[Q] Safest and easiest way to root? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Apologies in advance I am new so some of these questions may be retarded:
First of all I am using:
Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100
Android Version 2.3.3
GINGERBREAD.XWKE7
I would like to root my device to use Chainfire 3D (to play THD games) and other ROMS
What would be the easiest and most stable way to root in order to use a variety of roms and upgrades? I am afraid to 'brick' my device and I was reading through chainfire's updated kernel thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399 but got confused with some of the terminologies and the number of files available for download.
The Lite'ning Rom v1.3: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1095274 seems simple enough to use and uses XWKE8.
I would also like to know if it’s easy to revert back to stock after the device has been rooted. Is it necessary to keep wiping your device and backing it up when installing new ROMS or reverting back to stock?
I would also be very grateful if someone could explain some terminologies regarding Kernels, Odin, Superoneclick any other general info would be appreciated!

Related

[Q] Questions about rooting from a very new Android user

First off, I'm completely new to this and wish to root my new sgs2, and I've done some reading on the forum about this but got some questions (or want to confirm what I think I know) before I actually go ahead with the process. I apologize if it's something others have already asked, but I would really hate for anything to happen to what has become my new baby...
I mainly just want root access on my phone as I've come across several apps and what not that required root access.
My phone's status right now:
Android version: 2.3.3
Baseband: I9100XXKG1
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100ZSKG2-CL361136 [email protected] #6
Build: GINGERBREAD.ZSKG2
I found (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399) about CF-Root. It seems like a lot of people recommend this method to root, so I thought I may try it out. Before I do though, I wanted to know:
- Just rooting my phone will not prevent me from receiving any new updates to my phone via Kies, right? (E.g. a new firmware or version comes out in the future...)
- What do I need to do if I wish to unroot in the future?
- For this method, this should be the one I should download and use right? (it's the closest one I found matching my current kernel): CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
Again, sorry for asking what may be pretty simple questions, but I really appreciate everyone's help!
Hi,
You can follow this (http://knowmydroid.com/guide/root-samsung-galaxy-s-2) step by step guide to root your SGS2.
1) Yes, rooting your phone means you cannot use KIES anymore. Its highly not recommended
2) Download any official firmware from SamFirmware.com and flash via ODIN
3) You can flash the KH3 version of CF-Root as well.
Orangetato said:
First off, I'm completely new to this and wish to root my new sgs2, and I've done some reading on the forum about this but got some questions (or want to confirm what I think I know) before I actually go ahead with the process. I apologize if it's something others have already asked, but I would really hate for anything to happen to what has become my new baby...
I mainly just want root access on my phone as I've come across several apps and what not that required root access.
My phone's status right now:
Android version: 2.3.3
Baseband: I9100XXKG1
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100ZSKG2-CL361136 [email protected] #6
Build: GINGERBREAD.ZSKG2
I found (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399) about CF-Root. It seems like a lot of people recommend this method to root, so I thought I may try it out. Before I do though, I wanted to know:
- Just rooting my phone will not prevent me from receiving any new updates to my phone via Kies, right? (E.g. a new firmware or version comes out in the future...)
- What do I need to do if I wish to unroot in the future?
- For this method, this should be the one I should download and use right? (it's the closest one I found matching my current kernel): CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
Again, sorry for asking what may be pretty simple questions, but I really appreciate everyone's help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
you will still receive updates via KIES.
Unroot is possible with SuperOneclick. I have not tried so far. Every new firmware overwrites root. So if you root with ODIN and flash the rooted Firmware to the original one, KIES will allow to upgrade.
You could also use ODIA's insecure original kernels and use the ones provided from INTRATECH to have the original back on.
Never tried CF myself.
This phone is practically impossible not to root! Read everything thoroughly and take the dive, see you on the other side
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Thanks~
Thanks for all the help! I did take the plunge ... and have no regrets!
I used CF's way, and have flashed back to my original stock kernel afterwards (courtesy of INTRATECH). Everything seems to be happy so far.
And now.. time to have some real fun with the phone
Thanks again everyone!
I also recently rooted with the CF-Root method. Congrats from a fellow HK/Taiwan phone user.
Check out this thread if you are interested in an XXKH3 rom with Chinese input: http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=568&t=2188818&last=30718996 (Note: I have not tried these myself.)

