Hey all, quick question for the community as I am a virgin (so to speak) when it comes to flashing custom ROM's to my Vibrant. I have yet to flash anything other than the camera from the captivate (I think that was it). On that note, I am looking at flashing over Eugene's Frankin-Twiz ROM than flashing JAC's XMOD OC/UV. My question is this:
When I flash the ROM, I know Eugene made it auto erase all the old stuff. My question is this, will I still retain any of the programs I had installed or will it be like a fresh install (such as when I pulled my Vibrant out of the box), I assume that will be the case, if so, do I just use Titanium Backup to restore it all like I had it?
The other question I had was whether or not when I back up my ROM, does it save any of those same settings (I.E.- Home screen layout, Programs installed, etc.) or is it only saving the "OS" so to speak?
Does the Kernel overwrite anything or is it just re-configure how the CPU is ran?
I really appreciate the info everyone that responds!
Dragoth12 said:
Hey all, quick question for the community as I am a virgin (so to speak) when it comes to flashing custom ROM's to my Vibrant. I have yet to flash anything other than the camera from the captivate (I think that was it). On that note, I am looking at flashing over Eugene's Frankin-Twiz ROM than flashing JAC's XMOD OC/UV. My question is this:
When I flash the ROM, I know Eugene made it auto erase all the old stuff. My question is this, will I still retain any of the programs I had installed or will it be like a fresh install (such as when I pulled my Vibrant out of the box), I assume that will be the case, if so, do I just use Titanium Backup to restore it all like I had it?
The other question I had was whether or not when I back up my ROM, does it save any of those same settings (I.E.- Home screen layout, Programs installed, etc.) or is it only saving the "OS" so to speak?
Does the Kernel overwrite anything or is it just re-configure how the CPU is ran?
I really appreciate the info everyone that responds!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, you'll want to make a NANDroid backup. This backs up everything (think of it like a ghost image of your system). It's what is absolutely NEEDED in case something breaks or you just don't like the new ROM. When you restore it, it'll put everything back exactly as it was.
Second, If you have titanium backup backup all the apps/data, it should retain just about everything, including items on the home screens. I've only used it with ADW Launcher (not the TW Launcher), but the only thing that never shows up properly is widgets for whatever reason.
Alright, cool. I made a nandroid backup right when I got it rooted before I did anything else. So I will want to make a second nandroid of my system how it is now since I have made a lot of changes since than so I have something top fall back to?
However the new rom won't have any of my current setup until I restore it with titanium correct?
[I be posting this from my wicked awesome vibrant!]
Dragoth12 said:
Alright, cool. I made a nandroid backup right when I got it rooted before I did anything else. So I will want to make a second nandroid of my system how it is now since I have made a lot of changes since than so I have something top fall back to?
However the new rom won't have any of my current setup until I restore it with titanium correct?
[I be posting this from my wicked awesome vibrant!]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on ROMs, but in Eugene's it's like it came fresh out the box except of the new features of the rom.
And yes. If you made a lot of changing do another backup, it doesn't hurt.
Awesome. Thanks for the responses. Looks like I'll be trying out out tonight.
I be posting this from my wicked awesome vibrant!
Related
ok well I want to flash bionix because of bad battery life from ji6 installed through odin after ny phone being bricked by ota. Which bionix should I use? Fusion or final?
Ok next I have a couple of questions about flashing bionix.
1. Will I lose my data? (contacts apps media etc)
2. I have the circular battery mod and mobile ap installed do I need to remove either? (instructions on removal of mobile ap if I have to please)
Any other tips or suggestions? Thank you
The Bionix ROM selection is your personal choice - Fusion gets rid off most of the Samsung TouchWiz crap.
Borh ROM's wipe the data, but all your personal stuff like pictures, and everything stored on your /sdcard and /sdcard/sd stays intact. Contacts are either sync'd with your Google account, stored on the SIM card or stored on your phone.
If you store the contacts on the phone you might loose those, not sure about that.
Bionix ROM's come with precise battery indicators, and mobileap pre-installed no need to get rid of them.
If you want your apps and data restored use something like Titanium to make a backup of your user apps and data (do not backup system apps and data) and you can restore it once you flash the new ROM via Titanium.
