USB connection.
CWM is a piece of software for your phone that is accessible during boot, before the OS loads.
- After installed, to use it, you have to turn on the phone holding both the power button and the volume down buttons. The phone screen will show "fastboot". That's only one option in a series of options that you can scroll through using the "volume down" button, and that you select using the "volume up" button. Scrolling down, you'll find the option "Android Recovery", which will access whatever CWM you put in place.
- It's function is to allow the installation of ROMs and Kernels. Its basically a simpler alternative to RSD, requiring no pc to function.
And to update your device, first you must install RSDlite on your computer, and install the Pudding SBF on your phone using it. After that, You have to install Tenfar's CWM on your phone. Then you'll choose one of the avaiable ROMs (there's the stock one posted up by kennethpenn, a version of the stock one with a few upgrades, and several customized ones), which you will install using CWM.
The detailed steps are on the NOOB GUIDES fixed post on one of the Atrix's foruns, but I beleive those explanations shall make that road a little less bumpier.
Simple answer
Hi I'd just like to add my 2 cents from the update experience.
If you are rooted prior to the update, installing the official update of gingerbread from Motorola will make you lose root privileges-plain and simple.
In my case unlike you I did not have sideloading enabled. That was the only difference in your situation and mine. So that's a question for a Senior member to answer.
If I were you, I'd just go ahead and update regardless. This forum has a lot of information in resurrection of the bricked phones in the 1% chance that it may happen. 99% you will update to the gingerbready awesomeness.
Another piece of advice is that after exploring a lot of features of the stock rom, i felt that the launcher is the Achilles heel of motoblur or blur UI as they call it now. Try using adw launcher?. It's fast and fantastic. Completely customizable.
This ends my 0.02$.
The way to get unconfused is through education. Find a couple of hours and a pen/paper.
Read the wiki here.
Watch the videos here.
Take notes and follow up in the threads, if you have questions.
kind of a noob myself, but find everything pretty simple. This is an awesome ROM with what you are looking for.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1160649
So I need an SD card ey? Hmm. Ok, well, thanks for the info.
I thought we had a wiki somewhere. Oh wait! We DO!
I have a very similar problem on the lines of i have no idea what the hell is going on and what ppl are saying...!!
But what a bigger problem is is that i have a Orange UK version phone, tho i dont use Orange network... and apparently everything is for ATT phones... so im not sure if any of these things are even compatible with my phone...!?! im running froyo 2.2.2 and want to somehow get onto 2.3.4 but just dont know how...?!?!?!