[Q] ZSKF4/ZSKI3 Device Root?

Hey all,
I'm a beginner in this rooting society, moving over from jailbreak development on iOS. I am wondering how I would be able to root a Galaxy S2 with model/kernel number ZSKF4 running 2.3.3.
Not sure if this is the proper place to put this, but I've searched everywhere and no place is providing an insecure/original rom for rooting with this kernel number on the file name.
Can somebody help me?
Many thanks,
Nicholas
UPDATE: Anyone know how to root ZSKI2 running on 2.3.5?
Root + CWM .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
Read the post in regard to versions /kernel matching first .
jje
Thank for your reply.
Many guides like the one you gave me, requires kernel matching first, but really, I'm entirely lost in this matching process. Can you give me some heads up on what to choose using my specs I list below?
My Galaxy S II:
Model Number: GT-I9100
Android Version: 2.3.3
Baseband Version: I9100XXKE4
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.7-I9100ZSKF4-CL280225
Build Number: GINGERBREAD.ZSKF4
If you can help me, I will be very grateful.
Thanks a lot!
Nicholas
Instructions in the post are .
Don't worry too much, just find the matching download and use it. What if there is no matching download ? You can ask me to make one, but I can tell you right now, I very very rarely make CF-Root's for kernels on request, unless it is the very latest kernel that has been released by Samsung. In the latter case, be sure to let me know. If there's no match and I'm not making one, try finding the closest match. You should treat "KG1" as a number, but instead of 1-9, we have 1-9, A-Z (where A would be 10, and Z would be 35). "KG2" is really close to "KG1", "KF1" is not close to "KG1" at all.
You want then a KF4 kernel from post 5 .
jje
This one from post 4 should do it: CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip
You have a HK/Taiwan phone? If you install Kies you should be able to upgrade to the official ZSKG2. Although that is still 2.3.3 so not much difference there.
Yes, I have a HK/Taiwan phone,
Thanks guys,
So if I have ZSKF4 right now, I'll use "CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip"?
If I upgraded to the latest ZSKG2, will there be any difference comparing to ZSKF4? because you said its the same 2.3.3.
Okay, well after looking at the instructions, I got a little freaked out of how long it actually is, and was pretty worried if I do this, I would get a triangle at boot because I'm using Custom Kernel? Also I heard that many people don't want to use CF-Root because there's a higher risk of bricking comparing to SuperOneClick that I used to root my Galaxy Tab 7. So, I checked on something else.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
Thats a one click rooting app for the S2, but what is this "Flashing an Insecure Kernel" and how do I get this kernel for either ZSKF4 or ZSKG2? I prefer the most easiest way so that I wouldn't run into a huge risk of bricking this device. Thanks for all the help on CF-Root above, but would you guys happen to know what exactly is going on in this link?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1101671
That contains all the insecure kernels for the S2 one click rooting application. Which one do I choose if I have ZSKF4 or ZSKG2?
Thank you everyone for helping me,
Nicholas
Rooting with CF-Root is very easy, just start up Odin, click the boxes like it says in the instructions, and it's done in less than a minute. You can use the other method, but if I were you I would just go with CF-Root because 1) so many people have done it and 2) at least you know one person (me) who did it on their HK/Taiwan phone and came out fine (and I was a complete root noob at the time).
I think whether you upgrade to ZSKG2 first depends on why you want to root. If you are rooting so that you can install a custom ROM, then no need to upgrade to ZSKG2. Just root your phone and install the new ROM and you're good to go.
But if you want to keep the Samsung firmware and only rooting so that you can run certain apps or do certain mods, then upgrade to ZSKG2 through Kies first, then root. There is nothing really bad about the Samsung firmware. I run Cognition 1.5.1 + SpeedMod, but it's mostly just for the fun of it. I don't do anything on it that I couldn't do with rooted 2.3.3 Samsung firmware.
And yes, you do get the bright yellow triangle at startup. There are ways to remove it, but I haven't tried. I like the triangle, it's like a little badge of honor for power users.
Yeah, I'm only rooting for just certain apps that require root/superuser requirements. Other than that, I won't put a load of mods on.
So, if I go to Kies, upgrade to ZSKG2, then I begin rooting, would I be using:
CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip
But the thing that scares me is that it says "ZS_OZS_KG2: Untested", does that mean it would be risky to do it?
Hey just noticed in the General forum that the official ZSKI2 is out - and its version 2.3.5 to boot. Check it out: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1281717
Yeah the "untested" means the author did not try it personally (can't really expect him to test every kernel from every region). I used it and it worked fine -- that's all I can really say.
Oh wow, that looks pretty cool....
I'm sure I can update to that, which I will, but, does this mean I have to wait for another rooting procedure?
I have a crazy "OCD" that I have to always stay up to date haha. So yeah, if I do this, logically if the CF-Root is able to root it, I will have to wait for a person to make the ZSKI2 kernel insecure version?
Actually, okay, when I upgrade to ZSKI2 kernel, which "CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KG2-v4.1-CWM4.zip" do I use? I don't see a ZSKI2 kernel anywhere...and I'm assuming I can still use CF Root to root at 2.3.5?
You can use a version that is close -- in this case I think XX_OXA_KI3 is the best match. It will probably work with the ZSKI3 firmware -- but I have not tried. (Sorry I mistyped the name in my earlier post, it is ZSKI3 and not ZSKI2.) If you want to be safe then yes you will need to wait until there is a rooted ZSKI3 kernel that you can use.
If you plan to install a custom ROM, then it does not matter what kernel you use for root, since the custom ROM will generally come with its own rooted kernel and it will replace whatever you had before.
For some reason, Kies isn't letting me update.
It says: "This version of this device cannot be updated"
Do you know why this is happening?
By the way, I noticed when I plug in my phone to Kies, I see under CSC, in brackets are (KOR). What does this mean and does it affect any rooting?
UPDATE: I know what KOR means, it means it's a Korean region based device. Is there any difference to what I may be able to update to in Kies or any rooting differences?