Fusion = LauncherPro/Stock (better in my opinion)
Bionix = TouchWiz
You will not lose media, contacts, but you should backup your apps with titanium backup (dont worry about backing up system data), just do the apps + data.
You wll lose bookmarks, wifi passords... easy fix for that.
If you have not read the sticky (signature) and their webpage (from sombionix first post) then you should do that before moving on.
Thank you thats exactly the answer I was looking for.
I'm going with fusion since I'm already used to launcher pro. I've done a nandroid and backed up apps with titanium.
The only question I have left is: which kernel should I go with? Stock, kingxklicks, or JACs? I really don't know anything about kernels...
tonomon said:
Thank you thats exactly the answer I was looking for.
I'm going with fusion since I'm already used to launcher pro. I've done a nandroid and backed up apps with titanium.
The only question I have left is: which kernel should I go with? Stock, kingxklicks, or JACs? I really don't know anything about kernels...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go with stock if you dont want to overclock
if you go with KK or JACS, you have to download setcpu and set the minimum clock speed at 200mhz otherwise you might have wake-lag issues when you try to turn screen on / unlock the phone.
do an advanced thread title search for "setcpu" and you will find the developer's thread on here and can download the app for free.
Thanks for your help.
I downloaded stock and I'm about to flash it.
What are the advantages of the other two kernels?
I would encourage the stock kernel. I use JACs and love it. Try stock though, makes it easier to revert. You can always just flash another rom in the future with an oc kernel, or just update the kernel later.
I'm using Fusion 1.1 with JACS and even though I don't OC I think I'm still getting the battery life benefits of that kernel's under-volting. My battery life has been excellent and I haven't had any issues. I've read that some Vibrants can't run well with the under-volting, so the stock kernel is definitely safer.
Alright thanks for your help.
Your tips and tricks thread also helped me a lot when I first got my vibrant
Awesome. Let me know if it can be improved.
I've spent a lot of time on here the last 2 weeks reading as much as possible about flashing. I finally took the plunge and flashed Axura 2.2.6 onto my Vibrant, and I love it.
Now, I am intrigued by the new Bionix-V ROM out, but I am not sure I understand everything I need to do if I want to change ROMs. Also, I have a few questions I can't seem to get a grasp on.
1. Before flashing or anything, I rooted with Ryan's OCLF. When I flashed with Axura, did that install and enable voodoo on my phone? Did it override OCLF? I know you are not supposed to be running both.
2. I cannot figure out this kernel thing. Do I just let the ROMs handle them, or am I supposed to be updating on my own?
3. I don't do anything with the modem (e.g., KA7), correct? As I understand it, the ROMs are based off of this.
4. I have read some stuff recently about how Titanium Backup has caused some issues. Should it not be used when going from ROM to ROM?
5. I have read some stuff recently about the battery and cycling it. Should this be done if I want to change ROMs?
Thanks in advance.
cccheel said:
I've spent a lot of time on here the last 2 weeks reading as much as possible about flashing. I finally took the plunge and flashed Axura 2.2.6 onto my Vibrant, and I love it.
Now, I am intrigued by the new Bionix-V ROM out, but I am not sure I understand everything I need to do if I want to change ROMs. Also, I have a few questions I can't seem to get a grasp on.
1. Before flashing or anything, I rooted with Ryan's OCLF. When I flashed with Axura, did that install and enable voodoo on my phone? Did it override OCLF? I know you are not supposed to be running both.
2. I cannot figure out this kernel thing. Do I just let the ROMs handle them, or am I supposed to be updating on my own?
3. I don't do anything with the modem (e.g., KA7), correct? As I understand it, the ROMs are based off of this.
4. I have read some stuff recently about how Titanium Backup has caused some issues. Should it not be used when going from ROM to ROM?
5. I have read some stuff recently about the battery and cycling it. Should this be done if I want to change ROMs?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok..
