[Q] should I root/custom rom? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello all,
before I install lite'ning rom to gain root I just want to make sure I know what I'm doing.
As far as it being safe I assume it is similar to the galaxy s, it may go wrong but I should always be able to flash another rom to fix?
If I flash an unofficial rom an entry will be created on the phone logging this and the only way to remove this entry is to buy/make a jig thing?
With that in mind should I get hold of one of these jigs before flashing?
Oh and I only really want to root because I want to install adfree and be able to delete all the samsung rubbish apps which will hopefully improve battery as well.
Thanks

badasschris said:
Hello all,
As far as it being safe I assume it is similar to the galaxy s, it may go wrong but I should always be able to flash another rom to fix?
Yes stock rom removes root .
If I flash an unofficial rom an entry will be created on the phone logging this and the only way to remove this entry is to buy/make a jig thing?
Yes
With that in mind should I get hold of one of these jigs before flashing?
Your choice but order one just in case .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks very much that's everything I wanted to know

I read that the JIG does reset the custom rom install counter,
but that there is another counter that counts the number of times the above couter was reset.
I'm not really sure if this is true.
Does this second counter exist?
Before I had a LG Optimus 2X but the SGSII is much better.
However samsung seemes to look closer on custom roms and modifications as LG does, and makes it a bit more difficult to install modifications.
Modding on LGOS was eays and rather straight-forward.
Before I try on the SGSII i'd like to be sure I can reset the phone to a state where it is not possible (or at least only with effort) find out a custom rom was ever on it.
So, anybody knows more about that additional counter or if there are any other means to tell if anything was done to the phone that voids the warranty?
Thanx in avance!

Related

[Q] Returning device to original (carrier-stock) state?

I have some questions about my Galaxy S II I bought a few weeks back, regarding returning the device to a pre-modified state?
After a few hours of browsing, (and, unfortunately, not being able to answer this question on my own), I've found that, should I root my device (and then do anything after, like installing a custom ROM), that my warranty is voided, and this being a $900 phone, that's something that troubles me (especially when I'm also paying another $15p/month to my carrier for additional cover ).
So, my main question is, is there a way that I can restore my phone to it's current state (carrier-installed apps, stock Samsung apps, no modifications whatsoever), so that it would be able to be returned under warranty (assuming that I go ahead and root it)? I've read that there is a counter for every ROM that is flashed (or modification made?), so I'd need to be able to return that back to it's original state as well, I assume.
I live in Australia, and my carrier is Optus.
The only thread that I've found that is of any use to me really, is this one:
[HOWTO] reset custom binary counter in download mode
Though I am slightly confused by the process
I've seen so many amazing mods, like the camera mod from here: [MOD] Hacked Camera.APK for better audio quality, usage with any battery life & MORE!
The audio mod: [GUIDE]DSP Manager + CM Music Player on SGSII = Awesome!
etc. and not to mention the overclocking potential of the GSII, I'm finding it hard to resist rooting this phone.
If someone could help me, I'd be eternally grateful. I've searched through the forums thoroughly, and returned nothing of substantial use, but I apologise if I've posted a previously-answered question
Stock Rom thread in Dev section or Branded rom thread dev section reflash original firmware removes root .
The only thread that I've found that is of any use to me really, is this one:
[HOWTO] reset custom binary counter in download mode
Though I am slightly confused by the process
process is turn phone off>> Plug USB jig in to USB port >> phone boots done .
jje
Oh wow, I feel like such an idiot for missing that...
For clarification, you were referring to this thread, yes?
[ROMS]Official i9100 carrier branded firmware download for Odin Flash
And after reading the requirements to reset the binary counter (which, as far as I can tell, is essential if I want to return the device), I don't think I'll be going ahead with rooting the device. Making the jig is out of the question for me, and I have no idea how to properly use it.
Either way, thanks for your help
You can buy the jig on ebay for something like £4, no need to make one yourself. As for using it, it's as JJ said: phone off, jig in... done. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find video instructions on you tube if you wanted to see it in action
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Thanks, Isadora.
So, am I correct in saying:
If I was to root the device, but then need to return it under warranty, all I'd need to do is flash it back to the stock ROM, and then use the jig to reset the binary counter, and it'd be able to be returned under warranty (in theory, at least)?
Sorry for the repetitive questions
screamworks said:
Thanks, Isadora.
So, am I correct in saying:
If I was to root the device, but then need to return it under warranty, all I'd need to do is flash it back to the stock ROM, and then use the jig to reset the binary counter, and it'd be able to be returned under warranty (in theory, at least)?
Sorry for the repetitive questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes mate - exactly that
I've red on another section of the forum that Samsung put a second hidden counter that cannot be reset... this could void the warranty anyway.
Can anyone confirm ?
NO.
Its a rumour until a second counter if it exists is found .
jje
Ok thanks. Hope it's just a rumour ...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
flute said:
I've red on another section of the forum that Samsung put a second hidden counter that cannot be reset... this could void the warranty anyway.
Can anyone confirm ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is some BS, I've been searching for a second counter and cannot find anything to even suggest that one exists.
edit: Just to clarify I mean the rumour is BS.