[Q] Confused new owner of Samsung Galaxy SII

Well,
I have just got my new samsung galaxy S-II white. For a start i know what is rooting and why it should be done to unlock the potential of the phone. Have read quite some threads in various forums over here, just to get more confused .
I am mainly tangled in the variety of ways and numerous methods of doing the same thing, or apparently the same thing with different objective and consequences.
Hence I need help to clear up the confusion with a simplified path to explore the device:
1. ROM, Kernel, Firmware..........are these different names for the same thing, or are they different. If they are different, at which level does rooting work, do I need to update all of them or some or one to get the rooted phone.
2. What are the different versions of ROM , Kernel and Firmware available and which ones are recommended. Is Gingerbread 2.3.4 a ROM or a firmware.
3. I have read a lot about custom cooked ROMs. For a newbie like me is there any recommendation. I am thinking about getting on to Cyanogen Mod, is it a ROM or a kernel or a firmware and is it the best all rounder in battery/performance/features ratio. If not then any other recommendations.
5. Insecure Kernel....?, is it a mandatory requirement for rooting, or rooting can be done without it. How do I find the one which is compatible with my phone version / region.
6. CF-Root, SuperOneClick, ROOT APP ????? which one is the safest with easier possibility of recovery (if anything goes bad) and most recommended.
7. Nandroid, ClockworkMod, Odin ???????????? what are these used for. Is it mandatory to use them before rooting to make phone backup images. Which one is the easiest and safest to use in case of a recovery situation.
8. Can I or do I update the original Samsung OTA firmware updates, once I have rooted the phone or if i have flashed with custom ROM/firmware/kernel like Cyanogen Mod.
Thats it for now. My Phone details are as follows (Settings -> About Phone):
Android Version:
2.3.4
BaseBand Version:
I9100XXKI1
Kernel Version:
2.6.35.7-I9100XWKI4-CL575468 [email protected] 143#2
Build Number:
GINGERBREAD.XWKI4
Would be really thankful if anyone can guide me and lot others like me to a more clear path to making our way through the world of Android and SGS-II.
Best Regards,
Cheers.
Lets see if I can answer all of your questions...
1. ROM is the software of the phone and kernel is the core of that software. As you might think, rooting ocurs in the core, so it affects the kernel.
2. ROMs you have a lot in this forum, as well as different kernels. Recomended are several (CM7, MIUI or Hypedroid for example).
3. CyanogenMod is a ROM, but cooking ROMs is more a term of changing the visual (icons, battery stats, animations, etc) more than building a ROM itself. You can build a ROM from it sources, but it's a totally different thing from cooking a ROM. If you want performance, you should seek a minimal ROM or some ROM that could let you easily add/delete components, to avoid having much load on the ROM and thus improving the phone. Also the kernel works a great deal in battery performance, you can see several discussion threads in the forum about them.
5. I think any rooted kernel is considered an insecure kernel, but I might be wrong on this one...
6. I would say CF-Root, its not complicated to follow and the result is the desired.
7. ClockworkMod is a custom recovery used to backup the phone (nandroid), flash ROMs and many other things. Odin is a PC flashing software used to flash directly to the phone. For a recovery you should use CWM.
8. If you update a stock ROM (or OTA update) into a rooted kernel, the kernel will be overwriten and you will loose root. You can follow the same steps to achieve root from there.
Guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
jje