1. I dont know if Axura had Voodoo....but if you flash a custom ROM (weather its Axura, Bionix-V..etc..) it'll always be rooted
2. Some folks (like me) prefer going back to stock 2.1 with Odin...then flashing their new custom ROM...so they dont run into ghost files and kernel issues...but its not needed....some times you can go from ROM to ROM
3. the KA7 is the newest leak from Samsung for our phones....when a custom ROM is made...it is made from the newest leak...which now is KA7..this way the ROMs stay up to date
4. Titanium Backup is a great tool...almost a must use tool if you're going from ROM to ROM....Titanium Backup Pro is a lot more speedier and has more features that the free version...but the free one is also good
5. I personally make sure my batt is fully charged and is plugged in while i'm flashing so it reduces the time i have to re-condition...you should read a little bit more on that
1. Before flashing or anything, I rooted with Ryan's OCLF. When I flashed with Axura, did that install and enable voodoo on my phone? Did it override OCLF? I know you are not supposed to be running both.
It sounds like you just rooted with OCLF, no issue there. OCLF lag fix converts your file system to EXT2, voodoo is EXT4. If you heard Linda (lady's voice) at first bootup, your system is EXT4 via voodoo. You can download voodoo toggle from the market to verify it is working, and to disable (which you would do if you flash something that is NOT voodoo). Also, it is not possible to run both.... file system is one or the other. EXT4 is better (even though EXT2 will show a higher quad score).
2. I cannot figure out this kernel thing. Do I just let the ROMs handle them, or am I supposed to be updating on my own?
The ROM will handle this. You only need to flash another one if you really want to..
3. I don't do anything with the modem (e.g., KA7), correct? As I understand it, the ROMs are based off of this.
The ROM will handle this. You only need to flash another one if you really want to, ie, you have better signal with one vs the one included in your rom.
4. I have read some stuff recently about how Titanium Backup has caused some issues. Should it not be used when going from ROM to ROM?
Ignorance causes issues, not Titanium Backup. Check the noob guide in my signature to learn how to use it properly.
5. I have read some stuff recently about the battery and cycling it. Should this be done if I want to change ROMs?
Always. Also in the noob guide.
Thanks
Thanks. You guys rock.
Quick question/comment. When I used OCLF, I know that I rooted and I also ran the lagfix, because my quadrant score went up drastically. Not sure if this matters.
I went into Astro, and I have a folder for voodoo with log files in it, so this means I must have voodoo, right?
I downloaded the voodoo toggle, but I don't see it anywhere on my phone. Does it only show as a setting somewhere?
Voodoo toggle = Reboot Button (no clue why the dev did this). App works great though.
To put it simply when I boot up my vibrant, it switches to the galaxy s GT-19000 screen then fully boots into what seems like a completely different phone. My contacts were still there until I factory reset, but none of my apps or anything. I also believe that my calls and messaging do not work. I just recently rooted my phone but where things went bad is when I tried installing voodoo lagfix. I tried adding the link where I got the dl for voodoo lagfix but because I am a new user I can not add links, but i got it from the project voodoo website and it was the second link in their dl section, the one for froyo installable with clockworkmod recovery and rom manager. When I try and go into recovery mode ClockwordMod Recovery v2.5.1.3 - Voodoo lagfix is what comes up and is completely different from what the recovery was before. I just want to get rid of voodoo and get my phone back to how it was before. Im sorry for the terrible description, if there is anything else I need to add just let me know, but please, what can I do to fix my phone? any help would be greatly appreciated.
Can you get into download mode?
If so, ODIN to stock JFD.
you may need to use Vol Up + Power, unlike the normal way which is both volume buttons pressed in.
thank you! I used your guide in your sig, which was very helpful, phone is back to normal, however, all of my apps and what not are gone. I am an idiot and forgot to backup before I made changes, is there any other way that I can get back to the way my phone was before? And after going back to the stock JFD using odin, will I still have voodoo on my phone?
If you used titanium backup, your folder of backups should still be on your internal.
If you did not backup, sorry... hope you have them backed up.
No, you do not have voodoo now.
I did back up all of my app with titanium back up, so do I just have to re-dl titanium back up in the market and then just go from there?
^ Ti Backup needs root, so grab the update.zip from my guide and root (incredibly easy), move it to internal, go to stock recovery, install, reboot, you are rooted.