Urgent need some help!

I've got two questions,
Since I used a CWM kernal and made a backup of my 2.3.3 rom before I put back on the original kernal can I STILL put CWM back on and then flash and restore from that backup? It's still on the SD card.
Secondly, how do you get rid of the custom binary download counter, the one that shows up when you put the S2 into download mode. I'm just worried that Samsung would refuse service or a store would refuse to take it back plus when I need to return the phone I'd like to have it in as factory condition as possible; is there a way to reset that counter?
aniteshj said:
I've got two questions,
Since I used a CWM kernal and made a backup of my 2.3.3 rom before I put back on the original kernal can I STILL put CWM back on and then flash and restore from that backup? It's still on the SD card.
Secondly, how do you get rid of the custom binary download counter, the one that shows up when you put the S2 into download mode. I'm just worried that Samsung would refuse service or a store would refuse to take it back plus when I need to return the phone I'd like to have it in as factory condition as possible; is there a way to reset that counter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yeah as long as you have the backup on your sdcard you can always restore it with CMW
2. You can reset the counter with a usb jig. You can find one from Ebay for example. Just search for a "Samsung Galaxy S II usb jig". This will reset the counter but there is a secondary counter that's counting the times you've used the jig, and there is currently no way to reset that counter that I know of.
I have put on a lot of custom roms and used the usb jib method and too be honest I would be very surprised if a repair happened samsung would't warrant it.
Until that happens and hopefully it won't then no one will really be able to know.
tenretni elibom said:
but there is a secondary counter that's counting the times you've used the jig, and there is currently no way to reset that counter that I know of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true? I heard about this rumour several weeks ago here at XDA but no-one could really find or confirm this counter at that time. Could you please tell me where this has been confirmed?
Otherwise there is an obvious risk that this very weak rumour starts to become true due to misunderstanding.
daleski75 said:
I have put on a lot of custom roms and used the usb jib method and too be honest I would be very surprised if a repair happened samsung would't warrant it.
Until that happens and hopefully it won't then no one will really be able to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'll have to slip my supervisor a question about this, I'm only in sales but someone has to know about this.
aniteshj said:
Well I'll have to slip my supervisor a question about this, I'm only in sales but someone has to know about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why put a custom rom counter on a phone if not to inform service that a custom rom has been installed and therefore warranty is void . Absolutely no other point for the counter .
jje