New SGS2 coming in what to do?!?!!

my new sgs2 is coming in a few days. what should I do before rooting?
should i update so it has a newer kernel/firmware?
I'm trying to follow Chainfire root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399 and it seems that the old radios are not supported.
You should research. If you found a thread with instructions on what to do and you are not sure, ask there.
You should however NOT ask for hand-outs.
Basically all you need to know is CF-Root. Or you could try one-click-root
lambstone said:
You should research. If you found a thread with instructions on what to do and you are not sure, ask there.
You should however NOT ask for hand-outs.
Basically all you need to know is CF-Root. Or you could try one-click-root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did do research. My concern is that only the older versions of CF-Root work with older kernels, like KE, etc. so if I get an old phone, I'm wondering if I should then update to the latest gingerbread version before using CF-Root so I can apply like 5.0?
Hello,
first of all if your phone isn't a new one you will see if its already rooted or not !
if its not, then you have to root it and the only way from stock rom is to flash new kernel version with CF-Root, and CWM is great too for not being often on odin/download mode if you don't want to...
anyway have nice time with your phone its a great one and hard to brick as long as you don't touch to bootloader file..
The CF-root thread has a big list of ROM versions. Just pick the kernel that matches the ROM version of your new phone and you should be all set in rooting the phone.
Here you go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I'd strongly suggest you use the phone without doing anything to it (rooting, flashing kernels etc.). Most people find the phone just right the way it comes out of the box.
You should only consider rooting or flashing something if you have a specific need for it.

[Q] How to get CWM when using DoomLords easy root (S2)? Not sure which Kernel/method

Hi everyone,
So I just did some research about rooting and custom firmwares and Android in general the past few hours and I finally rooted my Galaxy S2 I9100 with T-Mobile Branding (running Android 2.3.5) using DoomLords root (zergrush exploit): forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321582
Then I wanted to make a full backup of my firmware because I wanted to try out a custom firmware. Of course I did research and I found out that there is clockworkmod which allows you to do backups. Now I don't have that.
I found a thread on another forum which explains a method where you use Chainfire's method to flash a Kernel (using the inital CF Root flasher) as described here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1331784 which is actually for the Galaxy Nexus. Will this also work with the S2?
I've also checked this thread which contains several kernels with CWM: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
I got Android 2.3.5 and Kernel ending on KK1 (this Kernel isn't listed there)
Which method should I use? Which kernel should I use of those listed in the above thread? What's the difference between them?
I would really appreciate it if someone would help me out because I am afraid of bricking my phone.
Also this is a wonderful forum and I will try my best to contribute and help people out using the little knowledge I got
Greetings

Categories

Resources