At this point, before you restore, you need to update to a more recent version of Android. you do NOT want to be stuck on JFD (2.1). I'd suggest a ROM like Trigger... crazy stable, faster and themed (I like it).
THEN you can restore your apps after downloading titanium backup (assuming you have them backed up on your internal already).
also, when I connect to my pc and look at my internal sd, the voodoo folder is still there
sorry Im a complete noob to this stuff
Sounds like somebodies got a lot of apps to download againlol. Now you'll remember to get TB and make a backup, heheh, but oh well its a learning experience really! If you have any apps that you paid forl at least gmail will remember that and you will see them as purchased, but unfortunately you'll still have to search for them individually.
cmrn89 said:
also, when I connect to my pc and look at my internal sd, the voodoo folder is still there
sorry Im a complete noob to this stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats in it?
- prob just a bunch of logz(lol) just ignore it
^^ the voodoo folder is there b/c you did not format your card *no reason to*
when/if you flash trigger, it will convert you to EXT4 file system (voodoo). This IS okay and not a big deal. Not sure what site you went to, but I have 190% faith in the Trigger ROM and voodoo.. both have very talented people supporting it.
^ Paid apps do not need to be searched for. Look in My Apps, they are all there. He also apparently DID make a backup at some point so lets not go bashing the guy.
I do agree to backup often.
I don't think theyre on my internal anymore, I did a clear cache, factory reset when my phone was initially messed up and I think thats where my problem lies. and as for the rom, what are your thoughts on the TW bionix rom? I initially was trying to root and install this rom
kawika said:
whats in it?
- prob just a bunch of logz(lol) just ignore it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a bunch of logs, can I just delete this altogether?
Your call man. I made my suggestion for speed/stability/appearance. Don't delete the voodoo folder, even if you did, it will be there after you flash your rom.
- - No intent to flame just my bad humor, sorry.
cmrn89 said:
It is a bunch of logs, can I just delete this altogether?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do whatever you want with it if ur just gonna ODIN and re-flash. I just thought this was funny my bad. I wouldn't be too concerned with it really. Just leave it alone.
- If in fact you made a backup with TB and moved it to ur PC you could replace that back into the /sdcard/ and when you re-download TB just run the restore batch. BOOM! good to go. If not then oh well.
- The "myapps" will show you all your purchased ROMs so you will not need to research for them, just need to re-download them but any "free" apps will need to be researched and redownloaded.
- My friend has a Nexus S and she says that when she does an initial setup after flashing any ROM the gmail sync automatically downloads all her purchased apps. Thats what I was refering to cuz that would be friggin titz!
- Team Whiskey ROMs are proven and stable Bionix is a great choice to flash.
Good luck!
^ GB restores automatically, while good for some.. I hate it. Takes longer to download/install than restoring AND it doesn't restore the data (boo)
Hi Folks,
as you can probably see this is my first post to XDA. please be kind.
I have used CM7 on both the LG g2x and Samsung Tmobile Vibrant. (T959)
I got a little tripped up trying to go back from CM7 to stock nandroid backup on my Vibrant. I failed to understand the differences in the filesystem layout.
After much jiggering and finagling I did get it back to stock... But you can understand that I don't want to repeat that...
I'm thinking of installing the latest Zendroid. I already am running 2.2 UVKB5 with root. CWM. Cmenard overstock kernel and Voodoo sound.
I make regular backups both with Titanium and CWM....
If I install the latest Zendroid, will I be able to go back to my previous backups?
As far as I understand Zendroid is just a streamlined build of the Samsung OS.
I could upgrade to Zendroid and fallback
Also does the dock audio functionality work with zendroid ? Not a dealbreaker just a question.
bests
JACK LINGUINI
nandroid does not back up your kernel. So if you are going to gingerbread then you cannot restore a nandroid backup of froyo without flashing a froyo kernel first, and even then i'm not 100% sure it would work
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
not going to GB
Nope. Zendroid is I *believe* Froyo kernel.
The problem I had trying to restore from CM down to original OS might have been both a kernel issue and a FS issue. I *think* the problem had to do with the different partition table and PIT used by CM7 vs OG Samsung.