[Q] Couple of noob questions regarding rooting and the SG2

I have just gotten myself a SG2, my first Android device.
I probably wouldn't want to root, at least so early, if it weren't for Root Call Blocker Pro which I want/need to install.
So I wanted to ask a couple of related questions:
1. Is there a way of rooting without losing all the apps + settings? If not, can you recommend a could backup app?
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
3. Will I be able to apply the official SG2 updates from Samsung after rooting? (OK, so that was three questions....)
Thanks!
hduty said:
I have just gotten myself a SG2, my first Android device.
I probably wouldn't want to root, at least so early, if it weren't for Root Call Blocker Pro which I want/need to install.
So I wanted to ask a couple of related questions:
1. Is there a way of rooting without losing all the apps + settings?
Should not wipe
If not, can you recommend a could backup app?
Titanium backup Pro.
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
Root + CWM the one the majority use .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
3. Will I be able to apply the official SG2 updates from Samsung after rooting? (OK, so that was three questions....)
Possible usually .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hduty said:
2. Could someone please point me to the EASIEST step-by-step guide on how to root a SG2? I have found a couple of threads but am not sure if they are the most up-to-date/best/most appropriate for a novice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what you need - failsafe
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1126522
Hi everyone. I also have a question regarding stock rom. I know that you'll say I am an idiot but stock rom is deodexed, right?
Sent from my GT-I9100
Thanks for the replies!
@B3311
Now THAT is detailed!
A follow up question though:
Exactly how does this rooting work under the hood? Why do we need to look for a compatible file that we then use to replace.... what?
Octavius69 said:
Hi everyone. I also have a question regarding stock rom. I know that you'll say I am an idiot but stock rom is deodexed, right?
Sent from my GT-I9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom directly from samsung is odexed.
hduty said:
Thanks for the replies!
@B3311
Now THAT is detailed!
A follow up question though:
Exactly how does this rooting work under the hood? Why do we need to look for a compatible file that we then use to replace.... what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting using CF-root replaces the phones kernel (core of the OS) with a modified one, with clockworkmod recovery (nandroid backup, etc), it also includes insecure adb (adb that can run as root not just standard user) and copy's the superuser apk to the system dir and sets permissions.
This is all done via a special initramfs attached to an otherwise stock kernel.
why would you want to root and then use OTA stock roms?
If you find you can't get OTA stock updates after a root (i.e. if Samsung decide to utilise some mad kernel reset counter ban hammer) then simply check XDA where I guarantee the OTA stcks will appear pretty quickly!
Things to consider:
1. Rooting is very very good for numerous reasons that can be found everywhere on XDA - and google.
2. You can replace the kernel for root but continue to use stock rom (and use a jig to replace the reset counters) for pretty much stock functionality.
3. If you root and don't like what you get (i.e. you're mental) then it is just as easy to replace all factory rom/kernel information (which are always available in the original development thread) but you should invest in a jig (from ebay) so you can reset the counters (you can do this via software but I find a jig far simpler).
What JJEgan said.
Rooting won't lose your apps. Titanium Backup Pro is the best way to go.
Install Kies, exit Kies, open Odin, phone in download mode + plug it in, don't touch any of the Odin settings, load "PDA" with chainfire's kernel -> go!
It's really straightforward, but it can be a little nerve wracking the first time.
Thanks a lot guys!
I just rooted, and it "only" took me about 15 min including the downloading of the various files (still way more though than the 30 sec. it should take according to the Chainfire post!! ).
@m4rshall's summary made it clear that the steps are really very few and simple, because when you read the other posts, it seems like a much more complex process due to their size, though they are absolutely necessary to get all the details.
Some follow up questions:
1. What would I need to do if I wanted to the original, factory state?
Not that I'm planning to, but in case I notice some issue that makes me decide to go back (I read in that loooong thread that some people noticed slower connections after rooting??)?
2. From what I've gathered, the yellow exclamation mark at boot is purely "cosmetic" and does not effect in any way at all the performance of the device. Correct?
3. The USB jig: exactly what does it do?? How does it do its magic?? How is it different from a normal cable? Are they only used for Android rooting?
Thanks again!
hduty said:
Thanks a lot guys!
1. What would I need to do if I wanted to the original, factory state?
flash your original rom via odin
Not that I'm planning to, but in case I notice some issue that makes me decide to go back (I read in that loooong thread that some people noticed slower connections after rooting??)?
nonsense
2. From what I've gathered, the yellow exclamation mark at boot is purely "cosmetic" and does not effect in any way at all the performance of the device. Correct?
Yes USB jig will remove it
3. The USB jig: exactly what does it do?? How does it do its magic?? How is it different from a normal cable? Are they only used for Android rooting?
Nothing to do with rooting it was developed to recover from failed download mode .
Details are
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1068522
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JJEgan!
One last question: I already figured out that superuser lists all apps that have root access. But what does CWM do?
hduty said:
Thanks JJEgan!
One last question: I already figured out that superuser lists all apps that have root access. But what does CWM do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clockworkmod recovery is a replacement recovery, it allows you to preform full device snapshot backups, to allow you to restore your phone to any point in time.
Allows you to flash CWM compatible zips.
Mount your SD to a computer while in recovery to copy things to it.