Anyhow. I'm a very literal person so I just want to know what I am looking at
before I do a wipe and a whole new install. I don't want to have to go thru the
whole ODIN process if I want to backout.
bests
JACK LINGUINI
I would stay away from CWM (nandroid) backups. When you restore those, you are essentially overwriting the entire system and data partitions on the phone, and basically overwriting the entire rom with whats contained in your backup.
Titanium backups of applications are safe to restore, as well as a few system apps (contacts, dictionary, calendar, bookmarks, and Wifi access points are all I restore from the system apps in Titanium), but mostly with titanium you want to stay away from restoring the red and green colored apps. White are fine though and won't cause any issues.
Basically, if you flash ZenDroid, then do a CWM restore, you will lose all of the streamlining and tweaks that are in my build, and you will really be running stock again.
And yes, ZD is a Froyo (KB5) based rom, and a Froyo based kernel.
Dock audio, should work, but I don't have a dock to test it with. I didn't take anything out of the build that effects it TMK, so it should work.
EDIT - and while you will not have to Odin to go from ZD to a different rom, being good friends with Odin and flashing stock firmware from time to time is always high on my list of recommendations, jsut to alleviate any ghosts of roms past.
Thanks !
That's what I wanted to know.
I just didn't want to deal with any of the CM7 issues when trying to restore.
I do realize that if I install zendroid then restore I go back to my pre zendroid state. I am just making sure that I can roll back to normal if I have issues.
Stock touchwiz is a bit bloated but the basics work good and I get decent battery life. CM7 was pretty heavy on battery life.
I had to use CM7 on the LG G2x because LG couldn't be bothered to produce production ready software before they released the thing.
The Samsung software does have some bloat but runs OK.
thanks br!ck'd for making this build. I will let you know how it's rocking once I install and test.
bests
JACK LINGUINI
Hello, I'm brand new to these forums, but I've been browsing them for the past week, and Im thinking about making the plunge to CM7. I've never done anything like this before, so could you guys answer a few of my questions, and maybe put my fears to rest?
First off, let me say that I read the Moto Atrix noob guide and updated thread.
This is my phone info:
System Version: 4.5.141.MB860.ATT.en.US
Android Version: 2.3.6
I have had this phone for over a year, and everything is completely stock.
Questions:
1. I have seen various threads about the latest firmware from Motorola causing an inability to change the OS. Is this true? And if not, do all the guides I've read regarding flashing, roms, backup, etc. still applicable?
2. I want to run CM7, but is it better to install CM7 directly from their website, or use some of the versions that I have seen members offering here. What are the main differences? What do you recommend?
3. Is CM7 as stable as stock?
4. Is it possible to flash different kernels to see what type of battery life difference they make, and can you do this without changing the OS?
5. I've seen multiple times of the importance of backing everything up. My only concerns are the contacts and sms. My contacts are stored on "Motorola Services." How can I back them up? As for sms, I use an app called SMS backup and restore. It creates an xml file I think, so when I go to restore my sms messages, everything should be as i was before, right? I'm worried about formatting issues here.
I just want to make sure I understand everything so I dont mess anything up. Thanks for your help!
yep. being a virgin and knowing it has to happen gives ya them butterflies in the tummy. Don't worry, you'll be fine, WE were all virgins at one time also. There will be somone here to assist you if you need it.
1.Follow the automatic bootloader thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182871
2. Read a little on the roms you are considering. The ones based on cm7 are basically the same. differences will be in themes, and extra/different features like diff apps and launchers & more or less customization options such as for settings. Have to choose which one appeals to you, and go with it. Beauty of this is if you want to try something else, only takes a matter of minutes and you can change to a differnt cm7 rom. In a lot of instances, once you are on cm7, flashing a different cm7 rom, you don't have to erase or lose your data, just wipe system and caches and load new flavor. Only takes a couple of minutes to flash a new rom, or kernal, or radio, and your data stays intact. Changing to a CM9 or a different base rom is when you will need to wipe the whole phone including data.
3. Yes, cm7 was the last revision when devs were still able to use OEM drivers, so they are stable.
4. Answered in #2
5. I don't recall which apps were good for saving your sms stuff on cm7. Seems like ages ago since I was using that! Might want to consider moving your Motorola based stuff over to Google. Contacts will be availabe there and will load automatically when you initiate your new rom. You don't need to do any formatting, but erasing will wipe areas, and will erase personal data if that option is chosen, so your concern is noted. Pay attention to what you are doing, don't wipe data from CWM when flashing if you intend on keeping your user data. You can wipe system and caches and not lose your data.
Yes back everthing up. Make a copy of your PDS folder and stash it away on your pc (do this before starting flashing), this has your phone id stuffs and a couple other valuables. Don't share that with anyone either. Make a nandroid b/u (an option in your new CWM) as soon as you can after installing CWM. You can reload that if things don't go good, and be back where you started. Install SuperuserSU (not the plain Superuser) from google play.
Just do it, you'll like it! become one of the elite!
If you ask me... You'll need a custom recovery to be able to flash CM7 anyway, so why not use it to make a proper full nandroid backup too?
I mean sure, you can try messing around with specialized apps to save and restore only the parts most critical to you (like contacts and texts), but if for any reason you'll want to completely go back, at least you'll know you can.
ravilov said:
If you ask me... You'll need a custom recovery to be able to flash CM7 anyway, so why not use it to make a proper full nandroid backup too?
I mean sure, you can try messing around with specialized apps to save and restore only the parts most critical to you (like contacts and texts), but if for any reason you'll want to completely go back, at least you'll know you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
wvcaudill2 said:
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CWM will allow you to restore individual partitions. So you can, say, restore just /data and leave others intact. It won't let you restore specific folders in /data though. Basically such a backup is most useful if you need to restore the entire phone to a specific state.
wvcaudill2 said:
Will this full backup allow me to then only restore the data I wanted to keep? Because I know I wouldnt want to restore the whole thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use titanium backup to restore individual apps and their data...
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2
ravilov said:
CWM will allow you to restore individual partitions. So you can, say, restore just /data and leave others intact. It won't let you restore specific folders in /data though. Basically such a backup is most useful if you need to restore the entire phone to a specific state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what all is stored in the /data partition?
Also, is there some comparison of roms out there? I've been searching through the forum, and can't seem to find any. I see NottachAtrix4G alot. Is this based off of CM7? Also, does the fingerprint scanner work in cm7?
wvcaudill2 said:
what all is stored in the /data partition?
Also, is there some comparison of roms out there? I've been searching through the forum, and can't seem to find any. I see NottachAtrix4G alot. Is this based off of CM7? Also, does the fingerprint scanner work in cm7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The data partition is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go to.
I'm sure I saw some threads comparing ROMs, even though I recommend you try all the ROMs and see which one best fits your needs. Back when I had my old Milestone 2, everyone talked about the CM7 ROM, as it was the best to the device, but as soon as I tried the MIUI 2.3.7, never came back to CM7 (at least with M2, used it again with atrix)
Nottachtrix isn't based off CM7, it's a stock gingerbread ROM with modifications.
Yes, the fingerprint scanner works (at least on Neutrino CM7).
MaxK47 said:
The data partition is where your contacts, messages, settings and apps that you have installed go to.
I'm sure I saw some threads comparing ROMs, even though I recommend you try all the ROMs and see which one best fits your needs. Back when I had my old Milestone 2, everyone talked about the CM7 ROM, as it was the best to the device, but as soon as I tried the MIUI 2.3.7, never came back to CM7 (at least with M2, used it again with atrix)
Nottachtrix isn't based off CM7, it's a stock gingerbread ROM with modifications.
Yes, the fingerprint scanner works (at least on Neutrino CM7).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a good answer. I have yet another question though.
Some of the ROMS I have been looking at advertise that they are packaged with a certain kernel. Do all ROMS contain a kernel, or will I have to flash my own depending on which ROM I choose?
Again, sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I dont screw this up!
Every ROM is a complete system, so it must come with a kernel. In most cases after flashing a ROM you're ready to go. You'd only want to flash a different kernel if for some reason you're not happy with the one supplied with the ROM.