[Q] S3 Rooting n stuff

Hello Community!
So I had my Desire for quite long time, december 2010, and I rooted it and installed CM on it. When the CM team announced the CM9 devices I was heartbroken: no update for my sweet desire So a week ago I bought my S3!!! I LOVE IT! I just miss the old CM Yes I like touchwiz and stuff, but CM and rooting is just so much more powerful for a device like that(and desire was horrible with stock lol).
So my actual question is:
Am I still going to use clockworkmod?
Can I brick my phone?
Can I unroot my s3 if I root it?
If I brick the phone, is there any way to unbrick it?
tips and hints?
from nervous me
In order (to the best of my current knowledge)
Yes you will still be using CWM unless you flash EXT4
I believe you can like always but if you read everything twice and follow it to the line you should be safe
As far as I'm aware there is no un-root method yet but there will be
Again I don't think there is un-brick method yet but there will be, but the chances of bricking are so low like I said before if you pay attention you should be fine
Hope this helps.
Rooted my phone few days after i got the phone on may 25th. Been installing and testing Omega Roms for more than 2 weeks. Tested few different kernels and now o/c'd the device to 1800mhz. So far so good.
Have done nand backup (almost everyday one or two backups)
Backup on PC using Kies
EFS backup using
few links to help you get started
For CWM/ROOT etc
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
For omega roms
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1663656
For o/c kernel
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1691401
For must have toolkit for SIII
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703488
You can go to android dev forum for SIII for more info.
Thx for the super fast and helpful replys!
What about warrenty and stuff like that?
I heard about something called TriangleAway, it removes the flash counter to 0. But if the phone is rooted, how can the triangleaway help?
If the phone needs to be repaired, what about that?
Thx again
When you un-root the device you can use triangle away to remove the flash counter so the phone will look like its never been touched it's pretty awesome
SkillfulMmd said:
When you un-root the device you can use triangle away to remove the flash counter so the phone will look like its never been touched it's pretty awesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correction: You can't unroot the phone and use triangle away but once you use triangle away use MOBILE ODIN (this doesn't add to counter) to flash stock rom then the phone gets unrooted and everything gets back to factory default.

Root, I'm a samsung root noob!

Hello,
I've never had a samsung, this should (I have yet to decide) be my first one and I've basically understood that samsung hates you and would put a camera facing the screen just to know you're not rooting it.
So I want my warranty and I wouldn't really like to spend money on app like the one for the flash counter because I think I will have this phone just for a short time
I've understood that someone called mrrobinson has managed to find a way to root without letting the flash counter know. But in his thread I've found files for all the possible existing usa carriers, but I have a normal i9300 for europe.
And so is there ANY way to root flash cwm without flash counter appearing?
And if I flash a rom with cwm no problem as usual, right?
virtualflyer said:
Hello,
And so is there ANY way to root flash cwm without flash counter appearing?
And if I flash a rom with cwm no problem as usual, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
But Triangle Away will remove custom rom count .
Flashing a stock rom and a factory reset will revert modified status to original .
So I want my warranty and I wouldn't really like to spend money on app like the one for the flash counter because I think I will have this phone just for a short time
In that case run on stock if you don't want to buy cheap apps .
jje
That's not really the point. The fact is that it seems more legit to me to not meet flash counter instead of just canceling it.
But so there's nothing like that mrrobinson method for normal s3?
Thank you btw
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1728441 This for example, would it work? Would I be able to flash cwm then without that counter?

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